Officials press Speedway/Arc operator over EMS coverage; county clarifies ALS vs. BLS expectations

County staff told Washington County officials they have tried repeatedly to reach a Speedway/Arc operator about on-site emergency medical coverage and that the operator had contacted the county with questions about EMS service levels.

According to a county EMS staff member, the operator "said he wanted to keep it in the county if possible." Staff recommended sending a contract and arranging a meeting to clarify expectations. The staff member said the operator appeared unfamiliar with differences between BLS and ALS, prompting staff to emphasize those distinctions in prisoner-level terms: "there's a difference... we're an advanced service," the staff member said, explaining the county's service is ALS when paramedics are available.

Staff warned the county cannot guarantee a paramedic on every call in every location if staffing is short; sometimes advanced EMTs or two EMTs may staff a truck, which would provide Basic Life Support (BLS) rather than Advanced Life Support (ALS). Officials discussed ironing out coverage expectations in a contract and setting up a meeting between county staff and the operator to avoid misunderstandings.

The board did not take formal action on contracting with the Speedway/Arc operator during the meeting; staff said they would keep trying to contact the operator and recommended mailing a contract as a next step.