Trending
GIRARD -- After not having its own ambulance service since 2004, the city is moving forward to get the service returned, as well as hire additional part-time firefighters and possibly get American Rescue Plan funds to purchase a new ambulance.
Fire Chief James Petruzzi told city council Monday that efforts are moving forward to once again have the ambulance service, which the city provided from 1967 to 2004.
The city's financial issues in the early 2000s were why the service ended and had to be outsourced. Lane LifeTrans provides emergency medical service now.
Petruzzi said the Liberty, Howland and McDonald fire departments also provide EMS assistance. He said the fire department can get to most parts of the city within three minutes.
Petruzzi said the city is hoping to get $250,000 in ARP funds from the county for a new ambulance, but also have looked at other options, including getting a used ambulance from Mecca.
"It would be unrealistic to purchase two new ambulances, but at least one would be good," he said.
Petruzzi said the Mecca ambulance would cost approximately $10,000 and another used one could cost $50,000 or more. He said the Mecca ambulance would be used as a backup vehicle.
Having 15 part-time firefighters / paramedics who would work a maximum of 29 hours per week would cost the city $300,000 per year, the chief said.
"In order to safely and effectively operate an ambulance service, part-time staffing would need to be added to guarantee a minimum of five personnel on duty per day. Currently, minimum staffing for the fire department is three full-time firefighters," Petruzzi said.
He said one or two part-time personnel would be needed per day. Pay for an EMT is $19 per hour and paramedic is $20 per hour.
Petruzzi said with third-party billing, all costs associated with part-time staffing would be covered.
Auditor Julie Coggins said the current fire levy brings in $300,000 annually.
EMS CALLS INCREASE
Petruzzi said EMS calls have been increasing, with 1,110 in 2018; 1,299 in 2019; 1,308 in 2020; 1,385 in 2021; 1,441 in 2022; and 1,470 in 2023.
Fourth Ward Councilman Thomas Grumley, chairman of the health and safety committee, said the city's finances are being reviewed to make sure returning the ambulance service is possible.
"It comes down to can this be financially sustainable. We want to provide our own quality service," Grumley said.
Petruzzi said fire gearalready is on hand from the last period of part-time staffing. The gear was purchased in 2019 and has a 10-year life span.
He said the five sets of gear will help reduce the startup costs of the part-time program.