Fla. EMS Provider Will Review Complaints About Its Ambulance Plan

Nov. 20--MOUNT DORA -- Just two months into its launch, rebranded Lake EMS will review citizen complaints about its countywide ambulance plan at a public workshop next month, executive director Jim Judge promised.

The emergency-medical service has 19 ambulances rolling during peak service hours, roughly 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m., but cuts back to 11 ambulances from 12:30 until 7 a.m., prompting complaints in Clermont and Umatilla. Some residents fear curtailing night staff dangerously lengthens response times and endangers lives.

"We understand the citizens' concerns. We've heard them loud and clear," said Judge, who contended the plan doesn't compromise the quality of care or safety. "We're listening to the concerns and we are committed to having the right resources in the right place at the right time."

The government-owned emergency medical service was forced to reconfigure its operations Oct. 1 when decade-long business partner Sumter County opted to hire Rural Metro, a for-profit company, hoping to reap a costs savings.

Judge said the new agency's deployment plan was validated by an efficiency expert who studied the emergency-response operation, its finances and medical protocols at the request of county commissioners.

John Simpson, Lake EMS' chief operations officer, said the agency evaluates every day how it should best use its resources, including partnerships with Lake Fire Rescue and municipal fire rescue services. He said the agency not only relied on historical trends to establish daily staffing levels but monitors its operations minute-by-minute to be prepared for special cases and to ensure there is no hole in its coverage area.

"When emergencies happen, we're ready," he said.

Judge said Lake EMS, operating on a $16.6 million budget, was urged to "hold the line" on expenses because of a souring economy, which has depressed tax revenues. Patient fees will provide about $11 million for the operation. Lake property owners, who pay a small tax to subsidize EMS, provided about $6.4 million in fiscal year 2010-11, which ended Sept. 30, and are expected to kick in $5.4 million this fiscal year.

Shudak@tribune.com

Copyright 2011 - The Orlando Sentinel, Fla.