The Tyler County Commission faced pointed questions from Middlebourne EMS at the commission’s Tuesday night meeting. Several members of Middlebourne EMS were in attendance to discuss a recently implemented plan regarding emergency coverage and MEMS staffing.

The commission approved a new plan Jan. 14 where Tyler County EMS will provide emergency medical services for a portion of the county, while Middlebourne EMS will be responsible for the remainder. Under the plan, all EMS units must be staffed with at least one EMT and one paramedic at all times.

While Tyler County EMS has met these staffing requirements, Middlebourne EMS has not yet been able to. Additionally, the plan mandates that each station must maintain 24/7 staffing and be on route to emergency calls within an average of two minutes after receiving a 911 dispatch.

The Commission has given Middlebourne EMS 30 days to prepare for the implementation of the plan. After 60 days, commissioners will review the situation and determine whether Middlebourne EMS has met the required standards.

Commissioner Mike Smith read a statement from Josh Miller of Toriseva Law, the commission’s legal counsel, outlining the commission’s authority and responsibilities regarding emergency medical services in the county.

“The Tyler County Commission has the exclusive authority, under state law, to determine how those emergency medical services are provided to the citizens. The Tyler County Commission has issued a written request to Middlebourne EMS requesting that it address staffing and response times when a citizen calls for emergency services. The plan is meant to create a framework for Middlebourne EMS (MEMS) so the corrections can be made that benefit the citizens of Tyler County. This plan allows time for MEMS to address the issues outlined in the plan. During this period of time, no emergency services will be interrupted. The Tyler County Commission has no ability to dissolve MEMS or stop it from undertaking hospital transfers as those transfers are the responsibility of the hospital that requests it. The Tyler County Commission is doing their job, following the law, and taking seriously its duty to provide emergency medical services to the citizens of Tyler County.”

Smith also addressed rumors regarding the creation of a centralized emergency medical service station in Tyler County. Smith firmly stated that no such plans exist citing concerns over the potential impact on response times.

Jason Maisey, a driver for Middlebourne EMS, highlighted the challenges of meeting those new requirements, noting that obtaining paramedic certification can take between six and 18 months and that there is a shortage of available personnel. He also pointed out funding difficulties and questioned why a driver and an EMT could not staff emergency calls, sharing that other counties in West Virginia operate with such a setup.

Smith emphasized the importance of having both an EMT and paramedic on site during emergencies.

“Roughly between 50 and 70% of calls require a paramedic and the patient greatly benefits from having a paramedic on site,” Smith said.

Regarding funding concerns, Smith assured attendees that financial support would not be an issue once a financial audit was concluded and other requirements were met.

Commission President Eric Vincent also weighed in defending the new standards. He cited West Virginia codes 7-15-18 which grants county commissions the complete authority to set emergency medical services requirements within their jurisdiction.

Tim Stanley of MEMS suggested a joint special meeting with both county EMS departments and the commissioners to discuss concerns and reach an agreement that is acceptable to all parties. The commissioners agreed. A time and date for the special meeting is to be determined, but discussions on the plans impact and feasibility are to continue as the deadline approaches.