Think private services are the only ones losing to FD's? Nope.

[mrmeaner]

The story so far.

Not sure how this is going to shake out, hopefully we won't be losing any jobs over this, but nothing's certain yet.

[brentoli]

I only skimmed. Didn't really read, but this caught my eye:

Some of the revenue generated would come through Aspirus Health Care. Williams said Aspirus wants to contract with his department for transports, primarily from Rhinelander to Wausau.

Am I interpreting that correctly, a fire department wants to take over EMS, AND take IFT's?

[mrmeaner]

Yep. There are now two medical groups: Ministry, who is a religously based hospital who has been the only game in town for a while, and Aspirus, who is fairly new, but moving in fast.

The IFT's would, from my understanding, utilize a FF as a driver and Aspirus medical staff. Apparently the FD plans to house the IFT truck.

[brentoli]

And thats worth tax money how?

[JPINFV]

How often do you think that FF driving the IFT unit is going to be asking for permission to drive emergently?

[mrmeaner]

Considering that a majority of the city calls are nursing home runs, I don't see much revenue there to begin with. Even if Aspirus pays the FF's salary for running calls, I don't see where the money to the city is coming from.

As far as driving emergently, I would guess very few as any call will get them out of station duties.

[brentoli]

They might pay the salary, or a fee, but its still tax supported if its an FD.

Consider:

Salary of workers

Fuel

Wear on Vehicle

Supplies

O2

Secondary coverage if truck is on IFT and resources are all used

Admin fees

Billing fees

Are they going to sit down, and calculate the exact costs of these items and charge that, and also NOT direct tax money to the ambulance service?

[mrmeaner]

My guess would be that the IFT rig would be maintained and operated at the cost of Aspirus. The FD will provide housing for it and staff it with a driver (with reimbursment) and in return, Aspirus will help fund the launch of the FD's 911 medic program. The 911 rigs would be owned and operated by the city.

[brentoli]

Still smells fishy to me.