Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Council tonight will vote on a new Emergency Management System, which aims to unify service countywide.
The new EMS deal would slightly increase the number of ambulances from 16.5 (a function of half coverage in one area) to 17, which increasing Paramedic Quick Response Vehicles to from 3 to 14, according to documents released by the county. The single provider will save the county and estimated $3 million annually, and provide a unified countywide approach to coverage, with vehicles spread across the county.
County officials said current system of rescue squads and private companies responding to emergencies, along with sending paramedics out on all calls, is inefficient. Under the new proposal, Emergency Management Technicians would be sent on calls which did not require a paramedic.
The county will be responsible for all patient care under the new agreement, and paramedics will become county employees with benefits and retirement.
Tonight’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Anderson Civic Center.