Meeting set for tonight, June 14
Rescue 69 director to address County Council
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Jason Smith, director of operations of Rescue 69, will address the County Council tonight (June 14, at 7:00 p.m.) in regards to allegations made at a commissioners meeting on June 6, by County EMS Director Scott Melling.

In an interview with the Osgood Journal prior to the meeting, Smith said he was shocked to read what had taken place in a public meeting without him having any prior knowledge. "First, neither Scott Melling, nor any member of the county commissioners has ever directed any line of questioning regarding our (Rescue 69's) prospective partnership with St. Vincent - Jennings Hospital in Jennings County, to me or any other member of my administrative staff, either before the commissioner's meeting, nor after," he began.

According to Ripley Publishing Co. files, EMS Director Scott Melling appeared before the commissioners at their June 6 meeting asking them to place a 'cease and desist' order on Rescue 69, saying he "heard on good authority from several sources a rumor that Rescue 69 is going into the paramedic business on July 1 in Jennings County."

Smith noted that if he had simply been approached and asked about the situation, he would have shared what the unit was considering. "The prospective partnership between our department and St. Vincent - Jennings is just that, a partnership, which is being sought to benefit Rescue 69, St. Vincent -Jennings Hospital, and the citizens of and visitors to Jennings County."

Explaining that the partnership was slated to be initially underwritten by an organization outside of Ripley County, Smith said it would in no way use any money from Ripley County. Smith will give a presentation to the council at their meeting tonight, June 14.

Smith, who has been involved with EMS for several years in Ripley County said he was surprised about the allegations made against Rescue 69 in a public meeting, especially since he had no prior knowledge Melling felt this way. He said the rescue units have been encouraged to have a cooperative working relationship with the paramedics and felt they had. "I am appalled that even if no one inquired about the allegations before the meeting, that no one from our department was requested by Director Melling to be present at that meeting to either confirm or dispute them," he stated.

Saying he can't understand why a 'cease and desist' order was requested, Smith said other organizations - including public safety entities - receive money from Ripley County and yet have provided services to residents of other counties. "Unless called upon for mutual aid, our first out ambulance has always been, and always will be, dedicated to serving Ripley County," Smith noted. He added, "I will never allow any other proposed program to in any way detract from that service."

Smith refutes Melling's statement that Rescue 69 is intentionally not turning in their run sheets. He says he can't understand why this statement was made to commissioners since not turning in run sheets would "essentially be cutting our own throats."

Giving exact figures for Rescue 69's finances, Smith said the unit is slated to receive $98,175 in county subsidy dollars this year. He noted that this is 55% of the $178,500 in county subsidy dollars that is budgeted to be distributed to the transporting ambulance services. He said the money represents one-third of the annual operating budget for Rescue 69 as they strive to provide pre-hospital care to 55% of the county.

Smith further stated that Rescue 69 is an EMT Basic-Advanced transporting ambulance service with a paid staff on station 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He said the staff is dedicated, local people who care about those they serve. "We are very frugal with our money - our salaries are on the lower end of the mean average for the same positions in neighboring services. We haven't purchased a new ambulance in five years, and we are still maintaining an ambulance that has served these communities well for the past six teen years."

Knowing that paramedics save lives, Smith said he is in support of the paramedic program in Ripley County. He wonders where the financial support will come from and says his unit simply cannot get by on less funds and has no extra to give to the paramedic service. "In calendar year 2004, our department recorded a $34,000 shortfall between expenditures and the revenue generated by billing and the subsidy received from the county." He says they expect the same shortfall for this year.

"I challenge all of the citizens of Ripley County to become educated and involved and to contact your elected officials with your opinions," Smith noted. He concluded by saying it is the responsibility of county officials to provide the highest level of pre-hospital care in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

Smith said he has received a summons to attend the council meeting tonight, June 14, and will be there to give information on behalf of Rescue 69.