To handle the lack of a reliable emergency response service in the area, the Village of West Winfield wants to run its own service.
West Winfield Mayor Sandy Smith said the current response system relies on a combination of paid and volunteer manpower.
From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. EMS responders are paid, while the rest of the time volunteers cover the calls.
At all times drivers are volunteers. Smith said often the problem during the day, even with paid EMS responders, is lack of drivers.
Calls at night often have to roll over to another community for response. Smith said the delays caused in those responses are a concern to the Village Board. Earlier this year the Village Board began considering options. That led to the following proposed model:
* All hours/days of coverage would have paid responders.
* From 6 a.m. through the rest of the day until midnight, responders would be paid on an hourly basis.
* From midnight to 6 a.m., responders would be paid per call.
* All drivers will be paid per call all the time. ...
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