Starke County may soon have two more paramedics on staff.
EMS Director Travis Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie discussed the need for two full-time paramedics with both the Starke County Council and Starke County Commission members Tuesday night. They explained that it is difficult to find part-time paramedics to work for the county and it’s even harder to get part-time people to work shifts when a full-time paramedic is not able to work a shift. Clary said he’s been picking up extra shifts to fill the void.
The cost for a full-time paramedic to pick up shifts is eating into the overtime budget. Clary and Ritchie proposed hiring two full-time paramedics to help pick up hours and help with the hours needed to fully staff ambulances. While health benefits would be offered at a cost to the county, it’ll save the county in the long run with the qualified staff on the roster.
The proposal was unanimously supported by the county council to be considered by the commissioners. The commissioners also unanimously supported the proposal. The request now goes back to the county council where the members will discuss budgeting the positions at their next meeting in February.
