if we ask for a RFP and then go out to BID how are we not paying twice if the town goes out to bid and writes a check for a service - i am paying 2x
why not just do nothing and not pay any service $250 - 350K, pull that cash from next years budget - that means not spending the cash on anything else - and let demand and supply go to work????
Talking to each other is better than talking about each other
You sound like a Capitalist. You are correct, the free market provides a solution where a vacuum exists.
My suggestion regarding the issuance of a RFP is based on the assumption that the town is going to pay for the services. You are correct that for those with insurance that covers the cost of EMS and ambulatory transport, they are paying twice.
if we ask for a RFP and then go out to BID how are we not paying twice if the town goes out to bid and writes a check for a service - i am paying 2x
why not just do nothing and not pay any service $250 - 350K, pull that cash from next years budget - that means not spending the cash on anything else - and let demand and supply go to work????
We would not pay twice, as there would be absolutely no cost to the town...only the users of the service and their insurance providers would pay, as it should be. The town would not be writing a check, they would be receivng annual checks from the private provider for no less than $70,000 per year.
And, an added benefit, it would put that property back on the tax rolls
...not to mention the creation of new private sector jobs...and ALS services...100% response rates within accepted response times... the ability to respond to multiple incidents. The provate provider will replace their own supplies, equipment and ambulances at THEIR expense, and they would not be transferring their debts to taxpayers.
We would not pay twice, as there would be absolutely no cost to the town...only the users of the service and their insurance providers would pay, as it should be. The town would not be writing a check, they would be receivng annual checks from the private provider for no less than $70,000 per year.
Exactly!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
...not to mention the creation of new private sector jobs...and ALS services...100% response rates within accepted response times... the ability to respond to multiple incidents. The provate provider will replace their own supplies, equipment and ambulances at THEIR expense, and they would not be transferring their debts to taxpayers.
Exactly!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
So why doesn't REMS apply for a metroplex deal and go it alone?
You are kidding here right????? We would still be supporting them with OUR tax dollar. Our tax dollars have been wasted on bad business decisions that were made by the metroplex. We have yet to see a return in our investment.
And why would we want to give our tax dollars to an entity that is not fiscally responsible to begin with???? They admitted at the town board meeting that they 'can't' make it on their own. They need new ambulances and new equipment. They can't meet those needs without taxpayer's money!!
This is clearly a no brainer!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Ambulance district will keep Rotterdam EMS alive and well
Re May 20 letter, “Without reform, REMS will only bleed taxpayers”: After reading Mr. Brian McGarry’s letter, I agree there is a very important vote June 29 at Rotterdam Town Hall. I disagree with his categorizing the establishment of an ambulance district “as the biggest expansion of government in the history of the town.” The increase in “taxes” he speaks of is equivalent to an annual donation to REMS [Rotterdam Emergency Medical Service] of $25 or so, in some cases less than what some residents or businesses will donate. Figure it out, 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation on your property. The employees of REMS will not be government employees of the town. REMS is not unionized, as are some outside emergency EMS agencies. REMS board of directors determines wages and benefi ts for its employees, not a union or the employees. Reform is mentioned, however no one stops to realize all of the many hours spent on the reorganization of REMS that has resulted in all accounts brought up to date, with other pay plans in place. When Mr. [former Supervisor Steve] Tommasone and the town board were pressured by me to establish the ambulance district that had been talked about since 2003, and residents favored in a questionnaire sent out by REMS 2-1, he came under political pressure to let the voters decide, not the board. They finally did make a resolution to put it to a vote. The so-called “No New Tax Party” had no influence on their decision. REMS does not currently operate in a deficit, as Mr. McGarry stated. Yes, we are paying off the incurred IRS debt, but the amount he quoted is around $62,000 higher than the settlement agreement. REMS is a not-for-profi t organization composed of a consolidation of ambulance services that faithfully served the residents of Rotterdam and Princetown since 1936. When the fi nal consolidation of White Eagle and Rotterdam volunteer EMS was done in October 2004, it was decided at that time to put on paid staff, as volunteers were no longer available. [The] $120,000 [being sought from Rotterdam residents] is not even a third of REMS’ budget. To improve services, buy new ambulances, medical supplies and facilities upkeep, to name a few, costs money. Princetown realized this and contributes; so must Rotterdam. A yes vote ensures REMS will provide the best up-to-date EMS for residents of the town. The town board will have oversight of REMS, and REMS welcomes an annual audit to assure our residents that everything is in order. Rotterdam EMS has proven its need and viability. I encourage all town residents to vote yes June 29.
JOE VANDERWERKER Rotterdam The writer is president of the Board of Directors for REMS and past chief of Rotterdam Fire District No. 3.
What Mr. Vanderwerker fails to mention is that no matter how 'little' the cost....THERE IS STILL A COST/TAX!! Which will clearly increase yearly. There is already mention of outdated equipment (ambulances) that need to be replaced. Why aren't they doing that now WITHOUT taxpayer's money!!!
And why so much resistance? Mohawk already said that they would absorb the rems employees and the building! Again at NO COST to the taxpayers!
And let us remember that Mohawk, at no cost to the taxpayers, offers ALS which is clearly superior to the BLS (aka transport service) offered by rems.
Rotterdam's taxpayers do not need another tax!!!! Vote NO for rems!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
New ambulances, improved medical devices, state mandated equipment and training, and salaries will continue to rise over time and the net result will become nothing more than a mandate for the taxpayer to pay forever.
And why so much resistance? Mohawk already said that they would absorb the rems employees and the building! Again at NO COST to the taxpayers!
And let us remember that Mohawk, at no cost to the taxpayers, offers ALS which is clearly superior to the BLS (aka transport service) offered by rems.
Rotterdam's taxpayers do not need another tax!!!! Vote NO for rems!
Sir I think theres a few issues about EMS that you need to understand
1) Rotterdam EMS doesnt make enough money ( apparently ) from billing insurance agencies to cover their services. Is that because they might only charge BLS rates and not ALS rates? Im not sure. If they took over ALS coverage and had 1 EMT and 1 Paramedic in each bus I would think their service would be 10x more effective. Currently they run 2 EMT's x 2 Ambulances + 2 paramedics in SUV's from RPD. If they ditched the 2 SUV's and put the paramedics on the Ambulances, it would save money. Period.
2) Mohawk years ago took over ambulance coverage for Glenville / Scotia. I remember hearing that Mohawk promised to put a ambulance 24/7 in that area. That never happened, and ambulance coverage comes 100% from their main station in Schenectady.
3) Mohawk provides mostly BLS coverage to Schenectady and Albany Cities. They charge for ALS services and I think also kick back some of that money back to the city. Long story short, they make more money for ALS services by billing for it but not having to put out the cost of said ALS services. At least thats a rumor, if it is not true someone from Mohawk or one of the Cities should clarify. If Mohawk were to take over EMS coverage for Rotterdam / Princetown the delays for care would be huge, I'd wager to say 10+ extra minutes to get an ambulance to someones house. If your in cardiac arrest, that is a death sentence in my opinion.
4) Rotterdam ALS services are provided by the Police department. I havent looked at the budget in a long time, but i would wager a guess that Rotterdam Police actually make more money from the town then they spend in ALS services. If that was NOT the case, I would have expected that REMS would have taken over ALS services along time ago. There is some reason why REMS doesnt run the ALS side of EMS in Rotterdam, if its not the police department's interference then im not sure what the issue is.
5) The Rotterdam fire departments could EASILY help the situation. Put one ambulance in South Schenectady and one in Carmen Fire Department. You just instantly saved money by not having to heat and light 2 buildings. Those 2 departments have plenty of room to fit an ambulance in their bays.
6) Do I need to mention that Rotterdam / Princetown Tax payers pay for at least 8 Fire Stations with a huge amount of fire trucks? The amount of money spent for the coverage gained is sad, between South Schenectady / Carmen / District 2 I would wager there is at least 3 million a year being spent. Now they dont charge alot per $1000 to each house, so many people dont complain, but believe me its a huge waste of money if you look at the 2 towns. So in short, theres 5 + million ( someone have a more accurate number?) being paid to 8 fire districts, but people dont want to give a few hundred thousand to your own dedicated ambulance?
I agree with some of your issues. But the main issue remains that the taxpayers DO NOT need another taxing district that will clearly continue to grow.
As far as the fear tactic of Mohawk responding in a lesser time than rems is not conclusive. Mohawk has been handling most of the calls any way ..... until recently.
As far as paying more for ALS.....I'm all for it.....through my insurance and co-pay. If my loved one was having a heart attack or in a major or in a life threatening accident....I would request Mohawk FIRST!
As far as Mohawk promising glenville a 24/7 operation.........is there a contract between glenville and mohawk? If there is and the 24/7 operation is part of that contract but not being adhered to, than glenville can call Mohawk on that. I don't know the particulars, so I can't say. But if there is a contract between mohawk and rotterdam that includes 24/7 coverage from a location in rotterdam, than it is up to the town to hold them to that.
I really don't see a negative issue with mohawk....only positive! They are a fine ALS/BLS service that would not cost the taxpayers a dime! Rotterdam does not need another taxing district no matter how small it's proposed for. And rotterdam clearly does not need even more town employees with life long benefits! Leave it up to the private sector...not the government! IMHO
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Most of the research I've seen says that CPR is absolutly nessacary to sustain life in a cardiac event. ALS has it's place, but only after bls skills are underway. The delay of mohawk means the delay of CPR.
Coming from schenectady to Rotterdam is a huge delay of those services.
If Mohawk put an ambulance into rotterdam ( which they won't ) then there's more of a case for them to take over services.
Most of the research I've seen says that CPR is absolutly nessacary to sustain life in a cardiac event. ALS has it's place, but only after bls skills are underway. The delay of mohawk means the delay of CPR.
Coming from schenectady to Rotterdam is a huge delay of those services.
If Mohawk put an ambulance into rotterdam ( which they won't ) then there's more of a case for them to take over services.
http://rpdmedics.com/
First of all, the Rotterdam Paramedics respond first. They stabilize the patient prior to transport. The benefit of an ambulance service that provides ALS is if there is a medical crisis during transport, they can intervene.
As quoted from the website, "Paramedics today undergo thousands of hours of training to achieve their state and/or national certification. This certification is dependent upon successful completion of a re-certification exam every three years and many hours of continuing education annualy. Paramedics must also maintain other certifications to practice in their respective operating region such as CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Prehospital Trauma Life Support."
So to me it is a no brainer that if I or a loved one is being transported by ambulance, I would want some medical intervention if conditions deteriorated to life threatening. Hence the ALS transport certainly trumps BLS service in my book.
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