Callaway County ambulance crew to change from 12-hour to 24-hour schedule

The Callaway County Ambulance District’s Board of Directors voted Wednesday to change its12-hour crew to a 24-hour crew starting Sept. 1. This is a response to the Fulton Medical Center’s closing its doors, which will happen by Sept. 22.

The cost of the change will be “approximately $185,000 per year, which includes pay and benefits,” according to the press release by Callaway County Emergency Medical Services. The district’s regular operating budget will cover the costs.

Director Charles Anderson anticipates an increase in call volume after the center closes. The district currently transports “an average of 28 patients per month to FMC.”

The release explains that without the medical center, ambulances will need to drive farther to facilities, “increasing the amount of time an ambulance will be out of service.”

The 12-hour crew that is being changed was added in July, and the district hopes changing it to 24 hours will increase the number of ambulances available at any given time.

“The Ambulance District realizes the negative effects Fulton Medical Center’s closure will have on the community,” Anderson said. “While we understand there are ongoing efforts by city and county government officials to find a viable solution for the community’s health care needs, we believe being proactive and ensuring our resources can meet the community’s immediate needs makes sense for all of us.”