By Suzanne Moore
The Press-Republican
ROUSES POINT, N.Y. — This village is taking a close look at a shortage of critical-care personnel for its ambulance squad, seeking a cost-effective solution to the issue.
A committee — Rouses Point Village Trustees Arvil Moore (chairman), Benny Arno and Fire Chief Mike LeBlanc — has been studying the matter and is expected to give a report at the next Village Board meeting, Mayor Dan Letourneau said.
“The number of critical-care EMTS is down to three,” he said, “and it looks like it may be down to two,” as one may be moving away from the village.
Discussion at a board session touched on the double whammy of fewer volunteers and increased requirements for certification, which tends to discourage some to sign on.
The village would need to decide whether to contract with a paid service to augment the volunteer squad, which would necessitate higher taxes, it was noted.
Another option would be to dissolve the Rescue Squad, surrender its certificate of need and, again with tax dollars, fund paid service.
“There’s no way we’re not going to have resolution of this,” the mayor said. “If (residents) need an ambulance, they are going to have an ambulance” with the appropriate staffing aboard.