NOTE: This video was produced for informational purposes about Fire Based EMS services. It is provided here for informational purposes only and may not fully represent the function and structure of the Logan Emergency Services Authority.

The purpose of the Logan Emergency Services Authority (LESA) is to provide emergency medical services county wide and fire service for the City of Sterling and the Sterling Rural Fire Protection District. This model will bring together all the personnel and equipment used for response to emergency services calls in Logan County.

Crook Fire District, Fleming Fire District, Peetz Fire District and Merino Fire Department will provide fire service response as they currently do in their respective districts. Fire response in the City of Sterling and the Sterling Rural Fire Protection District will be the responsibility of the Authority. Current mutual aid agreements will continue to be in place and citizens can expect coordinated fire response to continue.

Ambulance response will be provided by the Authority in all of Logan County. The rural fire districts may apply for a license to transport patients with their response vehicle. By statute, licensing of ambulances is the responsibility of the Logan County Commissioners, following state mandated equipment guidelines.

 

 

 

 

F.A.Q.

1.  Why are we doing this?  Don’t we already have an ambulance service?

• The current system is underfunded and needs a steady revenue stream in order to perform its duties.
• The Authority model will stabilize the service – cohesiveness grows from all staff working under the same system
• Positive influence in the community for economic development
• Performance standards increase accountability
• Successful model used in other communities
• 24/7 365 in station – 2 ambulances staffed for advanced life support
• Enhances patient care
• Private companies are not eligible for most grant funds

2.  The new system asks for 15 more firefighters.  Why so many people?

• The new people as well as existing members of the Fire Department will all be Emergency Services providers, not just firefighters.
• The Authority will have up to five ambulances which will be staffed and ready as well as the Fire and Rescue equipment.
• The system will develop rural emergency responders.

3.  Doesn’t the Fire Department already have EMS training?

• Yes it does – all members are basic life support trained at the minimum and 5 members are advanced life support providers.
• Consolidated system will increase efficient and provide seamless care.
• Fire Service requires suppression personnel at a minimum number – they cannot be tied up with transport responsibilities.

4.  Why a sales tax and not a property tax?

• By using a sales tax, everyone passing through the county and those visiting here to shop will be helping fund the project.
• It doesn’t hit property owners disproportionately.

5.  Will I still get a bill if I need to use the ambulance?

• Yes you will.  The sales tax pays for the preparedness.

6.  Why do we need a second building?  The one we have seems pretty big.

• The current building is full and one unit actually sits outside.
• The second building could reduce response times.
• Our emergency response resources will be spread out.
• This building will be an Emergency services station, not just a fire station.
• Ambulances cannot be parked outside; they must be in a temperature controlled environment.
• It makes sense to put some fire and ambulance vehicles in each building.
• There is no more space at the current site.
• The Hwy 14 corridor is being considered.
• Decentralizing resources improves efficiency.

7.  Why does the City of Sterling get a second station and the smaller communities do not?

• The City of Sterling is not getting a new building.  The city will be contracting with the Authority for both fire and emergency services.
• 94% of the 911 medical calls county wide occurs in the City of Sterling or the Sterling Rural Fire Protection District.
• It would be ideal to have a staffed ambulance in every town, but it is not financially feasible.
• The volunteer Fire Departments will continue to provide First Response and Advanced Life Support will respond from Sterling.

8.  I live in the country and already pay for Fire and Ambulance service, with my local Fire Department.  How will this help me?

• The rural Fire Departments provide first responder services but are not transport ambulances at this time.
• This model does provide the option for Volunteer Fire Departments to transport in the future if they desire, but service will continue as normal for rural residents at this time.

9.  How much will this tax cost per year?

• $0.05 on $10
• $0.50 on $100

10.  How much will be generated by the tax?

• $1.2 million based on 2008

11.  What about the people who work for the ambulance now?  What happens to them?

• All employees will be encouraged to apply for positions.

12.  What is the makeup of the board?

• The committee’s proposal is 5 members:  1 from City Council; 1 from County Commission; 1 from Sterling Rural Fire Protection District Board; 2 at-large.

13.  Why is the question to form an Authority rather than a District?

• There was not enough time prior to the election to meet the requirements to form a district.
• District proposal must pass through the County Planning Commission including 3 meetings and a hearing with the County Commissioners.
• District proposal would exclude rural fire department areas.
• Authority proposal can use sales tax.