CCMSD approves new stand-by service policy for ambulances

A new policy for stand-by service at public events has officially been approved for Crook County Medical Services District (CCMSD) ambulances. The policy includes a fee to cover the costs of ambulance and also the medical staff, who must be brought in specifically to cover the event.

The service will continue to be available on request for all events in the area, with a charge of $150 per hour for an advanced life support ambulance and $100 for a basic life support ambulance, with a two-hour minimum.

However, the policy gives discretion to the CEO or their designee to waive those fees or offer a discount in the case of gatherings that are of benefit to the community.

“That’s kind of our duty to provide, because it’s a public benefit for the town and the county,” said Trustee Mark Erickson at last week’s meeting of the Board of Trustees.

“That’s our piece of the contribution.”

With this in mind, the board held some discussion as to what actually should constitute a community event in the eyes of the district. Something along the lines of the Sundance Winter Festival is obviously of community benefit, for example, and the event itself is not making a profit.

But what about events with less clearly defined financials? Rodeo organizers, for example, might charge a gate fee to then be used for prize money, or they may charge a fee that goes towards the profit of that business.

“Technically speaking, the rodeos at the county fair are private groups that put those on for profit,” said Trustee Sandy Neiman. This would likely still be seen as a community event, however.

The board realized that it would be difficult to come up with a hard-and-fast rule so, in a case like this, it would be the CEO’s call. An event hosted by a private group can still be for community benefit, said Erickson, which is why discretion is needed.

The difference, he said, is whether the event is, “for the greater good of something,” or if it’s, “nothing that really contributes to the value within the county”.

The fee, when applied, includes the crew, the ambulance itself and all associated equipment, to be available in the event emergency medical services are needed.

“[We] have an ambulance standing by, not just a person wandering around with a medical bag,” said CEO Micki Lyons.

It’s “a higher level of commitment,” added Erickson.

The fee is applied to the event organizer and does not include any charges incurred by a patient who is transported to the hospital.

The fee does not guarantee coverage if the ambulance is needed on an emergency. Standy coverage can only be provided when an ambulance and crew is available, according to the policy.

“A serious incident or disaster may require the reallocation of the standby ambulance and crew as a higher public safety priority,” states the policy.

“In this situation, the senior crew member on-site will notify the event promoter/contact. An attempt will be made to have an ambulance from another agency cover the event. The CCMSD ambulance and crew will return to the event as soon as practicable.”

Lyons noted, however, that surrounding ambulance services are not obligated to cover such a situation and will make their own determination when the request is made.

The board approved the new policy, which becomes effective immediately.