LEGISLATURE STUFF - Health and Well Being

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - A study of ambulance service is picking up steam even as the Greene County Legislature takes continuing steps to bolster the ranks.

Lawmakers, at a recent Health Services committee meeting, authorized an agreement with the Greene County EMS Council for EMT trainings.

The measure is expected to be approved by the full board, later this month, addressing what is described as a “lack of volunteerism, especially in the field of EMT’s,” an issue not exclusive to Greene County.

“It is believed that this shortage is not due to a lack of altruism, but rather the amount of training necessary to become an EMT, coupled with the cost of the training,” the resolution states.

“Members of the Greene County Legislature recognize this as a critical problem in Greene County, as the lack of an EMTs can possibly lead to an increase in deaths among our citizens.

“In an effort to attract individuals into taking the time to become EMTs, the [legislature] is offering to pay for the fee associated with the necessary training, which is a cost of $750 per individual.

“The Greene County EMS Council is certified to train EMTs and has consented…to train…up to twenty people for a total cost not to exceed the total cost of $15,000,” the resolution states.

It is stipulated that, “any person trained under this agreement will…actively serve as an EMT within Greene County for a period of at least twelve months, beginning upon their successful completion of the course.”

If they do not fulfill the 12-month obligation, the individual will be “required to reimburse [the county] for the cost,” the resolution states.

“Should this agreement be successful in attracting more people to become trained as EMTs, the Greene County Legislature and the Greene County EMS Council, Inc. may agree to extend this Contract for additional individuals to be trained.”

And finally, the resolution states, “the Greene County EMS Council, Inc., receives a small stipend from New York State for such trainings and will keep that stipend, in addition to the up to $15,000,” from the county.

Meanwhile, an outside consulting firm continues to gather data from ambulance agencies throughout the county for what could be a transformation in how rescue service is provided.

Lawmakers, earlier this year, hired Fitch and Associates, a national expert on the topic, to conduct a comprehensive system overview of the county’s EMS medical transportation program.

Fitch & Associates is already headlong into collecting pertinent data from town and county ambulance organizations related to every element of operations including costs, personnel, equipment, etc.

A local Working Committee, composed of EMS representative and dispatch administrators, has been formed to coordinate with the consultant.

County administrator Shaun Groden says a second Policy Committee is expected to be put together in the near future, attending to all legalities, potentially moving toward a countywide system.

It is expected the Policy Committee will primarily include elected officials from the town and county levels, Groden said.

One concept gaining momentum is the expansion of the existing Greene County “flycar” system which brings paramedics to the scene of any applicable emergency call throughout the county.

The flycars, literally on the road 24/7, do not provide transportation to a hospital, a financial burden being absorbed by municipalities.

A hodge-podge of successful, albeit highly strained operations exists, a system on life support due to many social and economic factors.

It is hoped a countywide network would alleviate many, if not all, of those issues, bringing unified sustainability in the short and long term.

In other matters:

—Lawmakers authorized an agreement between the county Department of Human Services (Aging) and the “Visiting Nurses Home Care” agency.

The contract provides expanded in-home services for the elderly and respite services under the New York State Elder caregiver's Support Program for a one-year period.

Nurses get paid $35.70 hourly for Level-I services (housekeeping/chore services) and $36.70 hourly for Level-II services (homemaking/personal care services, assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, walking, etc.).

Further, the county will pay $2 per hour more for services provided to any and all clients residing in the Towns of Ashland, Halcott, Hunter, Jewett, Prattsville and Windham, covering expenses.

—Lawmakers authorized conference attendance for Kerry Miller, the deputy director for Greene County Public Health Department, noting all travel costs are covered by an Immunization Action Plan Grant.

Miller will be making a business tip to the 16th National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships, from April 9-11, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

—Lawmakers authorized the purchase of two 2024 Ford Escapes for the Community Services department, allowing agency director Jason Fredenberg to expand off-site services.

Two new 2024 models can be built to specifications from Hempstead Lincoln Mercury Motor Corp. based in Hempstead, for $61,346, the legislative resolution states.

Full funding for the purchases is available through grants from the Office of Mental Health State Aid and Federal Salary Sharing Medical Administration.