By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
There was more discussion on a possible substation during the Central Joint Ambulance District meeting Wednesday night.
In Sandusky Township’s report to the board the numbers for a building are not looking good for a permanent substation. The possibility of using the former Farmers Citizens Bank in Tiro was also discussed. The location would need to put up a building to house the ambulances and hook into the public water system in Tiro would cost at least $3,000 on top of purchasing the property.
Discussion of possibly using New Washington as a substation was quickly put to rest when the board agreed that it in a central enough location for the CJAD to operate a substation.
As far as the Biddle Road location the landowner has offered to put a door on the opposite end of the building for easier ambulance access when returning to the station.
The Life Support Team agreed to take a tour of the building to see if it will meet their needs when they take over ambulance service provider for the district on Dec. 1.
During the meeting Steve Aichholz was announced as New Washington’s representative to the CJAD. Aichholz replaces New Washington Police Chief Scott Robertson who passed away unexpectedly Aug. 21. A moment of silence was held in remembrance of Robertson at the beginning of the meeting and a memorial contribution was taken up by the CJAD for Scott Robertson.
Members of Life Support Team were on hand to update the CJAD. Jesse Sipes, COO for Life Support, noted that the company is receiving applicants from LifeStar, and hopes that more apply. Both Sipes and Chris Kennedy made the offer for board members to view the Life Support Team station in Galion.
Kennedy noted that he spoke with Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent. Kennedy said that when Life Support Team takes over in December they will utilize the county’s CAD system.
Kennedy said that Life Support Team will have six squads for use when they begin their contract: three of which are currently being used, two that are in the process of being painted, and one new vehicle that is expected to arrive next week. Kennedy did say that at least one vehicle will remain at their Galion location.
John Brown of Vernon Township came before the board Wednesday night requesting copies of the contracts that had been up for bid as well as copies of the maps of the ambulance route tiers.
Brown also questioned the Life Support Team members about a lawsuit that happened in Richland County.
Kennedy explained that the lawsuit was a restraining order from operating in Richland County.
LifeStar representative Corey Wright reported LifeStar had 180 9-1-1 calls with an average of six calls per day. One-hundred-and-thirty-one calls were in Tier 0, 29 to Tier 1, and 20 calls to Tier 2. Wright also noted that LifeStar participated in 12 public assists, as well as first aid for the Bratwurst Festival.