Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary asked the county council last week for permission to hire additional staff.
“We never added any staffing when we put the transfer unit on,” explained Clary. “We’re trying to staff that more often but it’s hard to staff it with part-time employees that are a full-time to come and work a weekend shift. There’s really no incentive or anything like that.”
Clary asked for an additional full-time Paramedic and full-time EMT to close the gap. Clary has been working on the ambulance to cover shifts.
Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie explains that it will save money in the long run as it won’t be paid in overtime costs. Additional funding for those positions will be covered in the EMS budget.
The council approved the request with a unanimous vote.
