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Providence approves ALS training
by Gwen Bolin--gbolin@journalenterprise.com
“We had the ALS discussion earlier in the year,” Curry said. “Then the tornado came up and everything was put on hold.” During the Jan. 7, 2002 council meeting Curry pleaded the case for a need for ALS service within the city’s ambulance service. Three fire department/ambulance service employees had volunteered to attend the classes on their own time if the city would pay the cost of the class. A committee of citizens and council members was formed to look into the possibilities. “There’s a class that’s going to start next month in Crittenden County,” said Curry. “There won’t be a better class for us for a long time to come as far as the schedule, charges and the convenience of classes.” Immediate cost to the city would be $2,200 per person attending the class. The same three fire department/ambulance service employees still desire to attend the class. Total class charges would be $6,600. “In a year’s time they will graduate and it will be time to buy the equipment which will be quite a bit more outlay,” said Curry. “But you would have time to adjust the budget between now and then. With the city’s financial strain because of the tornado I didn’t know if you would want to let them go or not. You guys are going to have to make the decision.” Curry indicated federal grants have been available for the program. He stated the city will automatically qualify for state fund assistance. One of the city’s ambulances would also need to be converted to provide ALS services. “My personal opinion is sign them up and let them go,” said Councilman Jimmie Frederick. “I’ve been working on this for seven or eight years and this is the closest thing we’re coming to it. It needs to be done. We need advanced life support.” “We had set the cost of that whole program at about $18,000 to $20,000,” commented Councilman Eddie Gooch. “That included having the guys trained. I think we really ought to go ahead and get this thing started.” However Gooch acknowledged the city’s budget would definitely need some adjustments to accommodate the expenses. “I definitely wouldn’t count on any state money,” said Gooch. “With the state showing a $120 million shortfall at the end of 2002 and a projected $320 million shortfall at the end of 2003, all the state grant money is going to dry up this year. Federal-wise... I don’t think you can count on anything there either. It’s going to be up to the council next year to look at that. I don’t think you’re going to get any outside money.” “The main cost with going with ALS is the defibrillator and that’s $12,000,” commented Curry. “On the police department we make them sign a two-year contract before we will send those guys to school. Will these guys be signing a contract with the city?” asked Councilman Martin Boswell. “Yes, they will have to sign a two-year contract,” replied Curry. The contract in question is one in which employees agree to remain with the city for two years after they have received special training paid for by the city. If they choose to leave the city’s employment, they are required to repay the city for the special training. Council members Robert Hatcher, Boswell, Joyce Duncan and Frederick voted to proceed with ALS training for the three employees. Councilman Stan Nall abstained from voting. Under other business, City Clerk Sara Stevens requested council input on which insurance agencies to contact for quotes on providing workman’s compensation coverage for city employees. “You’re the one who has to deal with them,” commented Boswell. “I think you ought to make that decision.” Council members expressed a general consensus in the matter. Nall informed council members that during a recent Long Term Recovery Committee meeting it was noted nearly a semi-truck load of paint is still available for those who need it. Approximately 2,000 gallons of a large variety of paint for tornado victims was received through the Church of Christ Disaster Relief program. For more information contact Providence Church of Christ at 667-2852. Under public appeals, Providence resident Karen Shelton expressed concern over consistently low water pressure on Barrett Street. Director of Public Works Ralph Alexander stated he was aware of the problem and has been working to solve it. The council’s next meeting will be held Jan. 6, 2003. |
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