Commissioners and fire department continue ambulance discussion

Perkins County commissioners and Fire Chief Rick Dreiling continued discussions on ways to address ensuring EMT coverage for the ambulance operation during the commissioner meeting Monday.

The issue first surfaced at the May 17 commissioner’s meeting when firemen told them they were having trouble staffing EMTs on the ambulance during the work week.

One solution explored during the May 17 meeting was to hire a full-time EMT who would be stationed at the courthouse. The EMT would be on call from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday. 

They asked Dreiling to take that idea back to the department, which operates the ambulance for the county. By state statute, Perkins County is obligated to provide ambulance service in the county. 

When asked Monday what the department’s response was, Dreiling indicated they were “on board” with the idea because it guarantees there will be an EMT available during weekdays. When asked, Dreiling said he had heard no comments about having a paid EMT while the others continue to be volunteers. 

“I would think they would like that because you’ve got somebody there that you know is going to help you,” Commissioner Sid Colson said. 

Dreiling presented the commissioners with a job description for the duties of a paid EMT, including who the employee would report to. Those suggested included the ambulance captain, the fire chief, the assistant fire chief or the commissioners. 

Commissioner Steve Tucker indicated he would see how other communities handle pay and reporting issues and report back at the June 21 meeting. 

Chair Ron Hagan said he’s received a wide range of feedback from taxpayers since the issue surfaced. 

He said one person expressed an interest in being an EMT but did not want to be a member of the fire department as well. 

Dreiling said they are planning to offer an EMT class later this year.