The Hill County Emergency Services District 2 Board of Commissioners met in regular session Thursday, March 20, and voted to open a dialogue with the City of Whitney to explore interest in incorporating the city into the district.
Assistant Secretary Alan Nisbet said that he had previously discussed the prospect of incorporating Whitney into the ESD with Mayor Janice Sanders.
In recounting the discussion, Nisbet acknowledged that there has been opposition to the idea in years prior, but he said that the arrangement could be worthwhile financially and allow a greater quality of care.
The board approved moving forward with setting a meeting between ESD representatives and Whitney city officials to further discuss the possibility.
President Tad Duncan emphasized that the meeting will consist solely of preliminary discussion, with a focus on understanding any opposition there may be to the idea from the city or its residents.
ESD 2 coordinates emergency medical services to residents of the district, which covers all residents of Hill County who reside outside the city limits and extra-territorial jurisdictions of the cities of Hillsboro and Whitney.
Both cities have declined to participate in the district in the past because they offer their own ambulance services.
CareFlite is the primary provider of emergency medical services in the district through its contract with ESD 2.
In other action at the meeting, CareFlite representatives gave their monthly report. There were 227 responses and 154 transports in February, with a compliance rate of 94%. Six transports were made by helicopter.
The majority of patients were transported to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest in Waco, followed by Hill Regional Hospital and Providence Health Center in Waco. Average response time overall was 12 minutes and 33 seconds.
A report on facilities was also provided. An insurance claim has been made for a roll-up door at the Whitney ambulance station hangar building, which was damaged by recent high winds. Upon inspection, additional hail damage was discovered at the station and has been reported.
Lighting, signage and a windsock assembly for a newly constructed helipad at the Abbott station are in the district’s possession and will soon be installed.
A topographic survey and site plan encompassing the construction of a helipad and the possible future construction of a full-time ambulance station at the Covington location is underway.
The board voted to renew the district’s insurance coverage with Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Service.
Also approved was a board committee, consisting of President Duncan and Vice President Jimmy Lehmann, meeting with Hill College representatives to discuss possible district involvement in an emergency medical technician or paramedic training course.
The board then approved the purchase of an additional ambulance for the district, at an estimated cost of approximately $400,000.
The district’s records management program was reviewed and approved as-is, with Alan Nisbet as records management officer.
The next district meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at 201 Outlet Drive in Hillsboro.
The Lakelander 