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Bertie County discusses EMS scheduling and local non-emergency transport concerns amid staffing shortages
Summary
EMS Director John Rawls recommended retaining a 24/72-hour schedule, citing mental-health benefits and coverage needs as the department faces four vacancies and three medical leaves; private and local transport providers raised concerns about non-emergency services operating in the county.
John Rawls, EMS Director, told the Board the EMS department is short-staffed with four vacancies and three personnel on medical leave, leaving seven positions to fill, and recommended keeping the current 24/72-hour schedule rather than shifting to 12-hour shifts to protect employee mental health and ensure coverage for sick leave.
During public comment, Tim Bazemore Jr., owner of Coastal Medical Transport, and a representative identified as Dakota from Bertie Ambulance Service expressed concerns about other non-emergency transportation services trying to operate in Bertie County. Jacques Turner of MedEx Transport cited a December 2013 arrangement when the county declared a state of emergency and accepted MedEx loaner ambulances and personnel, contending MedEx could provide beneficial services now.
No policy changes were adopted at the meeting; the discussion left open the need to address staffing shortages and to review non-emergency transport providers' operations and local regulations.
