This article is taken from the 10/20 Saint Marys County Commissioners Meeting.
Steve Walker, the Director of Emergency Services was the primary presenter and there was lengthy discussion by the Commissioners before the vote.

It was emphasized by Mr. Walker that; "It is important to note that the level and quality of Emergency Medical Service by our First Responders is exemplary, serving our community exceptionally well. However, the delivery of services; getting our EMS First Responders to those in need, is where we are lacking substantially and that is due to reduced staffing. Reduced staffing is a growing trend in volunteer services for a number of years. However, COVID 19 has also had a substantial impact. Many volunteers will not staff an ambulance for fear of contracting COVID 19. This has compounded the problem of the growing trend in our country where volunteerism is not as common as it once was."

A contract has been tentatively approved with Chesapeake Medical Transport Services to provide EMT's at each rescue squad during daytime hours during the week. Those EMT's will staff the units at each station.
It is anticipated to also provide ALS (paramedic support) to the county.

"I move to approve the Department of Emergency Services Supplemental Staffing of County Rescue Squads using the Cares Acting Funding (US2030) and COVID-19 (OT2020) in the amount of $552,992.00 for the purchase an ambulance and related equipment and authorize the Commissioner President to execute the related documents.

Motion by Commissioner John E O'Connor, second by Commissioner Eric Colvin.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Commissioner President James R Guy, Commissioner Eric Colvin, Commissioner Michael L Hewitt, Commissioner Todd B Morgan, Commissioner John E O'Connor"

"On April 21, 2020, the CSMC approved the appropriation of $3,000,000.00 FY2019 Fund Balance to be allocated for COVID 19 relief. I propose the cost of the purchase of an ambulance, and necessary equipment to make it fully operational, be drawn on this available funding. ($80,000.00)
On May 5, 2020, the CSMC approved a plan of action for Cares Act COVID 19 relief funding. The Department of Emergency Services identified a need for Contract Medics to be used for COVID 19 Relief. ($472,992.00)

Background Issues to be Aware of:

In the past few months there has been a noticeable increase in incidents where Basic Life Support ambulances are unable to respond to calls for service as a result of decreased EMS staffing levels. We are at critically low staffing levels, placing our community at severe risk. COVID has played a large part in this shortage. Many of our responders are older experienced personnel that have retired from a related profession Many have chosen not to staff an ambulance and place themselves at risk during COVID 19. Many of our younger volunteers will not staff ambulances as a requirement of their full time employment requirements and many simple do not want to risk exposure to COVID 19. There is also the growing trend nationally which in which our younger responders must work and make a living, which means fewer personnel to respond during the normal workday hours.

It is important to note that the level and quality of Emergency Medical Service by our First Responders is exemplary, serving our community exceptionally well. However, the delivery of services; getting our EMS First Responders to those in need, is where we are lacking substantially and that is due to reduced staffing. Reduced staffing is a growing trend in volunteer services for a number of years. However, COVID 19 has also had a substantial impact. Many volunteers will not staff an ambulance for fear of contracting COVID 19. This has compounded the problem of the growing trend in our country where volunteerism is not as common as it once was".