Need for More to Handle Remote Emergency Care

Mutual aid, or the lack of it, was a chief topic at Tuesday's meeting of the Effingham County Board's Ambulance Oversight Committee.

During discussion of emergency responses and how they are addressed, Rural Med EMS' Ethan Bouser suggested the use of vehicles in addition to ambulances to respond to scenes where emergencies don't exist. Those individuals could address treatment on scene and handle paperwork. Bouser said such availabilities would then leave ambulances and crews available for actual emergencies where transports are needed.

That led to Bouser sharing that it is getting more difficult to find a sufficient number of mutual aid providers. He said the lack of providers is especially crucial in areas east of Effingham County. Bouser said of those areas, "there's just no one left."

Committee members seemed to be receptive to the idea. More will be shared once the plans are in place.