Emergency services in Exeter Township are in need of help.
The Exeter Ambulance Association is losing money from their 9-1-1 response calls and fears they will soon be unable to operate 24-hour service.
With a five percent increase in 9-1-1 calls from last year, the EAA is losing money performing life-saving operations due to the lack of reimbursement.
“We’re seeing more people and less and less private insurance,” Exeter Ambulance Association Chief of Operations Jon Herbsleb said. Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements are only producing a portion of the entire bill, leaving the EAA at a loss. For a medical service bill of $900, Medicare only returns $342 to the EAA; Medicaid only returns around $140 – $160.
In order to make ends meet, the EAA is asking the township to serve as the collector and request a $55 “medical response allowance” from each household in the township.
According to the township’s fire and emergency medical services report, the EAA formed in 1969 and provides services of basic and advanced life support, as well as non-emergency ambulance and wheelchair transportation contracted with St. Joseph Health Network. The EAA responds with medical services throughout Exeter and the Borough of St. Lawrence with a fleet of six vehicles; four are dedicated to 9-1-1 response calls, and two are dedicated to transportation for St. Joseph’s. During the township’s Nov. 5 budget meeting, Herbsleb came to the board asking for the assistance to keep emergency services an efficient operation.
“Ambulance service is much, much more than a ride to the hospital,” Herbsleb said. “We are trained paramedics and EMTs who have the skill and experience to do resuscitation, administer medications, read EKGs and provide other vital interventions. Our field coordination stabilizes patients and prepares hospitals for their arrival.”
The possibility of combining forces with the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department as a way to preserve services was discussed. Two years ago, both entities developed a plan for a combined ambulance program, but at that time the fire department did not have an ambulance.
Last year, the fire department purchased two used ambulances from Muhlenberg. The fire department is awaiting direction from the board and until then, the ambulances are being housed in a garage, unused.
“I think fire based EMS is a good idea,” Jeff Bukowski, chairman, said. “The leaders of both organizations have expressed a desire and a willingness to make it work.”
If the township would require residents to pay an additional $55 per household, the EAA would be able to update their equipment, upgrade their vehicle fleet and afford health care costs.
Supervisor Kenneth Smith stated he is not in favor of the fee. “I am not looking for a $55 add on to anything this year because that means raising taxes…I would be opposed to that,” Smith said.
“No matter which way we go, it will have a budget impact,” Bukowski said. “We are looking at what are the alternatives that would be best for [everyone].”
“The problems that each of the organizations are experiencing are not unique,” David Miller, Emergency Management Coordinator, said. At the upcoming meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19, Miller will present “a clearer picture” of all sides to the board.
Miller said they need to determine “who provides what level of care at what time and who would fill in for each other” as well as the process, procedure and operations.
“I don’t think we can reinvent the wheel, nor should we.”
Every year the EAA sends out their annual fund drive to the 8,300 households. Of the requests, 22 to 24 percent of recipients mail back a donation.
“We’re only getting back 22 percent,” Herbsleb said. That 22 percent is footing the entire bill for emergency services for the township. If the $55 requirement would go through, the EAA is offering a refund to anyone who paid for a yearly membership. An annual membership to the EAA is $67.
“The fire department has been very open minded,” Exeter Township Fire Chief Robert Jordan said. “We will review any suggestions the board has.”
Last November, the fire department presented the board with a complete report of their operations.
“The board needs to intervene,” Jordan said. “We’ve given everything, I don’t know what else to give, or what else to present.”
Herbsleb strongly encourages anyone who is in favor of the medical response allowance to contact their supervisor and come to the Nov. 19 budget workshop meeting, where the conversation will contiune.
The budget workshop meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the township building, 4975 DeMoss Rd., Reading, PA 19606.
In other business, the board approved the appointments for the Fire Police, welcoming members Norman Willig, Greg Moll, Christopher George, Margaret Moll, Doreen Willig, Russell George, James McHenry, John Antush, Michael Hare and Karen George as Special Fire Police.
