Jefferson County making progress toward taking over ambulance service by Oct. 1

The Jefferson County Ambulance Service Association (JCASA) continues to move forward in its efforts to create a publicly operated ambulance service. This new service will be operated as a County Department, providing local oversight and ownership of the ambulance resources.

“Developing and operating an Ambulance Service is no easy task,” stated Tom Twohill, Fairfield City Council Member, “but the hard work now will result in a long-term solution for the patients in our community.”

In preparation for this transition, JCASA and its entities’ staff have been busy identifying a location for the ambulance barn, identifying equipment needs and hiring an Ambulance Service Director.

Brian Thomas started in his role as Ambulance Service Director on Wednesday, April 19. He comes into this role with previous experience as a Director for a private ambulance service. Brian is an Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support Paramedic with an accomplished background with military and civilians. He has been awarded the Bronze Star and numerous combat awards.

The county is working with an architect to renovate the former bank building located at 1900 West Burlington Avenue, and will build on three ambulance bays in place of the drive-thru.

“I am very grateful for the support and the hard work of the City, County, and Hospital leadership and staff to make this transition successful,” said Dee Sandquist, County Supervisor.

JCHC board member Julie Greeson added, “We all understand this is an essential service for our community and the collaboration by all groups is what will make this endeavor successful.”

JCASA has set a goal to fully transition to the County Ambulance Service by the end of the current Ambulance Service contract with CARE Ambulance, which expires on Sept. 30, 2023.

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