The Pulaski County EMS Department is again short two paramedics.
EMS Director Brandon DeLorenzo told the Pulaski County Commissioners he wanted to bring up the conversation concerning replacing a paramedic with an EMT.
“I’ve got part-timers that are in overtime trying to fill spots,” stated DeLorenzo. “If we go ahead and fill that slot with an EMT, it would reduce overtime, and get weekends and holidays filled because they’re on the regular rotation. In September, when an EMT passed his medic program, it will even back out.”
Commission President Chuck Mellon asked how that would affect any personnel status of the operation. DeLorenzo said one paramedic would need to be available in the county during shifts which is already occurring. Mellon stated that he does not see a problem with what DeLorenzo proposed and the commissioners agreed to allow him to continue with that change.
DeLorenzo also discussed holiday pay for part-time workers since the EMS Department has been relying heavily on part-time staff during this staff shortage. He would like to see the part-time workers get time-and-a-half for working holidays.
County Attorney Kevin Tankersley said that would be a policy change for all part-time staff who works holidays, which was unanimously approved by the commissioners. The change will be formally considered by the Pulaski County Council when they meet Monday night.
