Starke Commissioners Table Ambulance Quotes
Starke EMS Seeking New Ambulance; Matter Goes to Council
Starke EMS Department Reports Higher Revenue for 2012 Than Expected
The Starke County EMS Department is reporting record revenue, as EMS Director Paul Mathewson and Mary Lynn Ritchie of the department approached the commissioners for their annual revenue report for 2012 with some very good figures. Ritchie explained that the department received more than their projected revenue, and said the new Advanced Life Support service is definitely a factor.
Starke County EMS Rakes In More Revenue Than Expected
The Starke County Commissioners at their meeting this week highlighted the EMS Department, which has exceed their predicted revenue for the year. Auditor Kay Chaffins explained that the EMS Department predicted their revenue for the year to come in around $560,000, but as of Nov. 19, they’ve already collected $601,494.57.
Chaffins said this 7.41 percent increase is extremely helpful for the county, and it’s expected to increase even more as there is still a month and a half left in the year. She explained that the miscellaneous revenue that comes in affects the county’s cash flow; when they don’t reach the estimates, there is a negative impact on cash flow. However, Chaffins said the county has reported a 21.98 percent increase in revenue, which is a very good thing.
Another Letter of Praise for Starke County EMS
Earlier in the week, words of praise were heard regarding the local EMS efforts in the successful transport of a five year old girl who had been struck by a television that fell from a dresser.
Paul Mathewson has shared another letter from the wife of a DeKalb, Illinois truck driver who was rescued after suffering a massive brain stem stroke while driving his semi.
“Because of your coordinated efforts, you were able to locate my husband and transport him to St. Joseph Medical Center in Plymouth for help. After being stabilized in the ER at St. Joseph’s, we were able to transport Steve via ambulance to our home hospital in Illinois. Following treatment he was released, and is currently in home rehab. Although we may never know who you are or see you in person please know that your efforts that morning went above and beyond in our minds and hearts. It is my prayer that God continue to bless each one of you and protect you daily as you continue to serve, and save the lives of others,” wrote Shari Dixon.
Her husband is currently making improvements daily and is able to walk with only a cane, recovered his ability to speak, see, and swallow and has recovered some use of his left arm.
Also assisting in finding her husband who was traveling on U.S. 30 near Grovertown on the morning of Jan. 7, was the Indiana State Police.
Driving a semi can be a risky profession when traveling alone, and struck by a life threatening ailment.
The transport was performed before the local EMS went to Advanced Life Service.
EMS Director Talks about Advantages of ALS Service in Starke County
EMS Director Paul Mathewson appeared before the Starke County Commissioners yesterday and shared a story that points out the advantages of moving to Advanced Life Service here. On March 23rd, the ambulance crew was called out to a case where a television fell on a five year old girl from a dresser. Mathewson was on the run and reported that the likelihood of recovery initially looked gloomy, but because of the advanced training, the crew was able to begin treatment and take her into IU Health Starke Hospital. Once there, the girl was stabilized and a Med Flight helicopter was called in to get her to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis as quickly as possible.
IU Health Starke Hospital to Wait to Contract with Private Ambulance Service
IU Health Starke Hospital officials have agreed to wait at least until the second quarter of 2012 to sign a contract with a private ambulance service to provide emergency transfers from Starke to other acute care hospitals.
At issue was a plan that would have cost the local EMS $100,000 if it lost the Basic Life Support patients that it has been transferring in the past.
Starke County EMS Director Asks Commissioners for Reimbursement for Certifications
Starke County Emergency Ambulance Service Director, Paul Mathewson, came before the County Commissioners on Monday to ask for a reimbursement program for personnel trying to achieve upgraded certification.
“They’re in classes two days a week plus clinical hours and there’s a lot that goes into it. It costs money to go for them and we’re going to see if we can aid our employees by having a reimbursement program. This is just the first step,” said Mathewson.
Starke County Commissioners Approve Car Purchase for EMS Director
EMS Director Paul Mathewson approached the Starke County Commissioners Monday and requested the purchase of a vehicle for EMS use, as per their original agreement when he was hired. Mathewson says that the car would be used to come to work, go home, respond to calls, visit hospitals and other business use, and could also be used as a chase vehicle.
Starke County Commissioners Name New EMS Director
A committee set up to select a new EMS Director made their recommendation last night at the Starke County Commissioner’s meeting. Paul Mathewson was selected to take over the duties most recently held by Lisa Burger. The Commissioners unanimously approved the recommendation.
One qualification that Mathewson had was that he is a professionally trained Paramedic. He has most recently been employed by Porter Hospital in Valparaiso.
