The Pulaski County EMS Department may soon be taking advantage of a free smartphone app to help lessen the burden on dispatchers in incidents requiring medical airlift support. Nikki Lowry, EMS director for the county, told the commissioners that there is a new app available to allow responders at the scene to call for a helicopter based on dispatch information. The app only requires a written agreement between the county and a medical helicopter provider such as Samaritan or LifeLine.
Lowry said this would allow responders to put a chopper on standby, allowing dispatchers to worry more about getting the information logged and units dispatched as necessary. The commissioners responded favorably, but said county attorney Kevin Tankersley must first review the paperwork. Lowry said she has to meet with the sheriff and other officials before proceeding as well.
Lowry told the commissioners she is also weighing options for a new or used ambulance, which she said will be an end-of-year appropriation.
