Following backlash from the Calvert Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community, the county commissioners elected to hold a special meeting to work with local EMS leaders on the budget allocation for Career (or paid) EMS Staff.
The complaints by the emergency volunteers varied but had a similar theme, revolving around a lack of communication between the county’s EMS and the commissioners. The plan the volunteers had issue with was voted on and approved in late April, creating two Advanced Life Support (ALS) chase units and an EMS Supervisor position, working 10 hours a day seven days a week. The Commissioners’ $2.3 million for the Career EMS Division more than halved the $5.8 million allocated in the Staff Recommended budget.
One of the largest concerns expressed by the volunteer spokespeople present was not having the paid ALS crews available 24 hours a day. The need coincided with a common sentiment expressed by the four volunteers on the panel that the volunteers are tired and overworked.