Outsourced EMS services doubtful for Cedar Lake
As it goes with police and fire coverage, adequate EMS service is critical for the growth and the survival of any town, and Cedar Lake is no different. But whether or not the town should consider a privatized EMS service is open for debate.
The issue was discussed at the Feb. 18 town council meeting.
During the public comment section, Jennifer Prunsky asked council whether or not the town was satisfied with the staffing and EMS service currently provided by the Cedar Lake Fire Department. Prunsky also asked whether or not the EMS staff has the most current certifications as well.
Council president Nick Recupito said it can be “challenging” to find suitable candidates for the job. Recupito admitted he was unsure as to how much funding would be required to outsource the EMS service and what the quality of service would be like.
Councilman Rich Thiel acknowledged there could be staffing issues when the new station on the east side of town finally opens. Thiel reported receiving an email from Superior Ambulance of Elmhurst, Illinois to set up a meeting with the town on Mar. 3 to discuss the possibility of contracting for EMS services with the town.
Prunsky said it’s the taxpayers who are ultimately paying for the EMS service, regarding of the provider.
“I guess I’m asking for more transparency when it comes to the amount,” Prunsky said. “Can the residents’ needs be met? Can the town afford to run two fire departments? Can you appropriately staff them? Do we have the money to buy new ambulances? Are we training the staff?”
Prunsky said fire chief Todd Wilkening told her the town’s EMS services receives a lot of lift-assist calls, “and that will never change” with an aging population. She said that in many cases, there could be a cost savings.
However, Mark Beyer said keeping the EMS services local would benefit the town more. Beyer cited the example of having the town’s 911 dispatch center, Southcom, located at the Schererville Police Department, which provides a greater knowledge base of the community. He indicated that might not be the case with bringing in a privatized EMS provider.
“We’re talking about bringing in EMTs and paramedics to work on the community that have no idea where things are in the community,” Beyer said. “Maybe they do, but we’re talking about bringing in outsiders to take care of our community. That doesn’t seem like a very safe or good idea to me.”
Wilkening noted if the town were to outsource the EMS service, they would also be taking firefighters away from the department. He explained the town’s EMS personnel are currently cross-trained as firefighters. Wilkening also said he “wasn’t aware of the meeting with Superior in any way, shape or form.”
“We rely on the EMS people to also fight fires,’ Wilkening said. “So now you’re going to take the four, maybe five, that we have per shift. But what you will be doing – I want you to know this from here – you will cut the fire protection in half by taking out the EMS and privatizing it to another service.”
Wilkening concluded by stating the fire department’s certifications are documented in the clerk-treasurer’s office every year.
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Mar. 4.