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1) Letter dated June 15, 1994, from Vero Beach City Manager Tom Nason. City Manager Nason circulated the information among city staff, and he stated that the City would welcome the new service, noting that County staff should proceed with whatever approvals are necessary to provide this air ambulance service. City -Manager Nason's letter included three attachments, one of which was favorable for the service from the Planning Department, and two of which dealt with Able Aviation establishing a fixed base operation (FBO) at the Vero Beach Airport. As stated earlier in this memorandum, Able Aviation has stated that the company does not intend to establish a fixed base for its air or ground operations in Indian River County at this time. 2) Letter dated June 20, 1994, from Elizabeth S. Thomas, Vice President of Patient Care Services at Indian River Memorial Hospital. Ms. Thomas noted that the hospital opposes the issuance of a certificate, and that helicopters from other medical facilities are used to transport their patients when air transportation is needed. Ms. Thomas also stated that to her knowledge, there is no need for additional air or ground services in Indian River County; -the hospital is providing the interfacility service for citizens in the county; and it is unusual for assistance to be required. ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS The Board of County Commissioners has issued the following certificates of public convenience and necessity to provide EMS service in Indian River County at the current time, with varying service levels as indicated: Indian River County Department of Emergency Services, Division of Emergency Medical Services. Certificate issued to provide county -wide emergency ALS/BLS prehospital EMS transport service. (Fellsmere Volunteer Ambulance Service operates under the County certificate) Indian River Memorial Hospital. Certificate issued to provide ALS/BLS interfacility EMS transport only. Town of Indian River Shores Public Safety Department. Certificate issued to provide ALS/BLS pre -hospital emergency transport service limited to the municipal limits of the Town of Indian River Shores. As of June 28, 1994, no additional favorable or -unfavorable comments or correspondence had been received regarding the issuance of the certificate to Able Aviation and Air -Ambulance. It is concluded that Able Aviation and Air Ambulance, Inc., is a reputable and creditable EMS provider, and its interest in expanding its service to Indian River County is commendable. However, during the course of the investigation, no information was received from any facility or other source that would indicate that -the interfacility transport needs in the County are not being met by the Indian River Memorial Hospital's EMS service. It should be noted that a certificate is not required for Able Aviation to fly into -Vero Beach or Sebastian and pick up a patient, since that aspect of the service is closely regulated by FAA guidelines and the State EMS Office under Chapter 401, Florida Statutes, and Rule 10D.66, Florida Administrative Code. During the.courseof the investigation it was alleged that Life Line Transport has transported a small number of patients for the hospital during a change in management staff. Life Line Transport and Indian River Memorial Hospital Transport Service is being noticed that this activity violates the Indian River County Code. The finding does* not 19 J U L 51994 R00K 9? FVF ��