Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Steve -- No arguments that the license plates and the recruiting video are not addressing the immediate needs of EMS providers. I would surmise that the intent of both projects is to increase visibility of EMS, which I also believe to be a problem. The fire and police services have done a fantastic job with public relations and visibility, but it's the rare EMS agency that has a full-time PIO or has any plan for community outreach. However, to address your immediate concern about the situation, I agree that it's despicable that, in 2006, EMS is announced to be unavailable in parts of Galveston County. The problem is that while law enforcement and fire protection are considered " essential services, " EMS does not have such a designation. This problem is best solved through a change in the Local Government Code to mandate that each city and county must have some provision for EMS service. We'd all probably need to go to the Legislature, both individually and as members of our various professional organizations to get that idea planted in their collective heads. I've no doubt that we could get support from some of the other medical lobby groups, perhaps such as the emergency phyiscians' professional association. The reality is that we'd likely face strong opposition from the Texas Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal League (the lobby group for city governments) as they would claim that this would create an unfunded mandate and might lead to increased local taxes. My first suggestion would be to write your state representative and state senator asking them to support EMS, particularly in making EMS an essential service. If you're unhappy with the direction that EMSAT (or any EMS association) has taken, there are three options: 1) Join and be active. Let them know your concerns. 2) Don't join, and complain from the sidelines. If enough people don't join or renew their membership, that would send a message to the associations as well. 3) Form your own group. Hope I've been of some help. I can't speak for Gene or Dr. Bledsoe, but I at least don't have the money to make such a change happen overnight. From what I hear, this state government doesn't even have EMS on its radar. -Wes Ogilvie In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:37:55 AM Central Standard Time, vidorfire249@... writes: I wish the three of you would sit down together and work on some of the most important needs of EMS. I find it shameful that in 2006 we have large gaps of coverage in EMS. Driving home from Galveston last week I read a sign on Bolivar Highway " EMS is not available in some areas... " You guys are constantly on this list server telling the rest of us how it ought to be done, and whats what wrong with us. I have been advocating some grass roots leadership development for a few years. You guys ave the senority, the money and the resources to affect necessary changes. The last thing I saw that any organization could come up with is an EMS license plate. EMS workers in this state are employed by owner/operaters that feel that 48 hour plus shifts are okay.They send crews on out of town trips that are over 125 miles one way knowing tey are exhausted and still demand more pysically and mentally. Even cities like Beaumont have mandated overtime because of recruitment and retention problems. The reputations of EMS agencies are tarnished by the gluttony and greed of the likes of Goldstar...and you guys want a recruiting video? Lets get some agenda set up, and get to work. You guys know how to network, make phone calls, use your influence. Lets roll! Steve Young Certified Firefighter/Licensed Paramedic/Certified Emergency Nurse/RN Orange County, TX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 I wish the three of you would sit down together and work on some of the most important needs of EMS. I find it shameful that in 2006 we have large gaps of coverage in EMS. Driving home from Galveston last week I read a sign on Bolivar Highway " EMS is not available in some areas... " You guys are constantly on this list server telling the rest of us how it ought to be done, and whats what wrong with us. I have been advocating some grass roots leadership development for a few years. You guys ave the senority, the money and the resources to affect necessary changes. The last thing I saw that any organization could come up with is an EMS license plate. EMS workers in this state are employed by owner/operaters that feel that 48 hour plus shifts are okay.They send crews on out of town trips that are over 125 miles one way knowing tey are exhausted and still demand more pysically and mentally. Even cities like Beaumont have mandated overtime because of recruitment and retention problems. The reputations of EMS agencies are tarnished by the gluttony and greed of the likes of Goldstar...and you guys want a recruiting video? Lets get some agenda set up, and get to work. You guys know how to network, make phone calls, use your influence. Lets roll! Steve Young Certified Firefighter/Licensed Paramedic/Certified Emergency Nurse/RN Orange County, TX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Most meetings of governmental bodies (City Council, Commissioners' Court, etc) have an open period for public comment. Take advantage of them. Also make friends with the media. Explain to them what we do and why we're essential. -Wes In a message dated 2/5/2006 1:43:42 PM Central Standard Time, ewedgin@... writes: Also you might want to contact your local governments,cities,counties,county judge,ect.... and attend stated meeting of these groups. Dont be afraid to question your leaders,as you are the one whom put them in office.Become proactive,not reactive. The situation in Galveston is,well to be blunt,sad. --- ExLngHrn@... wrote: > > Steve -- > > No arguments that the license plates and the > recruiting video are not > addressing the immediate needs of EMS providers. I > would surmise that the intent of > both projects is to increase visibility of EMS, > which I also believe to be a > problem. The fire and police services have done a > fantastic job with public > relations and visibility, but it's the rare EMS > agency that has a full-time > PIO or has any plan for community outreach. > > However, to address your immediate concern about the > situation, I agree that > it's despicable that, in 2006, EMS is announced to > be unavailable in parts > of Galveston County. The problem is that while law > enforcement and fire > protection are considered " essential services, " EMS > does not have such a > designation. > > This problem is best solved through a change in the > Local Government Code to > mandate that each city and county must have some > provision for EMS service. > We'd all probably need to go to the Legislature, > both individually and as > members of our various professional organizations to > get that idea planted in > their collective heads. I've no doubt that we could > get support from some of the > other medical lobby groups, perhaps such as the > emergency phyiscians' > professional association. > > The reality is that we'd likely face strong > opposition from the Texas > Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal > League (the lobby group for city > governments) as they would claim that this would > create an unfunded mandate and > might lead to increased local taxes. > > My first suggestion would be to write your state > representative and state > senator asking them to support EMS, particularly in > making EMS an essential > service. If you're unhappy with the direction that > EMSAT (or any EMS > association) has taken, there are three options: > 1) Join and be active. Let them know your concerns. > 2) Don't join, and complain from the sidelines. If > enough people don't join > or renew their membership, that would send a message > to the associations as > well. > 3) Form your own group. > > Hope I've been of some help. I can't speak for Gene > or Dr. Bledsoe, but I > at least don't have the money to make such a change > happen overnight. From > what I hear, this state government doesn't even have > EMS on its radar. > > -Wes Ogilvie > > In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:37:55 AM Central > Standard Time, > vidorfire249@... writes: > > I wish the three of you would sit down together and > work on some of > the most important needs of EMS. I find it shameful > that in 2006 we > have large gaps of coverage in EMS. Driving home > from Galveston last > week I read a sign on Bolivar Highway " EMS is not > available in some > areas... " > > You guys are constantly on this list server telling > the rest of us how > it ought to be done, and whats what wrong with us. > I have been > advocating some grass roots leadership development > for a few years. > You guys ave the senority, the money and the > resources to affect > necessary changes. The last thing I saw that any > organization could > come up with is an EMS license plate. > > EMS workers in this state are employed by > owner/operaters that feel > that 48 hour plus shifts are okay.They send crews on > out of town trips > that are over 125 miles one way knowing tey are > exhausted and still > demand more pysically and mentally. Even cities like > Beaumont have > mandated overtime because of recruitment and > retention problems. The > reputations of EMS agencies are tarnished by the > gluttony and greed of > the likes of Goldstar...and you guys want a > recruiting video? > > Lets get some agenda set up, and get to work. You > guys know how to > network, make phone calls, use your influence. Lets > roll! > > > Steve Young > Certified Firefighter/Licensed Paramedic/Certified > Emergency Nurse/RN > Orange County, TX > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Most meetings of governmental bodies (City Council, Commissioners' Court, etc) have an open period for public comment. Take advantage of them. Also make friends with the media. Explain to them what we do and why we're essential. -Wes In a message dated 2/5/2006 1:43:42 PM Central Standard Time, ewedgin@... writes: Also you might want to contact your local governments,cities,counties,county judge,ect.... and attend stated meeting of these groups. Dont be afraid to question your leaders,as you are the one whom put them in office.Become proactive,not reactive. The situation in Galveston is,well to be blunt,sad. --- ExLngHrn@... wrote: > > Steve -- > > No arguments that the license plates and the > recruiting video are not > addressing the immediate needs of EMS providers. I > would surmise that the intent of > both projects is to increase visibility of EMS, > which I also believe to be a > problem. The fire and police services have done a > fantastic job with public > relations and visibility, but it's the rare EMS > agency that has a full-time > PIO or has any plan for community outreach. > > However, to address your immediate concern about the > situation, I agree that > it's despicable that, in 2006, EMS is announced to > be unavailable in parts > of Galveston County. The problem is that while law > enforcement and fire > protection are considered " essential services, " EMS > does not have such a > designation. > > This problem is best solved through a change in the > Local Government Code to > mandate that each city and county must have some > provision for EMS service. > We'd all probably need to go to the Legislature, > both individually and as > members of our various professional organizations to > get that idea planted in > their collective heads. I've no doubt that we could > get support from some of the > other medical lobby groups, perhaps such as the > emergency phyiscians' > professional association. > > The reality is that we'd likely face strong > opposition from the Texas > Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal > League (the lobby group for city > governments) as they would claim that this would > create an unfunded mandate and > might lead to increased local taxes. > > My first suggestion would be to write your state > representative and state > senator asking them to support EMS, particularly in > making EMS an essential > service. If you're unhappy with the direction that > EMSAT (or any EMS > association) has taken, there are three options: > 1) Join and be active. Let them know your concerns. > 2) Don't join, and complain from the sidelines. If > enough people don't join > or renew their membership, that would send a message > to the associations as > well. > 3) Form your own group. > > Hope I've been of some help. I can't speak for Gene > or Dr. Bledsoe, but I > at least don't have the money to make such a change > happen overnight. From > what I hear, this state government doesn't even have > EMS on its radar. > > -Wes Ogilvie > > In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:37:55 AM Central > Standard Time, > vidorfire249@... writes: > > I wish the three of you would sit down together and > work on some of > the most important needs of EMS. I find it shameful > that in 2006 we > have large gaps of coverage in EMS. Driving home > from Galveston last > week I read a sign on Bolivar Highway " EMS is not > available in some > areas... " > > You guys are constantly on this list server telling > the rest of us how > it ought to be done, and whats what wrong with us. > I have been > advocating some grass roots leadership development > for a few years. > You guys ave the senority, the money and the > resources to affect > necessary changes. The last thing I saw that any > organization could > come up with is an EMS license plate. > > EMS workers in this state are employed by > owner/operaters that feel > that 48 hour plus shifts are okay.They send crews on > out of town trips > that are over 125 miles one way knowing tey are > exhausted and still > demand more pysically and mentally. Even cities like > Beaumont have > mandated overtime because of recruitment and > retention problems. The > reputations of EMS agencies are tarnished by the > gluttony and greed of > the likes of Goldstar...and you guys want a > recruiting video? > > Lets get some agenda set up, and get to work. You > guys know how to > network, make phone calls, use your influence. Lets > roll! > > > Steve Young > Certified Firefighter/Licensed Paramedic/Certified > Emergency Nurse/RN > Orange County, TX > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Yes Steve, even Beaumont EMS has mandated OT. We are no different than any other service in the USA. Most of them are short-handed. There is a definate shortage of Paramedics in the entire EMS system. You may want to ask yourself why this is. That may be a cure you would like to challenge. We at Beaumont have always been a high profile, 2 paramedic ALS 911 system. Less than 3 years ago the City was in a large deficit and there was no overtime to be had. When someone was off, for whatever reason, we had to cut a truck rather than pay OT. All of my paramedics went to the private sector EMS and took on P/T jobs to supplement their income. About a year ago, the City was back in the black and willing to pay OT. Everyone was exhuberant since this OT also went towards your retirement and vacations. Now they begin complaining because of too much OT. What does it take to make you happy. Is there a Utopia Ambulance service that I am not aware of. We finally went to hiring Intermediates. We were very care in our selection process and extended our NETP (New Employee Training Program) to 3 weeks didactic. We have really hired some great Intermediate level medics. The problem not discussed is that we only hired 3. We did not hire every Intermediate that applied. Only 3% of the applicants that seek a job with Beaumont EMS even get to the interview process. We have started, as of last week, hire Basic EMT's. Once again, the didactic training is now 4 weeks long and we will not hire just any basic that comes along. They must become a Paramedic within two years after their probation program is over. We will pay for it, but you will not be able to come in and remain a Basic EMT with this City. You must want to improve your status and certification or you will be dismissed. We will not lower our standard of care for any reason. We do not take applications and give away ambulance keys the next day. Our training and probation period is 9-10 months long. The reason my medics are not all that upset about mandatory OT is they know we will not hire just anyone. My medics do not want to see our service decrease just for comforts sake. Figure out how to get more Paramedics that qualify for my service and I will thank you a million times over. We at Beaumont EMS continue to give raises to meet others and we control the wages in our area. Everytime we raise our entry pay, all of the privates have to go along or lose more people. Give me some more suggestions. please Andy Foote EMS Manager City of Beaumont Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Yes Steve, even Beaumont EMS has mandated OT. We are no different than any other service in the USA. Most of them are short-handed. There is a definate shortage of Paramedics in the entire EMS system. You may want to ask yourself why this is. That may be a cure you would like to challenge. We at Beaumont have always been a high profile, 2 paramedic ALS 911 system. Less than 3 years ago the City was in a large deficit and there was no overtime to be had. When someone was off, for whatever reason, we had to cut a truck rather than pay OT. All of my paramedics went to the private sector EMS and took on P/T jobs to supplement their income. About a year ago, the City was back in the black and willing to pay OT. Everyone was exhuberant since this OT also went towards your retirement and vacations. Now they begin complaining because of too much OT. What does it take to make you happy. Is there a Utopia Ambulance service that I am not aware of. We finally went to hiring Intermediates. We were very care in our selection process and extended our NETP (New Employee Training Program) to 3 weeks didactic. We have really hired some great Intermediate level medics. The problem not discussed is that we only hired 3. We did not hire every Intermediate that applied. Only 3% of the applicants that seek a job with Beaumont EMS even get to the interview process. We have started, as of last week, hire Basic EMT's. Once again, the didactic training is now 4 weeks long and we will not hire just any basic that comes along. They must become a Paramedic within two years after their probation program is over. We will pay for it, but you will not be able to come in and remain a Basic EMT with this City. You must want to improve your status and certification or you will be dismissed. We will not lower our standard of care for any reason. We do not take applications and give away ambulance keys the next day. Our training and probation period is 9-10 months long. The reason my medics are not all that upset about mandatory OT is they know we will not hire just anyone. My medics do not want to see our service decrease just for comforts sake. Figure out how to get more Paramedics that qualify for my service and I will thank you a million times over. We at Beaumont EMS continue to give raises to meet others and we control the wages in our area. Everytime we raise our entry pay, all of the privates have to go along or lose more people. Give me some more suggestions. please Andy Foote EMS Manager City of Beaumont Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Yes Steve, even Beaumont EMS has mandated OT. We are no different than any other service in the USA. Most of them are short-handed. There is a definate shortage of Paramedics in the entire EMS system. You may want to ask yourself why this is. That may be a cure you would like to challenge. We at Beaumont have always been a high profile, 2 paramedic ALS 911 system. Less than 3 years ago the City was in a large deficit and there was no overtime to be had. When someone was off, for whatever reason, we had to cut a truck rather than pay OT. All of my paramedics went to the private sector EMS and took on P/T jobs to supplement their income. About a year ago, the City was back in the black and willing to pay OT. Everyone was exhuberant since this OT also went towards your retirement and vacations. Now they begin complaining because of too much OT. What does it take to make you happy. Is there a Utopia Ambulance service that I am not aware of. We finally went to hiring Intermediates. We were very care in our selection process and extended our NETP (New Employee Training Program) to 3 weeks didactic. We have really hired some great Intermediate level medics. The problem not discussed is that we only hired 3. We did not hire every Intermediate that applied. Only 3% of the applicants that seek a job with Beaumont EMS even get to the interview process. We have started, as of last week, hire Basic EMT's. Once again, the didactic training is now 4 weeks long and we will not hire just any basic that comes along. They must become a Paramedic within two years after their probation program is over. We will pay for it, but you will not be able to come in and remain a Basic EMT with this City. You must want to improve your status and certification or you will be dismissed. We will not lower our standard of care for any reason. We do not take applications and give away ambulance keys the next day. Our training and probation period is 9-10 months long. The reason my medics are not all that upset about mandatory OT is they know we will not hire just anyone. My medics do not want to see our service decrease just for comforts sake. Figure out how to get more Paramedics that qualify for my service and I will thank you a million times over. We at Beaumont EMS continue to give raises to meet others and we control the wages in our area. Everytime we raise our entry pay, all of the privates have to go along or lose more people. Give me some more suggestions. please Andy Foote EMS Manager City of Beaumont Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Also you might want to contact your local governments,cities,counties,county judge,ect.... and attend stated meeting of these groups. Dont be afraid to question your leaders,as you are the one whom put them in office.Become proactive,not reactive. The situation in Galveston is,well to be blunt,sad. --- ExLngHrn@... wrote: > > Steve -- > > No arguments that the license plates and the > recruiting video are not > addressing the immediate needs of EMS providers. I > would surmise that the intent of > both projects is to increase visibility of EMS, > which I also believe to be a > problem. The fire and police services have done a > fantastic job with public > relations and visibility, but it's the rare EMS > agency that has a full-time > PIO or has any plan for community outreach. > > However, to address your immediate concern about the > situation, I agree that > it's despicable that, in 2006, EMS is announced to > be unavailable in parts > of Galveston County. The problem is that while law > enforcement and fire > protection are considered " essential services, " EMS > does not have such a > designation. > > This problem is best solved through a change in the > Local Government Code to > mandate that each city and county must have some > provision for EMS service. > We'd all probably need to go to the Legislature, > both individually and as > members of our various professional organizations to > get that idea planted in > their collective heads. I've no doubt that we could > get support from some of the > other medical lobby groups, perhaps such as the > emergency phyiscians' > professional association. > > The reality is that we'd likely face strong > opposition from the Texas > Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal > League (the lobby group for city > governments) as they would claim that this would > create an unfunded mandate and > might lead to increased local taxes. > > My first suggestion would be to write your state > representative and state > senator asking them to support EMS, particularly in > making EMS an essential > service. If you're unhappy with the direction that > EMSAT (or any EMS > association) has taken, there are three options: > 1) Join and be active. Let them know your concerns. > 2) Don't join, and complain from the sidelines. If > enough people don't join > or renew their membership, that would send a message > to the associations as > well. > 3) Form your own group. > > Hope I've been of some help. I can't speak for Gene > or Dr. Bledsoe, but I > at least don't have the money to make such a change > happen overnight. From > what I hear, this state government doesn't even have > EMS on its radar. > > -Wes Ogilvie > > In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:37:55 AM Central > Standard Time, > vidorfire249@... writes: > > I wish the three of you would sit down together and > work on some of > the most important needs of EMS. I find it shameful > that in 2006 we > have large gaps of coverage in EMS. Driving home > from Galveston last > week I read a sign on Bolivar Highway " EMS is not > available in some > areas... " > > You guys are constantly on this list server telling > the rest of us how > it ought to be done, and whats what wrong with us. > I have been > advocating some grass roots leadership development > for a few years. > You guys ave the senority, the money and the > resources to affect > necessary changes. The last thing I saw that any > organization could > come up with is an EMS license plate. > > EMS workers in this state are employed by > owner/operaters that feel > that 48 hour plus shifts are okay.They send crews on > out of town trips > that are over 125 miles one way knowing tey are > exhausted and still > demand more pysically and mentally. Even cities like > Beaumont have > mandated overtime because of recruitment and > retention problems. The > reputations of EMS agencies are tarnished by the > gluttony and greed of > the likes of Goldstar...and you guys want a > recruiting video? > > Lets get some agenda set up, and get to work. You > guys know how to > network, make phone calls, use your influence. Lets > roll! > > > Steve Young > Certified Firefighter/Licensed Paramedic/Certified > Emergency Nurse/RN > Orange County, TX > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Also you might want to contact your local governments,cities,counties,county judge,ect.... and attend stated meeting of these groups. Dont be afraid to question your leaders,as you are the one whom put them in office.Become proactive,not reactive. The situation in Galveston is,well to be blunt,sad. --- ExLngHrn@... wrote: > > Steve -- > > No arguments that the license plates and the > recruiting video are not > addressing the immediate needs of EMS providers. I > would surmise that the intent of > both projects is to increase visibility of EMS, > which I also believe to be a > problem. The fire and police services have done a > fantastic job with public > relations and visibility, but it's the rare EMS > agency that has a full-time > PIO or has any plan for community outreach. > > However, to address your immediate concern about the > situation, I agree that > it's despicable that, in 2006, EMS is announced to > be unavailable in parts > of Galveston County. The problem is that while law > enforcement and fire > protection are considered " essential services, " EMS > does not have such a > designation. > > This problem is best solved through a change in the > Local Government Code to > mandate that each city and county must have some > provision for EMS service. > We'd all probably need to go to the Legislature, > both individually and as > members of our various professional organizations to > get that idea planted in > their collective heads. I've no doubt that we could > get support from some of the > other medical lobby groups, perhaps such as the > emergency phyiscians' > professional association. > > The reality is that we'd likely face strong > opposition from the Texas > Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal > League (the lobby group for city > governments) as they would claim that this would > create an unfunded mandate and > might lead to increased local taxes. > > My first suggestion would be to write your state > representative and state > senator asking them to support EMS, particularly in > making EMS an essential > service. If you're unhappy with the direction that > EMSAT (or any EMS > association) has taken, there are three options: > 1) Join and be active. Let them know your concerns. > 2) Don't join, and complain from the sidelines. If > enough people don't join > or renew their membership, that would send a message > to the associations as > well. > 3) Form your own group. > > Hope I've been of some help. I can't speak for Gene > or Dr. Bledsoe, but I > at least don't have the money to make such a change > happen overnight. From > what I hear, this state government doesn't even have > EMS on its radar. > > -Wes Ogilvie > > In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:37:55 AM Central > Standard Time, > vidorfire249@... writes: > > I wish the three of you would sit down together and > work on some of > the most important needs of EMS. I find it shameful > that in 2006 we > have large gaps of coverage in EMS. Driving home > from Galveston last > week I read a sign on Bolivar Highway " EMS is not > available in some > areas... " > > You guys are constantly on this list server telling > the rest of us how > it ought to be done, and whats what wrong with us. > I have been > advocating some grass roots leadership development > for a few years. > You guys ave the senority, the money and the > resources to affect > necessary changes. The last thing I saw that any > organization could > come up with is an EMS license plate. > > EMS workers in this state are employed by > owner/operaters that feel > that 48 hour plus shifts are okay.They send crews on > out of town trips > that are over 125 miles one way knowing tey are > exhausted and still > demand more pysically and mentally. Even cities like > Beaumont have > mandated overtime because of recruitment and > retention problems. The > reputations of EMS agencies are tarnished by the > gluttony and greed of > the likes of Goldstar...and you guys want a > recruiting video? > > Lets get some agenda set up, and get to work. You > guys know how to > network, make phone calls, use your influence. Lets > roll! > > > Steve Young > Certified Firefighter/Licensed Paramedic/Certified > Emergency Nurse/RN > Orange County, TX > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Also you might want to contact your local governments,cities,counties,county judge,ect.... and attend stated meeting of these groups. Dont be afraid to question your leaders,as you are the one whom put them in office.Become proactive,not reactive. The situation in Galveston is,well to be blunt,sad. --- ExLngHrn@... wrote: > > Steve -- > > No arguments that the license plates and the > recruiting video are not > addressing the immediate needs of EMS providers. I > would surmise that the intent of > both projects is to increase visibility of EMS, > which I also believe to be a > problem. The fire and police services have done a > fantastic job with public > relations and visibility, but it's the rare EMS > agency that has a full-time > PIO or has any plan for community outreach. > > However, to address your immediate concern about the > situation, I agree that > it's despicable that, in 2006, EMS is announced to > be unavailable in parts > of Galveston County. The problem is that while law > enforcement and fire > protection are considered " essential services, " EMS > does not have such a > designation. > > This problem is best solved through a change in the > Local Government Code to > mandate that each city and county must have some > provision for EMS service. > We'd all probably need to go to the Legislature, > both individually and as > members of our various professional organizations to > get that idea planted in > their collective heads. I've no doubt that we could > get support from some of the > other medical lobby groups, perhaps such as the > emergency phyiscians' > professional association. > > The reality is that we'd likely face strong > opposition from the Texas > Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal > League (the lobby group for city > governments) as they would claim that this would > create an unfunded mandate and > might lead to increased local taxes. > > My first suggestion would be to write your state > representative and state > senator asking them to support EMS, particularly in > making EMS an essential > service. If you're unhappy with the direction that > EMSAT (or any EMS > association) has taken, there are three options: > 1) Join and be active. Let them know your concerns. > 2) Don't join, and complain from the sidelines. If > enough people don't join > or renew their membership, that would send a message > to the associations as > well. > 3) Form your own group. > > Hope I've been of some help. I can't speak for Gene > or Dr. Bledsoe, but I > at least don't have the money to make such a change > happen overnight. From > what I hear, this state government doesn't even have > EMS on its radar. > > -Wes Ogilvie > > In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:37:55 AM Central > Standard Time, > vidorfire249@... writes: > > I wish the three of you would sit down together and > work on some of > the most important needs of EMS. I find it shameful > that in 2006 we > have large gaps of coverage in EMS. Driving home > from Galveston last > week I read a sign on Bolivar Highway " EMS is not > available in some > areas... " > > You guys are constantly on this list server telling > the rest of us how > it ought to be done, and whats what wrong with us. > I have been > advocating some grass roots leadership development > for a few years. > You guys ave the senority, the money and the > resources to affect > necessary changes. The last thing I saw that any > organization could > come up with is an EMS license plate. > > EMS workers in this state are employed by > owner/operaters that feel > that 48 hour plus shifts are okay.They send crews on > out of town trips > that are over 125 miles one way knowing tey are > exhausted and still > demand more pysically and mentally. Even cities like > Beaumont have > mandated overtime because of recruitment and > retention problems. The > reputations of EMS agencies are tarnished by the > gluttony and greed of > the likes of Goldstar...and you guys want a > recruiting video? > > Lets get some agenda set up, and get to work. You > guys know how to > network, make phone calls, use your influence. Lets > roll! > > > Steve Young > Certified Firefighter/Licensed Paramedic/Certified > Emergency Nurse/RN > Orange County, TX > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 I believe that GETAC will be addressing the " Essential Service " topic in the very near future. I presume that they will be working towards the next legislative session. Curtis Mc EMT-P Re: Wes, Gene, Dr. Bledsoe Most meetings of governmental bodies (City Council, Commissioners' Court, etc) have an open period for public comment. Take advantage of them. Also make friends with the media. Explain to them what we do and why we're essential. -Wes In a message dated 2/5/2006 1:43:42 PM Central Standard Time, ewedgin@... writes: Also you might want to contact your local governments,cities,counties,county judge,ect.... and attend stated meeting of these groups. Dont be afraid to question your leaders,as you are the one whom put them in office.Become proactive,not reactive. The situation in Galveston is,well to be blunt,sad. --- ExLngHrn@... wrote: > > Steve -- > > No arguments that the license plates and the > recruiting video are not > addressing the immediate needs of EMS providers. I > would surmise that the intent of > both projects is to increase visibility of EMS, > which I also believe to be a > problem. The fire and police services have done a > fantastic job with public > relations and visibility, but it's the rare EMS > agency that has a full-time > PIO or has any plan for community outreach. > > However, to address your immediate concern about the > situation, I agree that > it's despicable that, in 2006, EMS is announced to > be unavailable in parts > of Galveston County. The problem is that while law > enforcement and fire > protection are considered " essential services, " EMS > does not have such a > designation. > > This problem is best solved through a change in the > Local Government Code to > mandate that each city and county must have some > provision for EMS service. > We'd all probably need to go to the Legislature, > both individually and as > members of our various professional organizations to > get that idea planted in > their collective heads. I've no doubt that we could > get support from some of the > other medical lobby groups, perhaps such as the > emergency phyiscians' > professional association. > > The reality is that we'd likely face strong > opposition from the Texas > Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal > League (the lobby group for city > governments) as they would claim that this would > create an unfunded mandate and > might lead to increased local taxes. > > My first suggestion would be to write your state > representative and state > senator asking them to support EMS, particularly in > making EMS an essential > service. If you're unhappy with the direction that > EMSAT (or any EMS > association) has taken, there are three options: > 1) Join and be active. Let them know your concerns. > 2) Don't join, and complain from the sidelines. If > enough people don't join > or renew their membership, that would send a message > to the associations as > well. > 3) Form your own group. > > Hope I've been of some help. I can't speak for Gene > or Dr. Bledsoe, but I > at least don't have the money to make such a change > happen overnight. From > what I hear, this state government doesn't even have > EMS on its radar. > > -Wes Ogilvie > > In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:37:55 AM Central > Standard Time, > vidorfire249@... writes: > > I wish the three of you would sit down together and > work on some of > the most important needs of EMS. I find it shameful > that in 2006 we > have large gaps of coverage in EMS. Driving home > from Galveston last > week I read a sign on Bolivar Highway " EMS is not > available in some > areas... " > > You guys are constantly on this list server telling > the rest of us how > it ought to be done, and whats what wrong with us. > I have been > advocating some grass roots leadership development > for a few years. > You guys ave the senority, the money and the > resources to affect > necessary changes. The last thing I saw that any > organization could > come up with is an EMS license plate. > > EMS workers in this state are employed by > owner/operaters that feel > that 48 hour plus shifts are okay.They send crews on > out of town trips > that are over 125 miles one way knowing tey are > exhausted and still > demand more pysically and mentally. Even cities like > Beaumont have > mandated overtime because of recruitment and > retention problems. The > reputations of EMS agencies are tarnished by the > gluttony and greed of > the likes of Goldstar...and you guys want a > recruiting video? > > Lets get some agenda set up, and get to work. You > guys know how to > network, make phone calls, use your influence. Lets > roll! > > > Steve Young > Certified Firefighter/Licensed Paramedic/Certified > Emergency Nurse/RN > Orange County, TX > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 In order to raise the pay of our medics, we are required to do a survey and the City looks at the normal rates of pay being given and adjusts accordingly. We were one of the first cities to go over $40,000 entry level. We even upped that to attract more applicants. The private sector then followed in line. We are not a for-profit EMS system and I, personally have always felt that the for-profit services could control the wage increases better than anyone. While I understand the pay level for today's education is low, I started 16 years ago at $19,000 a year and feel that this City has always been at the top of the pay scale for it's EMS system. I now make in the area of $60-70K/year and most of my medics make more than I do. Yes, it is with OT but we have only been under this mandatory schedule since the Hurricane. We lost 8-10 medics, for various reasons, but we have not undermined our quality of service. Do I personally care about my medics? More than anything in the World. Thus we have gone to the new hiring system. It will not be a quick fix but it will stabilized what we are trying to do. There are many medics that love to actually practice what they learned in school and we welcome them. Andy In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:45:15 P.M. Central Standard Time, bentemt2003@... writes: I don't know any medics that really want to work just a ton of OT on a regular basis. Not that we will not step up if needed by our service but we value our time off to re-energize just as much as the next person. But the fact of life is the pay scale in EMS is not high enough to get by on 40 hrs. a week. A normal schedule for me is 60 hrs. a week with 1 1/2 after 40. If you want to attract more good qualified medics raise the pay and the education level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 In order to raise the pay of our medics, we are required to do a survey and the City looks at the normal rates of pay being given and adjusts accordingly. We were one of the first cities to go over $40,000 entry level. We even upped that to attract more applicants. The private sector then followed in line. We are not a for-profit EMS system and I, personally have always felt that the for-profit services could control the wage increases better than anyone. While I understand the pay level for today's education is low, I started 16 years ago at $19,000 a year and feel that this City has always been at the top of the pay scale for it's EMS system. I now make in the area of $60-70K/year and most of my medics make more than I do. Yes, it is with OT but we have only been under this mandatory schedule since the Hurricane. We lost 8-10 medics, for various reasons, but we have not undermined our quality of service. Do I personally care about my medics? More than anything in the World. Thus we have gone to the new hiring system. It will not be a quick fix but it will stabilized what we are trying to do. There are many medics that love to actually practice what they learned in school and we welcome them. Andy In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:45:15 P.M. Central Standard Time, bentemt2003@... writes: I don't know any medics that really want to work just a ton of OT on a regular basis. Not that we will not step up if needed by our service but we value our time off to re-energize just as much as the next person. But the fact of life is the pay scale in EMS is not high enough to get by on 40 hrs. a week. A normal schedule for me is 60 hrs. a week with 1 1/2 after 40. If you want to attract more good qualified medics raise the pay and the education level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 I don't know any medics that really want to work just a ton of OT on a regular basis. Not that we will not step up if needed by our service but we value our time off to re-energize just as much as the next person. But the fact of life is the pay scale in EMS is not high enough to get by on 40 hrs. a week. A normal schedule for me is 60 hrs. a week with 1 1/2 after 40. If you want to attract more good qualified medics raise the pay and the education level. rachfoote@... wrote: Yes Steve, even Beaumont EMS has mandated OT. We are no different than any other service in the USA. Most of them are short-handed. There is a definate shortage of Paramedics in the entire EMS system. You may want to ask yourself why this is. That may be a cure you would like to challenge. We at Beaumont have always been a high profile, 2 paramedic ALS 911 system. Less than 3 years ago the City was in a large deficit and there was no overtime to be had. When someone was off, for whatever reason, we had to cut a truck rather than pay OT. All of my paramedics went to the private sector EMS and took on P/T jobs to supplement their income. About a year ago, the City was back in the black and willing to pay OT. Everyone was exhuberant since this OT also went towards your retirement and vacations. Now they begin complaining because of too much OT. What does it take to make you happy. Is there a Utopia Ambulance service that I am not aware of. We finally went to hiring Intermediates. We were very care in our selection process and extended our NETP (New Employee Training Program) to 3 weeks didactic. We have really hired some great Intermediate level medics. The problem not discussed is that we only hired 3. We did not hire every Intermediate that applied. Only 3% of the applicants that seek a job with Beaumont EMS even get to the interview process. We have started, as of last week, hire Basic EMT's. Once again, the didactic training is now 4 weeks long and we will not hire just any basic that comes along. They must become a Paramedic within two years after their probation program is over. We will pay for it, but you will not be able to come in and remain a Basic EMT with this City. You must want to improve your status and certification or you will be dismissed. We will not lower our standard of care for any reason. We do not take applications and give away ambulance keys the next day. Our training and probation period is 9-10 months long. The reason my medics are not all that upset about mandatory OT is they know we will not hire just anyone. My medics do not want to see our service decrease just for comforts sake. Figure out how to get more Paramedics that qualify for my service and I will thank you a million times over. We at Beaumont EMS continue to give raises to meet others and we control the wages in our area. Everytime we raise our entry pay, all of the privates have to go along or lose more people. Give me some more suggestions. please Andy Foote EMS Manager City of Beaumont Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 I don't know any medics that really want to work just a ton of OT on a regular basis. Not that we will not step up if needed by our service but we value our time off to re-energize just as much as the next person. But the fact of life is the pay scale in EMS is not high enough to get by on 40 hrs. a week. A normal schedule for me is 60 hrs. a week with 1 1/2 after 40. If you want to attract more good qualified medics raise the pay and the education level. rachfoote@... wrote: Yes Steve, even Beaumont EMS has mandated OT. We are no different than any other service in the USA. Most of them are short-handed. There is a definate shortage of Paramedics in the entire EMS system. You may want to ask yourself why this is. That may be a cure you would like to challenge. We at Beaumont have always been a high profile, 2 paramedic ALS 911 system. Less than 3 years ago the City was in a large deficit and there was no overtime to be had. When someone was off, for whatever reason, we had to cut a truck rather than pay OT. All of my paramedics went to the private sector EMS and took on P/T jobs to supplement their income. About a year ago, the City was back in the black and willing to pay OT. Everyone was exhuberant since this OT also went towards your retirement and vacations. Now they begin complaining because of too much OT. What does it take to make you happy. Is there a Utopia Ambulance service that I am not aware of. We finally went to hiring Intermediates. We were very care in our selection process and extended our NETP (New Employee Training Program) to 3 weeks didactic. We have really hired some great Intermediate level medics. The problem not discussed is that we only hired 3. We did not hire every Intermediate that applied. Only 3% of the applicants that seek a job with Beaumont EMS even get to the interview process. We have started, as of last week, hire Basic EMT's. Once again, the didactic training is now 4 weeks long and we will not hire just any basic that comes along. They must become a Paramedic within two years after their probation program is over. We will pay for it, but you will not be able to come in and remain a Basic EMT with this City. You must want to improve your status and certification or you will be dismissed. We will not lower our standard of care for any reason. We do not take applications and give away ambulance keys the next day. Our training and probation period is 9-10 months long. The reason my medics are not all that upset about mandatory OT is they know we will not hire just anyone. My medics do not want to see our service decrease just for comforts sake. Figure out how to get more Paramedics that qualify for my service and I will thank you a million times over. We at Beaumont EMS continue to give raises to meet others and we control the wages in our area. Everytime we raise our entry pay, all of the privates have to go along or lose more people. Give me some more suggestions. please Andy Foote EMS Manager City of Beaumont Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 I don't know any medics that really want to work just a ton of OT on a regular basis. Not that we will not step up if needed by our service but we value our time off to re-energize just as much as the next person. But the fact of life is the pay scale in EMS is not high enough to get by on 40 hrs. a week. A normal schedule for me is 60 hrs. a week with 1 1/2 after 40. If you want to attract more good qualified medics raise the pay and the education level. rachfoote@... wrote: Yes Steve, even Beaumont EMS has mandated OT. We are no different than any other service in the USA. Most of them are short-handed. There is a definate shortage of Paramedics in the entire EMS system. You may want to ask yourself why this is. That may be a cure you would like to challenge. We at Beaumont have always been a high profile, 2 paramedic ALS 911 system. Less than 3 years ago the City was in a large deficit and there was no overtime to be had. When someone was off, for whatever reason, we had to cut a truck rather than pay OT. All of my paramedics went to the private sector EMS and took on P/T jobs to supplement their income. About a year ago, the City was back in the black and willing to pay OT. Everyone was exhuberant since this OT also went towards your retirement and vacations. Now they begin complaining because of too much OT. What does it take to make you happy. Is there a Utopia Ambulance service that I am not aware of. We finally went to hiring Intermediates. We were very care in our selection process and extended our NETP (New Employee Training Program) to 3 weeks didactic. We have really hired some great Intermediate level medics. The problem not discussed is that we only hired 3. We did not hire every Intermediate that applied. Only 3% of the applicants that seek a job with Beaumont EMS even get to the interview process. We have started, as of last week, hire Basic EMT's. Once again, the didactic training is now 4 weeks long and we will not hire just any basic that comes along. They must become a Paramedic within two years after their probation program is over. We will pay for it, but you will not be able to come in and remain a Basic EMT with this City. You must want to improve your status and certification or you will be dismissed. We will not lower our standard of care for any reason. We do not take applications and give away ambulance keys the next day. Our training and probation period is 9-10 months long. The reason my medics are not all that upset about mandatory OT is they know we will not hire just anyone. My medics do not want to see our service decrease just for comforts sake. Figure out how to get more Paramedics that qualify for my service and I will thank you a million times over. We at Beaumont EMS continue to give raises to meet others and we control the wages in our area. Everytime we raise our entry pay, all of the privates have to go along or lose more people. Give me some more suggestions. please Andy Foote EMS Manager City of Beaumont Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Don't get me wrong about my feeling about being a Paramedic. I love my job and 99% percent of the time look forward to going to work. I left a job in the private sector making about $70.000 with much less stress and more free time with working 40 hours a week. I first went into LE then was exposed to EMS and fell in love with it and have not looked back. I always found that I have spent all the money I make anyway and can't remember on what. I work for a service where the administrator does not have to get involved to much in the weeding out of poor medics. The crew takes care of this because we have very high expectations on the quality of Pt. care. Someones life could depend on it every time the truck rolls. rachfoote@... wrote: In order to raise the pay of our medics, we are required to do a survey and the City looks at the normal rates of pay being given and adjusts accordingly. We were one of the first cities to go over $40,000 entry level. We even upped that to attract more applicants. The private sector then followed in line. We are not a for-profit EMS system and I, personally have always felt that the for-profit services could control the wage increases better than anyone. While I understand the pay level for today's education is low, I started 16 years ago at $19,000 a year and feel that this City has always been at the top of the pay scale for it's EMS system. I now make in the area of $60-70K/year and most of my medics make more than I do. Yes, it is with OT but we have only been under this mandatory schedule since the Hurricane. We lost 8-10 medics, for various reasons, but we have not undermined our quality of service. Do I personally care about my medics? More than anything in the World. Thus we have gone to the new hiring system. It will not be a quick fix but it will stabilized what we are trying to do. There are many medics that love to actually practice what they learned in school and we welcome them. Andy In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:45:15 P.M. Central Standard Time, bentemt2003@... writes: I don't know any medics that really want to work just a ton of OT on a regular basis. Not that we will not step up if needed by our service but we value our time off to re-energize just as much as the next person. But the fact of life is the pay scale in EMS is not high enough to get by on 40 hrs. a week. A normal schedule for me is 60 hrs. a week with 1 1/2 after 40. If you want to attract more good qualified medics raise the pay and the education level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Don't get me wrong about my feeling about being a Paramedic. I love my job and 99% percent of the time look forward to going to work. I left a job in the private sector making about $70.000 with much less stress and more free time with working 40 hours a week. I first went into LE then was exposed to EMS and fell in love with it and have not looked back. I always found that I have spent all the money I make anyway and can't remember on what. I work for a service where the administrator does not have to get involved to much in the weeding out of poor medics. The crew takes care of this because we have very high expectations on the quality of Pt. care. Someones life could depend on it every time the truck rolls. rachfoote@... wrote: In order to raise the pay of our medics, we are required to do a survey and the City looks at the normal rates of pay being given and adjusts accordingly. We were one of the first cities to go over $40,000 entry level. We even upped that to attract more applicants. The private sector then followed in line. We are not a for-profit EMS system and I, personally have always felt that the for-profit services could control the wage increases better than anyone. While I understand the pay level for today's education is low, I started 16 years ago at $19,000 a year and feel that this City has always been at the top of the pay scale for it's EMS system. I now make in the area of $60-70K/year and most of my medics make more than I do. Yes, it is with OT but we have only been under this mandatory schedule since the Hurricane. We lost 8-10 medics, for various reasons, but we have not undermined our quality of service. Do I personally care about my medics? More than anything in the World. Thus we have gone to the new hiring system. It will not be a quick fix but it will stabilized what we are trying to do. There are many medics that love to actually practice what they learned in school and we welcome them. Andy In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:45:15 P.M. Central Standard Time, bentemt2003@... writes: I don't know any medics that really want to work just a ton of OT on a regular basis. Not that we will not step up if needed by our service but we value our time off to re-energize just as much as the next person. But the fact of life is the pay scale in EMS is not high enough to get by on 40 hrs. a week. A normal schedule for me is 60 hrs. a week with 1 1/2 after 40. If you want to attract more good qualified medics raise the pay and the education level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Don't get me wrong about my feeling about being a Paramedic. I love my job and 99% percent of the time look forward to going to work. I left a job in the private sector making about $70.000 with much less stress and more free time with working 40 hours a week. I first went into LE then was exposed to EMS and fell in love with it and have not looked back. I always found that I have spent all the money I make anyway and can't remember on what. I work for a service where the administrator does not have to get involved to much in the weeding out of poor medics. The crew takes care of this because we have very high expectations on the quality of Pt. care. Someones life could depend on it every time the truck rolls. rachfoote@... wrote: In order to raise the pay of our medics, we are required to do a survey and the City looks at the normal rates of pay being given and adjusts accordingly. We were one of the first cities to go over $40,000 entry level. We even upped that to attract more applicants. The private sector then followed in line. We are not a for-profit EMS system and I, personally have always felt that the for-profit services could control the wage increases better than anyone. While I understand the pay level for today's education is low, I started 16 years ago at $19,000 a year and feel that this City has always been at the top of the pay scale for it's EMS system. I now make in the area of $60-70K/year and most of my medics make more than I do. Yes, it is with OT but we have only been under this mandatory schedule since the Hurricane. We lost 8-10 medics, for various reasons, but we have not undermined our quality of service. Do I personally care about my medics? More than anything in the World. Thus we have gone to the new hiring system. It will not be a quick fix but it will stabilized what we are trying to do. There are many medics that love to actually practice what they learned in school and we welcome them. Andy In a message dated 2/5/2006 6:45:15 P.M. Central Standard Time, bentemt2003@... writes: I don't know any medics that really want to work just a ton of OT on a regular basis. Not that we will not step up if needed by our service but we value our time off to re-energize just as much as the next person. But the fact of life is the pay scale in EMS is not high enough to get by on 40 hrs. a week. A normal schedule for me is 60 hrs. a week with 1 1/2 after 40. If you want to attract more good qualified medics raise the pay and the education level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Regarding the sign on Hwy 87 on the Bolivar Peninsula: There are four volunteer departments located on the peninsula. Crystal Beach, Port Bolivar, High Island, and Gilchrist. All of these departments with the exception of Gilchrist run with a variance (only one certified person on the box). Bolivar Peninsula is a very rural area, even though it is so close to Galveston Island. It's about 30 miles long, and about 1 or 2 miles wide. Galveston County gives each department $9,000.00 a year to run EMS. That's it. Only $9,000.00. That's enough to now a days put diesel in the ambulances. Last time I checked, there were only about 3 or 4 paramedics. There are about two intermediates, and a dozen or so basics. Galveston County and specially Galveston EMS know about how stretched the resources are. They refuse to help any of the departments. On Thanksgiving afternoon, a full arrest dropped and there was no one to respond. Everyone department on the peninsula was " out of service. " Gilchrist ended up taking the call. The helicopter from Houston beat the ambulance on scene. A helicopter coming form that far away should never beat an ambulance on scene. It was probably in the patients best interest since Gilchrist has no ACLS protocols or drugs. This situation has been going on for years. TDH has done several investigations. TDH is the ones that made the departments put up the sign. Ask anyone that was in TDH about 5 - 10 years ago about some of the investigations. The peninsula needs help. I don't know if it's TDSH coming in and doing another round of investigations, or what it's going to take. But something has to be done. In about a month, when spring break rolls around, there will be more than 20,000 drunk, wild, and crazy teenagers on the peninsula. My questions is; who is going to take care of them if no one is around? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Regarding the sign on Hwy 87 on the Bolivar Peninsula: There are four volunteer departments located on the peninsula. Crystal Beach, Port Bolivar, High Island, and Gilchrist. All of these departments with the exception of Gilchrist run with a variance (only one certified person on the box). Bolivar Peninsula is a very rural area, even though it is so close to Galveston Island. It's about 30 miles long, and about 1 or 2 miles wide. Galveston County gives each department $9,000.00 a year to run EMS. That's it. Only $9,000.00. That's enough to now a days put diesel in the ambulances. Last time I checked, there were only about 3 or 4 paramedics. There are about two intermediates, and a dozen or so basics. Galveston County and specially Galveston EMS know about how stretched the resources are. They refuse to help any of the departments. On Thanksgiving afternoon, a full arrest dropped and there was no one to respond. Everyone department on the peninsula was " out of service. " Gilchrist ended up taking the call. The helicopter from Houston beat the ambulance on scene. A helicopter coming form that far away should never beat an ambulance on scene. It was probably in the patients best interest since Gilchrist has no ACLS protocols or drugs. This situation has been going on for years. TDH has done several investigations. TDH is the ones that made the departments put up the sign. Ask anyone that was in TDH about 5 - 10 years ago about some of the investigations. The peninsula needs help. I don't know if it's TDSH coming in and doing another round of investigations, or what it's going to take. But something has to be done. In about a month, when spring break rolls around, there will be more than 20,000 drunk, wild, and crazy teenagers on the peninsula. My questions is; who is going to take care of them if no one is around? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Wes and all -- If I remember correctly, there is one option available to any unincorporated portion of any county in Texas (except County which has special legislation on same topic) - and that is IF THE RESIDENTS WANT IT, they can form an Emergency Services District - such a district can tax (at a rate limited by the state constitution) - up to ten cents on the hundred based on the property tax valuatiion. There are several attorneys in Texas that handle ESD matters (I am NOT one of them) that are usually willing to meet with interested citizens on what is involved in forming such a district. One other nice thing about ESD's - AGAIN IF THE RESIDENTS WANT IT, they can collect up to two cents in SALES TAX (assuming they have any type of stores or companies that sell products covered by the sales tax in the area). (the amount of sales tax they can collect is limited if there is already some entity (transit authority, library district, etc) that also collects a sales tax. The whole thing depends on a positive vote of the residents within the district to be formed ..... in 1991 (? believe it was 91 - ) the Oak HIll Volunteer Fire Dept went door to door in their proposed district getting people to vote in favor of it -- the ESD that was created now operates with approx a 2 million dollar annual budget..... ONE DOWNSIDE - the ESD's can provide fire service, ems service, or both --- and often if the people in control of the formation are from fire background -- fire will get the most $$$$, but if your County Commissioners will appoint ESD commissioners (5 of them serve as ESD board) who want to make sure EMS service is provided -- it can be done. One neat trick - form two ESDs - overlapping) one for EMS and one for FIRE -- I am told t his has been done but I am not sure on how that happens... of course again residents must vote approve to be taxed...... Just one possible solution.... -- Luther E-mail david@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Wes and all -- If I remember correctly, there is one option available to any unincorporated portion of any county in Texas (except County which has special legislation on same topic) - and that is IF THE RESIDENTS WANT IT, they can form an Emergency Services District - such a district can tax (at a rate limited by the state constitution) - up to ten cents on the hundred based on the property tax valuatiion. There are several attorneys in Texas that handle ESD matters (I am NOT one of them) that are usually willing to meet with interested citizens on what is involved in forming such a district. One other nice thing about ESD's - AGAIN IF THE RESIDENTS WANT IT, they can collect up to two cents in SALES TAX (assuming they have any type of stores or companies that sell products covered by the sales tax in the area). (the amount of sales tax they can collect is limited if there is already some entity (transit authority, library district, etc) that also collects a sales tax. The whole thing depends on a positive vote of the residents within the district to be formed ..... in 1991 (? believe it was 91 - ) the Oak HIll Volunteer Fire Dept went door to door in their proposed district getting people to vote in favor of it -- the ESD that was created now operates with approx a 2 million dollar annual budget..... ONE DOWNSIDE - the ESD's can provide fire service, ems service, or both --- and often if the people in control of the formation are from fire background -- fire will get the most $$$$, but if your County Commissioners will appoint ESD commissioners (5 of them serve as ESD board) who want to make sure EMS service is provided -- it can be done. One neat trick - form two ESDs - overlapping) one for EMS and one for FIRE -- I am told t his has been done but I am not sure on how that happens... of course again residents must vote approve to be taxed...... Just one possible solution.... -- Luther E-mail david@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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