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Other than the two clarifications, the above TJ article is very informative and thorough.

The reason that a group of us in Greenwood asked Chief Lewis to come out here to enlighten us and answer questions during the discussion is to work toward a sustainable ambulance service, including Advanced Life Support ambulances with a paramedic on board. Response time to the person in need needs to be an important guide when planning the future.

The article notes that of the 404 calls that the Tower Area Ambulance Service had last year,128 involved calling a Virginia Ambulance for an "intercept" to provide Advanced Life Support for a patient. Virginia has been charging $400 each for these intercepts. We're obviously relying heavily on Virginia for Advanced Life Support for our folks. This week, the Virginia Council of the Whole voted to increase the intercept rate to $600, and that will likely be made permanent at their regular Council meeting next week. That increase of $200 per ALS intercept call would have meant an additional $25,600 in charges to the TAAS last year. Providing Advanced Life Support, shorter response times and costs all point to the need for a regional approach, discussion and study of the ambulance services.

Lee Peterson

From: Township hears options for better EMS response

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