County seeking two paramedics for ambulance; Tax asking up 12%

County commissioners gave the go-ahead at their Aug. 16 meeting to begin advertising for a pair of paramedics to staff the ambulance service in Grant.

Presently, the county pays for ambulance equipment, supplies, etc., but it’s the service is operated by EMTs on the Grant Volunteer Fire Department. 

During discussions between the fire department and commissioners in May, Fire Chief Rick Dreiling said during planting and harvest season they may have only two or three available to take calls during the day. 

He said they have a total of 11 EMTs, and several were on leave. Plus, some work out of town creating a staffing problem for calls at times. 

One of the options discussed was hiring a full-time EMT to staff the ambulance during the day. 

While this would provide coverage, it would still not allow the ambulance service to make transfer to other hospitals. 

When a patient is on an IV or has a possible need for advanced life support life support, a paramedic must be on board the ambulance. Much of the transfer business goes to Regional West’s paramedic crews in Ogallala.

County Ambulance Coordinator Bob Tatum told commissioners the county was leaving a lot of money on the table by not being able to do those transfers. 

He said these transfers are more expensive, which would increase revenue through higher insurance reimbursements. 

That’s when the discussion shifted to the possibility of hiring a paramedic, then two to provide relief and backup coverage. 

The county is also working with the hospital to explore if a paramedic’s services can be shared by the two entities. 

Tatum also gave the commissioners his two-week notice that he was officially retiring. Tatum also handles zoning issues for the county.

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