(Harlan) The Shelby County Board of Supervisors has started researching a countywide Emergency Medical Service.
According to the minutes, several vital players spoke during Tuesday’s Public Hearing. Roger Bissen, Harlan Fire Chief, mentioned the fire departments have a funding stream and have had it for years. EMS needs a revenue stream soon, and Shelby County should stay on top of this and declare EMS as an essential service to County residents.
Tim Plumb, a 25-year EMT veteran, stated the City of Irwin says the number of EMTs in Irwin has dwindled from 18 to four.
Gene Gettys, Harlan City Administrator, supported the idea and stated the emergency medical services field has changed in the last few years in Shelby County. Also, placing this issue on an election ballot and successfully passing the ballot measure will require educating voters on the issue at hand.
Jenny Lefeber, Shelby County Myrtue Memorial Hospital Emergency Room coordinator, shared concerns that the ability to transport patients will be lost in Shelby County if the current private ambulance service shuts down and no countywide ambulance service has been created.
Janice Gaul echoed the common theme that Countywide EMS service is needed as the ambulance in Earling is all volunteers.
Shelby County Sheriff Neil Gross also spoke and made a point about the need for centralized ambulance staffing and service.
The Shelby County Board of Supervisors voted across the board, declaring Emergency Medical Services an essential service in Shelby County. Additionally, the board appointed an advisory council to assess and review the emergency medical service needs of the county and provide guidance, research, and direction for a county-wide EMS system. The board will recommend to the Supervisors an amount of funding to be specified on the ballot.
