Board urges support for EMS levy

NEW LONDON — Voters in the Firelands Ambulance Service District will be asked in the November general election to approve a renewal and increase of the district's existing emergency medical services levy. It's a measure that officials say is critical to maintaining paramedic-level coverage around the clock. The proposed levy combines a renewal of the current 1-mill tax, which generates about $137,000 per year, with an additional 2-mill increase. If approved, the total 3-mill levy would generate approximately $519,000 annually — enough, district officials say, to staff a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year paramedic-level crew for the 127-square-mile district. If approved, the increased levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $94 per year — roughly 26 cents per day, or $7.83 per month, according to officials. The ambulance district covers the village of New London, New London Township and Fitchville Township in Huron County. It also covers Ruggles Township and Troy Township in Ashland County. What is the need? Firelands EMS Chief Jeffrey Scott said the district's mission to provide high-quality emergency medical response is being strained by rising costs and a dwindling volunteer base. "Firelands EMS has been serving the district since 1978 as a volunteer agency," said Bill Schwinn, New London Township trustee and district board representative in a news release. "But with calls now topping 800 per year and fewer volunteers available, we have no choice but to hire part-time and full-time staff to ensure someone answers when you call 911." The district has been supplementing its budget with outside support, including nearly $164,000 in grants and foundation funding over the past year and a half to replace aging equipment and add advanced life support technology, according to the letter. Board members say those funds alone are not enough to sustain operations or pay competitive wages. "Providing our citizens with the best possible care means having the right people and the right tools," said Chase Galloway, Troy Township trustee and board representative. "Just because we live in a rural area doesn't mean our residents shouldn't have access to competent, capable emergency care." At present, part-time EMTs earn $11 per hour, a rate that Jenn Ball, New London village council member and district board representative, called "unsustainable" compared with regional norms. "Part-timers have been a critical stopgap," she said, "but no one can work full-time elsewhere, raise a family, and keep answering calls all night long for that wage." Issues with staffing Nationwide, volunteer-based EMS systems are facing similar challenges, with fewer recruits willing to take on the long hours, training demands, and modest pay that come with the work. Firelands EMS currently has 30 active EMTs and paramedics, including some who travel from as far away as Mount Gilead and Cleveland to cover local shifts, according to the release. The funding will be used primarily for staffing and maintaining advanced life support equipment. "We can no longer meet the growing demand for emergency service with just a few local volunteers," Schwinn said. "We're asking for the community's support so that when someone's loved one calls 911, help arrives quickly, with the right equipment and the right people." Questions about the levy or Firelands EMS operations can be directed to Chief Jeffrey Scott at chief@firelandsems.gov.