Clear Spring EMS County Staff Transition will Enhance Patient Care without Tax Increase, but Won’t Eliminate Need for Fundraising

Clear Spring EMS’ new partnership with the Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES) aims to improve emergency medical response and Advanced Life Support (ALS) coverage within the community, said President Dave Glaze Jr. in a recent announcement on their social media. This initiative is designed to leverage the county’s larger pool of paramedics, addressing historical gaps in ALS coverage that stemmed from a nationwide shortage. The transition, described as a partnership rather than a takeover, is intended to ensure more reliable ALS services and better shift staffing for residents, but will only be a staffing transition, leaving the EMS company responsible for expenses such as vehicles and equipment.

Under the terms of the agreement, Washington County DES will now provide both ALS and Basic Life Support (BLS) staffing. This integration is expected to boost operational capacity and lead to more uniform service delivery across the area. The county will also take on the responsibility for billing and will receive the majority of the revenue generated from these services. Clear Spring EMS will continue to manage its operational expenses, including the ownership and maintenance of its vehicles and equipment. The organization will retain ownership of its building and will continue its governance functions. Crucially, the county has agreed to honor the Clear Spring EMS fund drive, allowing for continued community financial support for the organization.

“I feel like this partnership is going to provide better, reliable staffing for the citizens of Clear Spring,” said Glaze. “In a time where there’s paramedic and EMT shortages they’re going to have a bigger pool to choose from, and that will directly affect the citizens of Clear Spring and the surrounding area in a positive way.”

A significant component of this transition involves the majority of the current Clear Spring EMS staff transitioning to become employees of Washington County DES. This approach is intended to maintain continuity of care and ensure that residents continue to receive services from familiar and experienced personnel. Volunteers will continue to play a crucial role in supporting Clear Spring EMS, particularly in fundraising and organizational endeavors. The organization will maintain its ownership and responsibility for purchasing and maintaining its ambulance fleet, which represents a substantial financial commitment, with new custom ambulances costing upwards of $430,000, and essential equipment like cardiac monitors adding another $50,000 or more.

The overarching objective of this partnership is to strengthen the emergency medical services available to the Clear Spring community. By leveraging the county’s larger pool of paramedics and EMTs, the initiative aims to reduce response times, improve access to advanced medical care, and ensure dependable support during critical incidents. This collaborative model offers a solution for individual EMS corporations struggling with staffing shortages, allowing for a more uniform and efficient distribution of emergency medical personnel across the county. The partnership is also expected to streamline insurance and workers’ compensation matters by consolidating under a single county umbrella.

Clear Spring EMS will continue to seek community support through fundraisers and events, such as their 50/50 drawings, to cover ongoing operational costs as an independent corporation.

“Keep supporting us, whenever we have a fundraiser,” said Glaze. “We still need support because we’re still an independent corporation, just using county staff.”

Clear Spring EMS will also continue to benefit from upcoming Clear Spring carnivals, held in August every year, and encourages area residents to come out and support them.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Clear Spring EMS and Dave Glaze Jr.

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