MULLICA’S HIDDEN AMBULANCE REPORT (Cont’... VII. This the previous section posted here posed 8 options...having posted the first 7 options and their ANALYSIS, GadFly now posts the last (8th) option.

VIII. ANALYSIS (Cont’)

PARTNER WITH ANOTHER NON-PROFIT SQUAD

Partnership with another non-profit squad was explored, and the committee identified two potential service providers: Galloway Township Rescue Squad and Hammonton Rescue Squad. Due to response time concerns, the committee focused on the potential relationship with Hammonton. However, the governing body may find it prudent to explore a relationship with the Galloway Township Rescue Squad should future circumstances warrant.

Currently, Hammonton Rescue Squad is a paid, non-profit squad supplemented with volunteers. For full-time shifts are maintained, with a combination of full-time, part-time and volunteer services. The current staff consists of 28 full-time EMTs, 27 part-time EMTs and 6-10 volunteers. The executive director indicated that the turn-over rate is low. Management reports directly to an independent Board of Directors.*

The committee discussed two possible alternatives as they relate to contracting with the Hammonton Rescue Squad for services: one entailed housing a dedicated ambulance in Mullica; the other for Hammonton Rescue Squad to provide service 24/7 for the entire Township from their facilities in Hammonton.

The cost to have one dedicated ambulance in Mullica would cost an estimated $200,000 annually. At this time, call volume and service concerns would not support this type of arrangement.

For Hammonton Rescue Squad to provide service to Mullica Township 24/7, the annual cost would be $50,000, with future costs adjusted for inflation. The current call distribution would require Hammonton to increase staffing levels.

Direct dispatching would increase response times and provide faster service to residents. The EMTs and first responders in Mullica would be welcomed, and encouraged to join Hammonton Rescue Squad, and would enhance the services provided to Mullica residents.

Hammonton Rescue would also promote its subscription service (fund raising drive) in Mullica Township. An annual contribution would guarantee there would be no bill for service - whether a resident has insurance or not. All co-payments or balance remaining after insurance company payments would be waived. The recommended contribution amount is $35 for an individual, $60 for a couple and $75 for family, but any amount would qualify for the waiver of remaining balances. The Township may also consider making an additional contribution as an annual bulk subscription for residents who do not contribute, or who do not have insurance and do not contribute.

Response protocols would need to be contained within any contract executed with Hammonton Rescue Squad, and the committee would recommend all four township fire departments be included in any future contract negotiations, should they occur.

At this time, it is unknown whether Hammonton Rescue Squad would be interested in the Township’s existing ambulances. The issue was discussed with the Executive Director, and it depends, obviously, on how well the equipment was maintained and its general condition. Selling the ambulances at auction is alos another viable option.


* Although the Hammonton Rescue Squad is independent of the Town of Hammonton, the Town of Hammonton contributed a $10,000 fuel subsidy to the squd in 2005, and is proposing a $25,000 fuel subsiidy of 2006.

{GadFly notes that indeed in 2006 Hammonton contriubted $25,000 but the 2007 proposed Hammonton budget seeks to cut that number back to around the previous $10,000 contribution.}