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Vote: 5-0 <br /> <br />Yeas: (5) Crabtree, Dallas, Haskell, Roop, Teague. <br /> <br />Nays: (0) None. <br /> <br />J..87 <br /> <br />.TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1998 <br /> <br /> Council next considered a request by the Martinsville-Henry County Rescue Squad for an <br />endorsement by the City of the Squad' s request for a variance from the Virginia Office of Emergency <br />Medical Services regarding its certification as an accredited advanced life-saving provider. Ms. Jean <br />Lewis, Squad Captain, was present to address this issue, and provided background information on the <br />operational challenges faced by the Squad. Ms. Lewis stated that allowance of the requested variance <br />would allow the Squad to resolve its staffing problems over a one year period while allowing other squads <br />in the area to utilize their equipment to run calls for ALS/Cardiac/Paramedic level services. She indicated <br />that her Squad would be limited to the ALS/Shock/Trauma level of service. Further discussion then <br />occurred regarding the challenges faced by the Squad in recruiting new members and problems in <br />working with the public to reduce non-emergency calls. Council Member Dallas noted his desire that this <br />service continue to be provided flee of charge to the residents of the community. City Manager Reynolds <br />pointed out that only two things were being asked of Council with regard to the variance requested. The <br />first was that they be aware of the status of the Squad, and the second that they be willing to support the <br />Squad in their efforts during the next year to plan and correct the problems that had resulted in the change <br />of their status as a service provider. Mr. Ronnie Stone, of Stone Ambulance Service then came forward to <br />voice his recommendation that Council approve the requested variance. Further discussion then followed <br />concerning the problems and challenges faced by the Squad, and statements of support and appreciation <br />for the work of the Squad by all members of Council. Council Member Haskell also requested that Ms. <br />Lewis consider looking at their workload on a regional basis and the development of a strategic work <br />plan, as well as recruitment of an individual to handle the Squad' s administrative workload. Ms. Haskell <br />also asked that Ms. Lewis come back tO Council every three or four months to update them and provide <br /> <br /> <br />