LEESBURG, Ga. — A paramedic in Georgia is speaking out about a new plan by county commissioners to change EMS shifts.
WTVM.com reported Lee County Commissioners have introduced a proposal that would change EMS shifts from the current 24-hour on, 72-hour off schedule to a 24-hour on, 48-hour off schedule.
Lee County paramedic and firefighter John Anderson said the proposed new schedule would force experienced paramedics to leave and could ruin the department’s quick response time, according to the report.
“We are losing experienced and great paramedics. If this happens they don’t have a choice but to leave Lee County,” Anderson said.
Anderson said many paramedics work two jobs to support their families. The new schedule would interfere with their ability to work a second job, he said.
“You make about $32,000 to $36,000 per year and you work two jobs so you can make a decent living to provide for your family and pay your bills,” Anderson said. “My (paramedic) partner in Lee County, he has five children. You can’t take care of a family with two children on $32,000 a year.”
The proposal, titled “Drop Dead Plan,” calls for changes in shifts and privatization if paramedics quit effective in July.
Lee County Commission Chairman Rick Muggridge said the proposal is just a small portion of the many proposals on EMS changes that have been discussed over the last two years. County officials are continuing to search for ways to cut down on EMS expenses without increasing response times.
Anderson said he and other Lee County paramedics would accept a proposal to allow existing EMS positions to continue working on their current shift schedule for another year before consolidating the department. The extra year would allow paramedics time to find different work and give firefighters more time for EMS training in preparation for the consolidation, according to the report.