08/27/2022
Questions currently raised regarding the proposed County Ambulance Service:
Key points which should be considered
Need Assessment/Operations
Was a specific needs assessment performed for each of the current agencies as
the response times appear to be extremely inaccurate?
Information: is SCVAA response numbers for all calls (911, mutual aid and
transports) or is it solely for 911 calls and mutual aid. Transport response times are
contingent on a third party (hospital) receiving notification of a bed, documentation
being completed and appropriate notification to EMS.
Are the number presented just SCVAA or are they inclusive of the whole county
– including Hector and Tyrone? Is mutual aid (from Hector/Dundee) times included in
the presented response times?
SCVAA’s current response time is 10.3 – well ahead of the current industry goal
of 15 minutes from dispatch to on scene for rural EMS.
If ALS is to be based in Tyrone/Odessa were need assessments completed
specific to these areas? The vast majority of calls are in Watkins Glen/Montour Falls and
that Tyrone only has 110 calls a year.
What is the operational plan for ambulances?
What is the plan if one rig is on a call?
Budgeted Revenue
Revenue figures are incorrect.
Proposal demonstrates 5% increase in 911 calls; with a flat line of transfers.
With increase technology based consultation; transfers would then lessen with overall
decrease in call volume resulting in less revenue.
National average reimbursement for advanced life support ambulance rides
covered by Medicare is currently between $441 to $463. Utilizing the projected
$1,215,428 revenue (per call of $509.18) against the national average ($463) results in a
decrease in revenue of $110,247.00.
Not all 911 calls are billable services-approximately 55% are billable (ie 1915 calls
results in 1053 bills resulting in revenue of $680,982.50) with the remaining 45% being
cancelled enroute, no treatment required, no patient found or patient refusal.
Rate of pay: surrounding agencies’ starting pay have seen as much as a 20%
increase this year alone. At a rate of 10% increase to existing salary cost is $133,259.80.
Fuel: appears low considering the ALS ambulances will need to drive further for rotation or when ALS need arises in Burdett, Beaver Dams, Hector, Montour Falls, Reading Center, Rock Stream and Watkins Glen areas
Insurances: Worker’s Compensation, Malpractice, Umbrella
(Equipment/Stations) cost
