Statement For · Dr Paul Craven
statement likely humanCommittee: Dr Paul Craven
Clallam County Fire District #2 delivers essential EMS services that protect you and your family. EMTs, Paramedics, and Firefighters are ready to assist at any time, but now they need your support. Since 2012, the district has offered advanced Paramedic-level emergency care without receiving ongoing federal, state, or county funding, relying solely on its regular fire levy. At present, patients are billed for each EMS transport, something this new levy would eliminate. However, using the district’s regular fire levy isn’t sustainable because it reduces resources for other vital fire department functions like fire suppression and technical rescue. The funding from a dedicated EMS levy is crucial to maintaining the district’s EMS program given the rising demand for service. Over the last decade, call volumes in the district have increased by more than 42%, with incidents happening simultaneously 32% of the time. This means care can be delayed when emergencies overlap. As demand grows, current staff and volunteers aren’t enough to meet the needs of the community. Without the EMS levy, the district can’t hire additional personnel to keep up with this demand. Dedicated EMS levy funds will help maintain high-quality emergency care, allow for hiring more staff, and end out-of-pocket ambulance transport costs for district residents. This desired level of prehospital care, free from direct costs to individuals, is already available to most residents outside of Fire District 2 in eastern Clallam County. Support Clallam County Fire District 2 and Emergency Medical Services by voting YES!