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the stress and strain of overextending their resources. A paramedic <br />would continue to be stationed at the Fellsmere location and revenues <br />obtained in fund raising could be totally utilized to enhance the <br />current facility and improve the transport fleet at the singular <br />location. It has been communicated to the EMS Director that the Squad <br />would like to establish a non -emergency transport service in Fellsmere. <br />This could possible become a reality if the Squad consolidates its <br />resources and pursues this endeavor to accommodate citizens who require <br />transportation to their doctor's offices for various medical <br />appointments but cannot travel in a passenger type vehicle. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />The EMS Director, the Medical Director, and staff respectfully requests <br />that the Board of County Commissioners approve the following <br />recommendations: <br />1. Amend the Fellsmere Volunteer Ambulance Service Certificate <br />of Public Convenience and Necessity to exclude the Sebastian <br />area as an emergency response zone except in a backup status; <br />2. Approve Option #3 as recommended by staff providing a <br />permanent resolution to a continuing crisis at the Sebastian <br />service location by employing paid professional paramedics/ <br />EMT's to staff the emergency response vehicle; <br />3. Approve the utilization of the emergency transport vehicle <br />which was purchased with County Award Funds to provide <br />transport capability for the service location; <br />4. Approve funding in the amount of $147,339 to implement the EMS <br />service at the Sebastian location from existing general fund <br />contingencies; <br />5. Authorize staff to contact municipal officials in Sebastian <br />regarding utilization of the existing structure for the EMS <br />service to be stationed; <br />6. Approve the emergency purchase of an additional ambulance for <br />use in the EMS service to replace the Fellsmere Ambulance <br />currently being utilized by the South County Fire District at <br />Station #5. Funds for purchase of the ambulance is included <br />in the $147,339 requested above. <br />The implementation of the above recommendations can occur rapidly or at <br />a time certain. The Indian River County ALS would prefer to effect a <br />mutual transition in a cooperative spirit and there is no reason that <br />this should not occur. However, should a worst case scenario develop, <br />the ALS service is prepared for an emergency transition. Indications <br />are that the Fellsmere Volunteer Ambulance Service Board of Director's <br />will adhere to and accept the decision of the Board of County <br />Commissioners. <br />There will always be a place for and opportunities available for <br />volunteers within the Indian River County ALS service. Volunteers will <br />still be encouraged to actively participate at the Sebastian location <br />even though the paramedic/EMT will be paid staff. The difference will <br />be that if a volunteer does not report for a scheduled shift, the <br />emergency service location will not be adversely affected and the EMS <br />service will continue to function. <br />All entities of the current Indian River County ALS system committed to <br />a level of service representing the very best available patient care <br />without compromise when the service started up on February 1, 1989. <br />Personalities aside, the EMS Director cannot negotiate on issues <br />required by law and strict compliance with established rules, <br />protocols, and ordinances will be and must be maintained. <br />APR 1 8 1989 51 ��c,K F'., ;.640 <br />