Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary wants to turn his new-to-him department vehicle into an Advanced Life Support non-transport vehicle.
He explained to the Starke County Commissioners Monday night that he recently acquired a retired squad car from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office with less miles and less issues. He said he’d like to certify the vehicle through the state as an ALS non-transport vehicle. With this certification, Clary would be able to carry necessary emergency medications in a secured compartment inside his regular department vehicle in the case he’s first at the scene of a medical emergency.
“It’s a vehicle I’m out driving around quite a bit to different meetings with the hospital,” said Clary. “I’ve been first on scene quite a few times here recently. There were four cardiac arrests where I’ve been first on scene kind of waiting for an ambulance where I could have provided care. That’s where this vehicle would have come into play. If I certify it through the state, I can have all of the life-saving medications.”
Clary said the car would have to be painted a single color as his car is still painted with the two-tone scheme that usually identifies it as a sheriff’s department vehicle. County Attorney Marty Lucas agreed that the car must not show a two-tone color scheme. Clary will look into painting quotes or a vinyl wrap.
The car must also be decaled for proper identification. It will also need a siren and back-up alarm. Clary said there is money in his budget to get the car prepped for certification.
The commissioners allowed Clary to move forward with this change. He will report back to the commissioners on the progress in a future meeting.
