On April 18 the Western Carroll County Ambulance District held its first regular meeting since April 3 when commissioners voted to award the ambulance service contract to Eureka Springs Fire Department Emergency Medical Services. Some discontent from that meeting flared again at this one.
As soon as the ESFD performance report came up on the agenda, chair Sam Ward questioned the arithmetic and intent of Eureka Springs Fire Chief Nick Samac. Ward said to Samac, “I talked to you about it last time, not being able to add four numbers. It’s the same thing this time. It’s obvious these aren’t being proofed. It’s obvious to me nobody cares.”
Samac corrected Ward on where data in the reports came from. Ward expressed further issues with how data was entered in the reports until Samac responded, “I don’t need to be chastised.”
“Yes, you do. Yes, you do,” Ward answered. “For ten months we haven’t had an accurate report.”
Ward pointed out problems with Samac’s spreadsheet, Samac replied, “If you see anything like that, bring it to my attention before we get here.” He encouraged moving beyond the confrontation and trying to cooperate. “All we want to do is provide you with what you want,” Samac stated.
Commissioner Marie Lee said she would be concerned if the chiefs complained they were not getting the service they need, and she has not heard that. As far as Samac’s reports, Lee said they are easier to read than before, and the commission gets information it needs.
Ward held to his view that Eureka Springs does not abide by a stipulation in the contract to have two ambulances available at all times for the western district. Conversation followed about various multi-ambulance incidents and how ESFD had third and fourth ambulances standing by. As far as response times, Samac pointed out there are many situations which are not emergencies in which he advises the driver to slow down.
Ward said using an average response time for the month as the performance gauge is lowering the standard. He posed the possibility ESFD could put an ambulance in Holiday Island, and asked if the commission should ignore response times to Mundell Road and beyond because they will be more than 15 minutes. He also suggested a possible penalty of $20,000 every month ESFD does not meet performance standards.
Commissioners did agree to meet for a work session on the contract Wednesday, May 3, at 1 p.m., at the Cornerstone Bank in Holiday Island.