MULLICA’S HIDDEN AMBULANCE REPORT (VIII. The previous section posted here analyzed 8 options for providing ambulance service to the residents of Mullica. Section IX. the conclusion... now makes the secret reports evaluation and recommendation.)

IX. RECOMMENDATION

The recommendation and analysis contained within this report is not meant in any way to impinge on the dedication and integrity of our rescue squad volunteers. The committee recognizes and commends their dedication and service to the community. This sub-committee was charged with the responsibility of ascertaining the most efficient and financially prudent method of providing emergency rescue services tot he residents of Mullica Township. The decision is based on economic realities, not on personal feelings or judgments.

The financial investment required to continue the Mullica Rescue Squad is significant, and staffing the organization with volunteers will continue to be a challenge. Because of these reasons, and based on the analysis contained in this report, the committee is recommending the Township enter into an agreement with the Hammonton Rescue Squad to provide ambulance services on a full-time basis. Service being provided currently by Hammonton has been rated as satisfactory or higher by Township departments who interact with the squad.

The current annual cost to operate the Mullica Rescue Squad is approximately $48,700; future capital investment will increase the annual cost $7,200 to $66,000 more per year. Total costs will exceed $68,000 in 2008. In contrast, the annual cost paid to the Hammonton Rescue Squad would be $50,000. Adjusted for inflation, the annual cost would be approximately $54,000 in 2008.

A summary of the financial statistics considered by the committee are presented as follows:

....................................................................Mullica Township....................Hammonton
...................................................................Rescue Squad............................Rescue Squad

Current Hours of Coverage.............................5616.......................................3120
Current Cost per Hour.....................................$6.77......................................$3.21
Full-time Hours of Coverage...........................8736.......................................8736
Projected Full-time Cost per Hour............$5.57 to $15.55.......................$5.72 to $8.77
Current Cost Per Call......................................$144.94..................................$42.02
Projected Cost Per Call (100% of calls)...$91.54 to $150.91...................$93.98 to $79.83
Projected Cost Per Call (50% of calls).....$173.05 to $301.81

...* Projections for 2006 - 2015 assuming 5.4% annual increase in calls and 4% inflation rate

Based on the financial data, the committee concluded the most cost-effective method of delivering ambulance services is by contracting with Hammonton Rescue Services. Coupled with the state-wide shortage of rescue volunteers, the committee feels this is the only viable option for the township at this time.

Sources:
.....New Jersey State Firs Aid Council
.....New Jersey Office of Emergency Medical Services
.....New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
.....Mid Atlantic Communications
.....Mullica Township Police Department
.....Mullica Towship Rescue Squad
.....Pleasantville Fire Department
.....City of Linwood
.....Hammonton Rescue Squad.
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This is the conclusion of the Ambulance report which was issued in August of 2005 and has never been made public nor have the conclusions been discussed publicly. A smelly dead fish does not get better just because it is ignored. Where is the leadership of the Republican cabal that runs Mullica Township? But then this has been the norm for the past decade...it is time for a change and the voters will once again get that opportunity this November. Sticking one’s head in the ground makes an awful tempting target.