The future of the Southeast Ohio Emergency Medical Services (SEOEMS) District is in question.
The problem was publicly identified during a July 13 meeting of the SEOEMS Board. Steps have been taken since then to stabilize the District financially.
Help is being accepted from MedFlight in ascertaining the depth and breadth of the emergency.
However, no one is yet confident of the District's future.
To that end, a trio of Jackson County SEOEMS employees met with Commissioners on Tuesday, July 27 to present a proposal that could be used to establish a public countywide emergency medical service.
Kevin Jenkins, SEOEMS Station Chief, in the company of EMTs Alyce Smith and Rick Wisecup reviewed the eight-page proposal they believe could be used as the basis for developing a viable system to suit Jackson County's emergency medical needs.
In scheduling the appointment, the trio billed themselves as "concerned citizens."
Commissioners were very receptive to listening to their proposal.
"It is imperative," said Commissioner Ed Armstrong, "that Jackson County not be without emergency medical services for even one minute. It would be irresponsible not to have a plan."
Commissioner Tom Walton agreed that the county must protect all residents and those who are traveling within its borders.
Wisecup handled most of the presentation saying the trio's concern is to provide quality emergency medical services for all Jackson County residents.
In brief, the proposal outlines sufficient staffing to operate four advanced life-support trucks on a full-time basis, to be deployed in Jackson, Oak Hill, and Wellston. The proposal includes dispatching to be done through the Sheriff's Office with recompense from the new district for those services.
The proposal calls for three administrative positions to handle such duties as management, continuing education, data entry, human resources, public relations, and ensuring that the district remain compliant with a state and federal regulations. The proposal is unclear about how billing for patients who use the services would be handled.
Included in the proposal is a stipend for a medical director and a fund to be used for maintenance, equipment, and emergencies.
In adding up these proposed costs, the trio believes they can be paid for within the current levy collections and patient fees.
While making no commitments, Commissioners asked several pertinent questions. It was clear that there are very many questions yet unanswered.
Of great concern was a seamless transition in case Jackson County does have to establish its own district.
In a cursory review of the proposal, Commissioner Jim Riepenhoff and Armstrong expressed concern about the amount of overtime that is paid employees annually and how overtime is already built into this proposal.
Armstrong noted that SEOEMS is currently averaging 13.9 runs per day in Jackson County.
Riepenhoff noted that work is underway on a better understanding of the District's status. He predicted that SEOEMS Board members should have a good idea, within the next three weeks, "of which way it will go."
While the focus remains on maintaining SEOEMS, Riepenhoff spoke to the wisdom of working on a backup plan.
Wisecup agreed that this proposal was presented as "a possible plan" and that the three EMS workers "hope this helps."
