BUCYRUS — The Bucyrus City Council Health and Safety Committee met in a special meeting Tuesday evening to discuss the city of Bucyrus’ future in the Central Joint Ambulance District.
Concerns with the district arose after the district recently voted to approve changes to the district’s agreement with Portsmouth Emergency Ambulance Services.
In its original agreement, Portsmouth EAS had three ambulances in service, with one being able to transport patients and two being on standby for 911 calls.
Changes to the agreement included allowing a second ambulance to provide local patient transports in the Bucyrus city limits while the other transport ambulance is occupied.
Committee chair Kevin Myers said Bucyrus was the only municipality in the ambulance district to vote no on the changes.
Bucyrus officials are concerned with the agreement leaving possibly one ambulance available for 911 calls across Crawford County.
Committee members Andrew Schoch and Mark Makeever both shared their concerns during the meeting. Schoch said it simply is not what was agreed to when the contracts were signed.
Council President Sis Love said the Bucyrus Fire Department does have a backup ambulance for city services. Myers said there are six paramedics on the fire department and the rest are certified EMT’s. He said he would like to more personnel added to the department.
City Law Director Rob Ratliff said he is scheduling a meeting next week with representatives of the ambulance district, Portsmouth EAS, Bucyrus city administration and Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall.
He said he will provide updates to council members as they are available.