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Residents urge caution, scalable models in Bayfield County EMS debate
Summary
During public comment, residents urged careful evaluation of proposals, warned a paid supplemental system could draw volunteers away from local services, and recommended scalable models and ALS capabilities.
Public comment during the July 15 special meeting featured several residents and local EMS stakeholders expressing concern and offering preferences as the county evaluates supplemental EMS options. Jeff Beyeroff of Shore Shore Ambulance told the board he is "concerned with EMS missed calls" and encouraged careful consideration of proposals. Rich Nemitz (Town of Iron River) warned volunteer providers could be lost to new career EMT positions; Nicholas Suminski (City of Washburn) supported ALS service and opposed the quick response vehicle model; Gayle Gonsior (Town of Port Wing) said a volunteer system may no longer be sustainable; and Al Krause (City of Washburn) urged the board to choose a scalable model.
Speakers’ comments highlighted trade-offs between preserving volunteer capacity and expanding paid supplemental coverage. Those public concerns were among the perspectives the board considered before entering closed session to review proposals and later voting to advance two proposals for public discussion.
