With hopes of finding a solution to EMS transfer shortages, the Greenwood County Commissioners again discussed the topic during their routine monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 20.
In a recent meeting, commissioners shared with EMS Director Brian Mongeau that the starting pay for county employees had been raised to $15/hour. This week, Mongeau returned to the commission with an updated pay scale to reflect the $2.34/hour base pay increase. Mongeau noted that the updated pay scale reflects a $2.34/hour raise for all hourly employees. It is expected for the EMS payroll to increase by approximately $67,000 for the year. The commission approved the increased pay scale as presented for hourly personnel. There were no changes to salary personnel pay rates. It was noted that hopefully, the increase would also be an incentive for EMS personnel to assist with transfers.
Discussion regarding EMS transfers continued with Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) CEO Sandra Dickerson and emergency room medical staff Nancy McKenzie and Mike Moore. The group shared that availability with Greenwood County EMS for transfers is “hit and miss” and noted that in recent months, Greenwood County EMS assisted with transfers 41% of the time. It was also noted that in the past, GWCH nursing staff have assisted with transfers; however, due to being short-staffed, the hospital isn’t currently able to afford the help as they are needed to serve the patients on the floor.
Moorereferencedthelarge geographic area GWCH serves and noted that time is of the essence. He further stated that GWCH has utilized Butler and Elk County EMS, as well as AMR, out of Winfield and Wichita, for transfer needs. Dickerson shared that GWCH has utilized helicopter transfers as well but noted that insurance may not cover the expense if they find that a ground transfer would have sufficed.
Commissioner Preston Evenson noted that with transfers, EMS staff earn their regular pay plus $100 while on a transfer. This was approved by the commission approximately two years ago to assist with gathering personnel to assist with transfers.
Evenson also shared that the commission has funded classes to find additional personnel; however, the process hasn’t provided additional staff to the EMS department.
Mongeau again shared that he has six full-time employees and two consistently active part-time employees to cover the first out crew and transfer calls as they come in. Discussion of increasing pay or having a transfer crew on call was briefly discussed, however, no decisions were made. Commissioner Judd Everitt noted that the conversation had been started and was hopeful that through it a solution would be found.
Later in the meeting, Mongeau offered additional data from the logging system, as the numbers shared earlier were different from the data he gathered. Mongeau noted that the goal previously set between the hospital and the Ambulance Department was 80-90%. Mongeau shared that Greenwood County EMS was at 80% for the year, with the most recent month of December being at 42%, as the EMS Department were only able to complete 5 of the 12 transfers requested, as a full staff wasn’t available at the time of the needed transfers. Director Mongeau also noted that some of those transfers may have been negated due to the transferring hospital no longer having a bed available or transport was made by helicopter due to the desired destination.
“It kept being repeated that they (GWCH) are short-staffed, so are we,” stated Mongeau. The discussion then shifted to the 2024 Senate Bill 284. The bill authorized the EMS board to grant a permanent variance from a rule and regulation that required an ambulance to operate with more than one person who is a paramedic, emergency medical technician (EMT), or licensed medical professional when it is an interfacility transfer; transfer from a county with less than 30,000 and provides a driver who is certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It was noted that the process to acquire the variance isn’t easy and additional training would also be required for those wishing to assist. The bill is set to sunset July 1, 2027.
With the increase in pay, Mongeau is hoping to have additional interest in transfer calls. Those interested in becoming an EMT should contact Greenwood County EMS at 620-5838114. Other Business
The following were approved as presented: Jan. 13 meeting minutes, Special Payables for Jan. 20, $6,570.11; Payables for Jan. 24, $147,640.97; and Payroll for Jan. 24, $160,670.57. The commission reviewed the treasurer’s report.
K-State Research Extension Agriculture Agent Ben Sims introduced Alisha Fisher who began as the Family and Consumer Science Agent with Greenwood County on Jan. 6.
An employment verification was approved for Carmella Cooper to serve as a full-time billing clerk for the Greenwood County Health Department at $15/ hour. Health Department Administrator Jayme Lewis requested a 90-day performance evaluation to be completed, with the possibility of a raise.
A brief discussion was held regarding having two official newspapers in Greenwood County; however, the commission approved naming The Eureka Herald and The Madison News as official newspapers of Greenwood County, as they cover two different parts of the county.
The commission also approved retaining the banks as listed in current use for the county, as well as retain Paul Dean as county counselor.
The road and bridge report was shared with the commission.
In the absence of Chairman Mac Obourn, Vice Chair Preston Evenson ran the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:21 a.m. The commission will meet on Monday, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m.
