911 Board Hears About Dispatching

Effingham County 911 board members heard at this month's meeting that Watson, Dieterich and Edgewood fire departments will not be responding as first responders to medical calls.

Their legal counsel advised the fire departments that if they did not have enough vaccinated firefighters, they should not take first responder calls.The situation arose due to the Illinois Department of Public Health rules on vaccine or testing for COVID-19. 

The three fire departments will continue to respond to motor vehicle crashes, calls where CPR/AED are needed, and when requested by EMS to assist with manpower.

The Board also paid the 911 liability insurance bill, but will check on whether 911 has any umbrella coverage that would assist with liability claims. It was also agreed to budget 5% raises for the four part-time 911 employees and to approve the layover of the proposed budget for the coming year until the November meeting.

Committee member Jason McFarland said the PTSD Class for Dispatchers can be scheduled whenver convenient for the City and County PSAPs. The rate for the class is locked in. City Telecommunications Supervisor Billie Bales said she is looking to schedule the class later this year. COVID issues have kept dispatchers busier than usual, so it has been difficult to schedule the class.

Adam Huston introduced himself to the Board and said that he is starting an ambulance business in the Altamont area called A 1 Ambulance. Huston said his primary goal is to have an ambulance available in Altamont.