By Michael Barrett
Gaston Gazette
Copyright 2008 Gaston Gazette
 
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — An investment to improve Gaston Emergency Medical Services staffing levels and response times has apparently paid off.

A year ago, GEMS ambulances were struggling to get to callers in need of help within an acceptable time, in part because of a shortage of paramedic positions. The agency also offered a meager annual starting salary that hindered its ability to hire and retain paramedics.

GEMS Director Mark Lamphiear outlined the problem for county commissioners in February 2007, along with a plan to address it. They responded by approving eight new full-time positions and upgrading paramedic pay by 14 percent.

Full Story: County lost nearly one out of every four of its paramedics in 2006