By Scott Edger
Little Apple Post
Riley County Commissioners addressed emergency response in the northern part of the county at their meeting Monday morning
David Adams, Riley County EMS director, informed commissioners about initial discussions regarding a long-awaited expansion of emergency response capabilities in north Riley County. EMS station in north Riley County
Adams’ data analysis reveals that the northern part of the county experiences its highest number of calls during times when volunteer responders in rural Riley County are least available, according to Adams.
EMS from the station would respond in an SUV that would be fully arrayed with life-saving equipment, but patients would still have to wait for an ambulance for actual emergency transport.
According to Adams, staffing he facility with two emergency workers, seven day a week, 12 hours a day would cost an estimated $230,000 annually - including benefits and training.
Adams acknowledged that the concept does not address every need, but would enhance EMS capabilities, lower response times and improve immediate care.
Commissioner John Ford said he recognizes the desire for greater service in the area and is open to the idea of stationing responders in Leonardville, but the limited number of calls in the area would make creating a full ambulance station “a hard sell,” he said.
Stationing two full-time responders in Leonardville would complicate changes planned by Riley County Emergency Services and other agencies. Russell Stukey, director of Emergency Management, said there are several other options available that his department could pursue.
Commissioner Greg McKinley was responsive to the plan. However, he said the area needs a more comprehensive emergency service and worried that the limited-service plan would be more than a temporary fix.
“I’m worried it will become permanent,” he said, but we need to add something up in the north part of the county.”
Commissioners asked Adams to nail down financial details and logistical issues for the proposed Leonardville service. Commissioners want to see details by early spring.
“In the grand scope of things, we can justify it in next year’s budget,” Ford said. “Having some service up there is long overdue.”