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Bracken EMS takes lengthy session to discuss issues
Friday, June 22, 2007 10:31 PM EDT
Board Chairwoman Kim Jones mentioned that she had been approached by EMTs she preferred not to identify who were complaining that they believed crews were not being rotated in a fair fashion or in accordance with board directives. It was unclear whether the individuals were complaining about having to take the runs or not being assigned the runs as the discussion between Jones and EMS Director Betty McClanahan drifted from scheduling and rotation methods to pay scale for on-call personnel.
Jones stated it was unfair for the scheduled in-station crew to be making $8.50 per hour for the entire shift while the on-call crew, making $2 per hour on call and an additional $30 if they had any sort of an ambulance run, were actually making more than the scheduled crew.
While attempts are made to schedule crews in a fair manner, the nature of emergency calls versus occasional transfers that are not emergencies cannot always be prescheduled, said McClanahan. She maintained there were only a few transfers a month crews were asked to take.
"Some that are on call don't want to leave their jobs to take a transfer," said McClanahan.
A willingness to be scheduled on call may have played into the complaints.
"Of the 15 day schedule, there may be eight days not filled," said Damian Smithers, an EMT who stressed the ambulance service was not established to be on non-emergency runs ahead of emergency runs.
Jones asked McClanahan to compile a list of how many transfers were taken and how the rotation worked out for the last six months, to present at the next meeting.
"It is never going to be even," said Smithers.
Lengthy discussions ensued whenever purchasing and ordering were a topic.
In one instance EMS Financial Officer Allen Perkins told the board an approved purchase of an AED had been approved for $3,153 but the bill came in at $4,112. EMT Brian Harrison tried to explain that the company had mistakenly added a warrantee and would be sending a corrected bill. Perkins continued, adding that there were also other items on the bill that still brought the corrected total to $3,411, stating that he would not pay the bill until the board approved it. Harrison told the board the additional items were for batteries that he had not been aware were not included in the bid. Harrison offered to pay the difference out of his own pocket.
"That is not necessary," said Jones. "You should have notified us."
Jones tabled paying the bill until a new bill arrives.
A delayed request to order federally recommended reflective safety vests that resulted in the items being ordered by Harrison, but subsequently returned to the company by Perkins was also fodder for debate.
"I was researching the need to change," said Perkins.
Jones admonished Harrison for not going through the proper channels by ordering the items.
"It was on the board for two weeks on the list for public safety without being ordered," said Harrison.
McClanahan acknowledged she was in favor of ordering the vests and questioned why they had not been ordered in a timely fashion. She added, if Perkins had asked her for information on the regulations she had it available.
"Brian was trying to do the right thing," said Ed Massey, board attorney.
The vests have since been re-ordered.
A call for better communication between McClanahan and Perkins resulted in a motion to have Massey draft a strict guideline for the two and the board to follow to avoid miscommunication and overstepping each other's authority.
While complimenting the squad, Brooksville Police Chief Marty Hause admonished those who appeared to be not getting along.
"Personality issues should be dried up," said Hause. "I will assist EMS anywhere."
In other business, the board:
-- Heard from Darren Quinn of TransCare of Kentucky about possible advanced life support coverage by his company, should Bracken County EMS request it.
-- Was informed, due to no claims and a good driving record worker's compensation insurance rates had gone down almost $5,000 from the previous year. In an ironic twist, the board opted not to file a claim in a non-injury incident that damaged the Ford Expedition emergency vehicle and EMS building door until quotes are compared.
-- Heard an audit of 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 may cost $7,000-8,000.
-- Followed a suggestion not to reduce the ambulance fleet to three units, instead keeping the fourth unit active.
-- Accepted a bid from Smokey Mountain Specialty Vehicles, the lowest bidder, for a 2008 F-450 model ambulance, pending a fax to verify the bid amount and specs at $89,494. The only other bid was slightly higher and its specs included less modern accessories.
-- Agreed to have bank generated documentation, with security sensitive information blacked out, available for the public concerning accounts in each of the Bracken County banks where EMS has accounts and certificates of deposits.
--Heard of the formation of Bracken County Association of EMTs to give area EMTs a voice without all of them attending area meetings at the same time. Smithers explained the group will be holding fund-raisers to fund its own projects. In addition it was announced the new soda machine in front of the EMS building is part of the fund-raising mechanism the group will be using.
-- Held executive session for more than 90 minutes discussing personnel issues. No action was taken.
For more area news, go to http://www.bracken-online.com.
Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 564-9091, ext. 276.
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