KEENE, NH – The Town of Brattleboro is considering its options for providing Fire-EMS services moving forward.
According to a news release from Town Manager John Potter’s office, officials in the town considered a fully municipal Fire Department approach, and is also considering proposals from two private companies.
American Medical Response of Springfield, Massachusetts, proposed a “turn-key” approach that would not require any first response services from the fire department by dedicating multiple ambulances to respond within the town to meet desired response times.
Rescue Inc., of Brattleboro, also submitted a proposal. That approach would operate much like the town’s previous model that shared emergency response responsibilities with the Brattleboro Fire Department. Fire department paramedics and EMT’s would respond to priority one calls, such as cardiac arrests and motor vehicle accidents, and Rescue Inc. would respond to all other types of emergency calls and transporting priority one patients.
“With this response, we feel we’re well on the way to bringing the Selectboard multiple, specific EMS alternatives,” said Potter. “Some will be more or less costly to the taxpayer, and some will give greater or lesser ability for the Town to manage and set policy, but all of these details will be presented to the board and the public in a transparent and understandable way.”
The Selectboard will examine these factors at its September 5th regular meeting and decide how to move forward at its September 19th meeting.
Town officials worked with Golden Cross Ambulance service of Claremont, New Hampshire, in the request for proposals process. According to the release, the organization, which did not submit a proposal, helped the town clearly specify its EMS needs.
More information on the project is available at brattleboro.org/emsproject. Further information will also be made available in backup mterials to be published for the September 5th meeting, and through a public forum at the Brooks Memorial Library Sept. 12th at 6 PM.
