Paramedics say M'ville didn't try to save EMS

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BY CHAS REILLY
creilly@nwitimes.com
219.662.5324 | Tuesday, August 21, 2007 | (199 comment(s))

MERRILLVILLE | Town paramedics upset with the council's decision to seek a private ambulance service say the town could have done more to save Merrillville's Emergency Medical Services.

The Town Council decided last week to start accepting bids from outside ambulance providers because the town has been losing money operating the EMS and is projected to lose more than $300,000 this year.

Merrillville EMS paramedic training officer David Ferris and paramedic Rory Hill said a committee of paramedics was formed about two years ago to address problems, including ways to recoup the operating costs, but the council didn't act on the advice offered by the committee.

Ferris said the committee suggested the town use an independent collection agency instead of the clerk-treasurer's office to increase collection percentages.

He said many independent agencies have more of an incentive to increase collections because they are paid from a percentage of what they collect.

Town Council President Shawn Pettit said it wouldn't matter if an independent agency was used for billing because a limited amount of money can be collected through Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies.

He also said people often don't pay the remaining money on their bill after the town collects from the health plans.

"I don't like doing this, but it's got to be done," Pettit said. "I was told on three separate occasions we're not going to get out of this hole."

Ferris and Hill also are concerned with the type of service a private ambulance can provide in Merrillville.

"It's a lower standard," Ferris said. "They are there to make money."

Pettit said the town's main goal in the search for a private provider is finding a company that will provide a quality service to all residents. He said he also expects the private provider to offer employment to the present Merrillville EMS staff.

Ferris said while some of the staff may take a position with the private provider, others will not because it would be step down from working for the municipality.

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Jim wrote on Sep 3, 2007 5:57 PM:

" Well, well. Once again we see the fine city government of Merrillville doing what it does best, screwing over the honest taxpaying folk of the town for a few extra bucks. Wait and see how long it takes them to use the "savings" gained by privatizing emergency services for a pay raise of their own, to the detriment of all those they are about to fire. Good luck, citizens of Merrillville. You need it. "

Times Moderator wrote on Sep 2, 2007 3:22 PM:

" This comment section is closed. You may continue to discuss the issue at www.nwi.com/interact/. "

FYI wrote on Sep 2, 2007 11:05 AM:

" When and if the takeover is complete, i will take these postings to the unemployment line first. I wont be refused "

RE; FEEDING THE HAND wrote on Sep 2, 2007 11:03 AM:

" SORRY SCOOTER, NOT HAPPENING. THERE IS NO WAY IN HECK THAT I WOULD GO OVER INTO WHAT I WOULD CALL A "HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT" NOR BE YOUR 'TRANSFER PARAMEDIC'. "

Dime a Dozen wrote on Sep 2, 2007 10:59 AM:

" I'm working for a private until I become a paramedic. Emt's are a dime a dozen, it's easy to become an emt but hard to find a job. In order to goto paramedic school you have to work as an emt for at least one year. I've been working for a private for a over a year. Whether Merrillville goes private or not, the private service has very high standards to live upto. A paramedic must always respond to a call, a town must always have one available ambulance AT LEAST, and the response time must be under the aloted time. As well as, the emergency side and transfer sides are completely different parts of the "private company" the emergency side is strictly paramedics and experienced emts. Most people make a start on a private service until bigger and better things come along. So bashing us as emts for a private is only politics to get their town and town's people to keep them. So I wouldn't let it worry you too much. And if you keep up the good work, keep going to school, you won't work for a private for ever. "

Re: Biting wrote on Sep 2, 2007 9:13 AM:

" No one has been bashing Mr. Miller, however; since we are being prophetic, here goes: "When one door closes, another door opens". "

to: Biting the hand that feeds you wrote on Sep 2, 2007 6:25 AM:

" For one sir/madam, I have not bashed Prompt or anyother private service, so please get your facts straight. I have signed my name to what I write as I will once again, will you sign yours! Mary Littrell (LITTRELL) "

Bitting the hand that will feed you wrote on Sep 1, 2007 7:44 AM:

" It seems very strange to me that so many of the Merrillville medics are bashing the possibility that Prompt may be the provider for Merrillville. Most of them seem to forget that they, Farris, Holland, Reed, Litrell and others once worked for Gary MIller and now may be once again. One would think they would be careful speaking badly about their possible new boss. As they say, "revenge is a dish best served cold"....You just might be a transfer paramedic once again....think twice before you speak. "

tidbit wrote on Sep 1, 2007 5:49 AM:

" The author of the newsletter, talking about cuts was none other than....you guessed it....EMS director/Town Mgr. I guess we know where his $12,000 will come from when we are gone "

Go to Merrillville website wrote on Sep 1, 2007 5:33 AM:

" If you go into newsletters at about the beginning of the year, it states where depts. would be cut (i believe this was coincides with the good govt study). Hire more consultants, etc. Get rid of employees, look out Street Dept. your next "

Re: I have a ? wrote on Sep 1, 2007 4:30 AM:

" Was Mems part of this "Good Govt. Study", where lake county was told to get rid of employees and give substantal raises to those left? Was this why about a month ago, employees were asked to list part time jobs? So they would know if they would be paying out unemployment? Ummm. Just wondering "

RE: Just the Facts wrote on Aug 31, 2007 6:54 PM:

" Whoever wrote that about private medics.......Well sir you are exactly correct. All these Private Medics want thier Private Company to Company to take over Professional jobs so they can say "I RUN 911". GET A REAL JOB AND GET OFF OF GARY'S LAP. Then you can run all the 911 and Mutual Aid you want. "

town vs city wrote on Aug 31, 2007 6:49 PM:

" This is one of the reasons why towns stay a town and do not become a city. Most towns in this area would not know what to do if they became a city. Town boards are old hat, there are fine for a small town with about 20 people. The bigger a town gets they should be made into a city and then you would not have 10-20 people making a decision for a "town" the size of Merrillville. "

RESPONSE TO IAFF wrote on Aug 31, 2007 6:01 PM:

" WELL GUYS I THINK IF WE ALL WOULD OF HEARD ABOUT THIS SOONER THAN THE PAPER LAST FRIDAY MAYBE WE ALL AS EMS WORKERS UNION AND NON UNION COULD ALL JOINED TOGETHER AND WENT TO TOWN HALL TOGETHER AND PROTESTED BECAUSE I FEEL THERE WOULD OF BEEN A BIGGER TURNOUT THAN WHAT I SEEN IN THE PAPER AND MAYBE JUST MAYBE THE COUNCIL WOULD OF LISTEN TO ALL ARGUMENTS DO YOU REAllY THINK I WANT TO RUN MORE CALLS ON TOP OF THE ONES I DO NOW NEGATIVE BUT GUYS THINK ABOUT ALL TRYING TO COME TOGETHER AND HELP KEEP MEMS IN PLACE PEACE EVERYONE "

Correct EMS Representation wrote on Aug 31, 2007 5:06 PM:

" MEMS needs someone to be in charge who has a knowledge of what EMS is about. There is no type of representation both on the council or at Town Hall. Talks of scapegoats, geez, put the blindfolds on now and turn your back to the wall. Only takes a few secs. and it is over. "

Re: Billing wrote on Aug 31, 2007 5:03 PM:

" The collection rate at 61% is inadequate at best. Outsourcing of this should have been done a long time ago. Also, a non-reverting ambulance fund should be created. Monies collected from billing should go there and not be touched to go to other depts. "

I'll Scratch your Back.......... wrote on Aug 31, 2007 2:52 PM:

" Intersting tidbit from last Town Council meeting. An ordinance was passed giving tax abatements to new companies along the Broadway corridor from 68th Place north to 53rd Ave. Conveniently, Prompt Ambulance Service owns a building at 63rd and Broadway. Sure, you say, but that is an existing company, does not apply. Ah ha, here's the bite. Gary Miller also owns a "not for profit" called REMS(Regional Emergency Medical Services). They "lease" Prompt medics and equipment. How long do you suppose until the building "changes" ownership? "

If Billing Isn't the Problem....... wrote on Aug 31, 2007 2:45 PM:

" As an addendum to my last post, 80% is not an unrealistic return. Hammond FD is at over 90%, Lake Station EMS is at over 86% and Crown Point Fire and Rescue is collecting over 80%. There is absolutely no reason the Town of Merrillville should be as low as it is. By the way, 2004 collection rate was reported as 46%, but the Town refused to give the Towns Annual EMS report for further number crunching, but use your imagination. "

Lake and Porter County Paramedic wrote on Aug 31, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Look here, no one from Merrillville is attacking the medics on a personal level, but they are being attacked back. As I have stated before, there are many very good medics in private service, and many that are in the process of learning. The difference is the proven experience that you know will be showing up at the doors. Private medics are spread among many towns and transfers. You may get a good one, even a very good one. But you may not. Is that a chance the residents should have to take? Jim Holland MEMS "

If Billing Isn't the Problem....... wrote on Aug 31, 2007 1:59 PM:

" Using the numbers presented by The Town of Merrillville in thier own Emergency Medical Service Annual Reports for 2005 and 2006, if thier billing return was at 80%, which is just about a bare standard minimum in municipal EMS,instead of the 62% and 57.9% respectively that they got, there would be a difference of $489,390 collected. But, billing isn't the problem. "

Just the Facts Please wrote on Aug 31, 2007 12:17 PM:

" Private companies are staffed with two types of people. People that are there waiting for a better job and people that aren't smart enough to get a better job. Is that what is best for the citizens? "

The issue wrote on Aug 31, 2007 9:10 AM:

" The issue here is 12 paramedics that are in jeopardy of losing their jobs. For those of you that were around does Black Friday ring a bell? It will not be the magnitude as it was back then, but it is still the same. You will still have people losing their livlihoods. One private has a "NO REHIRE" policy. Another, some did not see eye to eye with. You usually see a Town that was a private go to Muni, but rarely do you see a municipality go private. Griffith, Highland, Dyer and yes Munster did not have a full time EMS. "

Stop the public fighting wrote on Aug 31, 2007 8:44 AM:

" EVERYONE STOP IT!!!! The only people being affected here is the public. The bashing in this forum is wrong. The attacks on Dave & Rory may be justified in your eyes, I don't know. All I know is right now people without EMS knowledge are horrified that "professional" medics could act like this in public. Take your complaints to the town council. List your grievances here appropriately. Stop making EMS look like it is a joke. Do privates have medics that are better than others? Sure they do. Do municipalities have medics that are better than others? Sure they do. But the fact that must be made to the public is, ALL MEDICS DO THEIR BEST!! When you call 911, they will be there. They will help you. To the citizens of Merrillville, if you want to support MEMS, then do so. If you want to support privatization, then do so. Learn the facts. Make your decision, just know that when you dial 911, professional medics will be there to help. Just thoughts from an old medic.. "

Municipal Medic wrote on Aug 31, 2007 8:29 AM:

" To everybody getting their feathers ruffled in the private sector, sorry. We did go to the same schools, precepting programs, ER clinicals, etc. However, the standard of skill maintenance and work conditions are better in most municipal settings. Not because municipal medics are better, but because their employment is governed by city/town administrators who answer directly to the public; as opposed to private owners driven by greed and self interest. Better work conditions usually equals better training, better training eventually equals better service. Most municipal medics in this area are organized and have labor unions to fight for their training and equipment issues. Generally, private service employement is a stepping stone to a better place to work for new medics. Just about everyone I work with came from a prviate service. How many current private sector employees came from the public sector? It is not an insult, these are the facts. I know many private medics that I would trust my life and that of my children with; we are confusing the issues and focusing our energy in the wrong direction. Organize and we will fight for you too. "

IAFF Representative wrote on Aug 31, 2007 8:04 AM:

" Man, I sure hope 'firemedic' really isn't a 'fire medic'. In this area, all paid 'fire medics' that I am aware of are organized. Any union employee that advises public sector administrators to 'get rid of these clowns' not only betrays his brothers, but is not smart enough to see the writing on the wall. Your municipality will be next. This isn't about personalities, it is about our right as Americans to bargain colletively and earn a decent living to feed our families. Think before you speak. "

IT IS VERY PERSONAL! wrote on Aug 31, 2007 4:06 AM:

" You can start bashing me if you like, but here goes. Avg. expectancy in EMS before moving on is 10 years or less. I am 49 years old and by numbers should not being doing this anymore. I love this field. I am not ready to retire. I have no one helping with bills. I have a son that just started college (I wanted him to get ahead) I have house payment, car payment, college payments. What happens if I lose my job, I Lose everything i have worked for all of my life. Thank you Mary Littrell "

slicktop1 wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:54 PM:

" Too private sector medic and all other EMT's and paramedics out there: No one at MEMS is saying you guys are not trained enough to do the job. What you are reading is what the newspaper elected to print. Remember, they have a person called an editor. These people are fighting for their jobs, careers, and families. For all these people who have spent time at the town of Merriville, away from their families making a career for themselves, they are facing the possibility of loosing everything and starting all over at square 1. You guys need to lighten up and keep your mouths shut and let your fellow medics fight for their jobs and lives. The coucil that these folks have to deal with is difficult enough without you people complaining to them too. I takes a strong man to fight for what he believes. I takes a stronger man to set aside his personnal feelings to help out the one in need. "

firemedic wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:49 PM:

" Give me a break. There are good and bad private medics...just as there are good and bad municipality medics. Look where Mr. Ferris came from...yep a private. I not quite sure about Hill, but one fact remains...they are both trouble makers. No matter where they go they stir up trouble. Citizens...get rid of these clowns, you will be much safer and better off. "

i care... wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:29 PM:

" but how many of you know that shenanigans like what the highland school board did a few years back...those involved are getting $1400.00 per month health insurance for they & their families ... FOR LIFE!!! be ashamed !!! "

re: Appearance of Rigs wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:29 PM:

" you wrote: to the person that commented about the condition of the Superior rigs....... when was the last time you took a good look at the MEMS rigs...... Kentucky Chrome is holding headlights in......... amongst other things. That was really low but okay. Just so you know we work with what we have, this is something that is out of our control. But if you feel better now, I am happy. "

Re: Private Sector Medic wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:24 PM:

" you wrote: Get your facts straight "Rats". Don't be upset with what is happening be upset with yourselves that you couldn't make the budget cuts to keep your jobs. The city gave you a chance and all you seemed to come up with is to change the way you bill. " Just so you know we do not do the budget. EMS Director/Town Manager (same Person) does them "

EMS COMMUNITY wrote on Aug 30, 2007 5:40 PM:

" Seeing all this fighting is giving me a headache. I know where I came from and have not forgotten, a private. For many years I worked there. I made alot of good friends through the years and there are good medics there. I think there was some miscommunication. We are all part of the same community and should be banning together. Mary Littrell, formerly COMED, PROMPT,Superior, now Merrillville "

EMS FAMILY wrote on Aug 30, 2007 4:00 PM:

" MR. FERRIS AND MR. HILL YOU REALLY ARE GIVING THE MEMS PARAMEDICS A BAD NAME WITH THE LETTERS YOU 2 WROTE I BET EVERYONE DID'NT KNOW ABOUT THEM TILL IT WAS TOO LATE. I WORK ON BOTH SIDES PEOPLE THERE ARE GOOD AND BAD EVERYWHERE THE ONLY DIFFERNCE ABOUT THE QUALITY IN MEMS IS THERE ARE 2 PARAMEDICS SO IF 1 MESSES UP THE OTHER 1 CAN SAVE HIM YOU ALL NEED TO QUIT BASHING ONE ANOTHER AND PS DON'T FORGET TO PAY YOUR DUES.. SINCERLY A CITY WORKER AND LITTLE SCAB "

Something to think about wrote on Aug 30, 2007 2:07 PM:

" At the last council mtg. Mr. Pettit through us right in with the trash haulers...Hope you guys fair alot better "

Hospital Administrator wrote on Aug 30, 2007 1:09 PM:

" You know what? It IS all about billing and collections!!! MEMS is collecting at a rate of 61% of charges! That is not only unacceptable but also pathetic! What you don't realize it that a collection rate of 80 - 85% will translate to hundreds of thousands of dollars that would save jobs and place the City in the black. Also, no one on here has mentioned the 1.5% EMS tax that was collected from the citizens but was used for "other" uses. MEMS never saw the $$ - TC - where did it go? "

One More Thing wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:40 AM:

" I am in the group of who went through the Class 2x. The second time around was well worth all the knowledge that sunk in that did not the first time. There you have it. Mary Littrell "

PRIVATE SERVICE MEDIC wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:54 AM:

" I THINK BEFORE YOU KEEP JUMPING AT US. YOU BETTER READ EACH OF THESE POSTS CLOSELY. "

PRIVATE SERVICE MEDIC wrote on Aug 30, 2007 10:51 AM:

" YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. YES, YOU DID LEAVE A FEW OF US OUT. WE ARE GOING THROUGH WHAT I WOULD CALL A PRELUDE TO "BLACK FRIDAY". I CAN DEFINITELY TELL YOU WERENT AROUND AT THAT TIME. TAKE A CHILL PILL AND LEARN WHAT THE ISSUE REALLY IS. "

Private Service Medic wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:59 AM:

" I'm so sick of the crap about were undertrained. We all went to the same classes. Have the same certifcations. In fact I see most of MEMS at our inservices. I personally precepted in your city/town and your paramedics deemed me fit to be allowed into the Methodist system!!! With that being said Ferris, Reed, Early, Sosbe and everyone else i forgot remember were you came from. Now you talk all this B/S about how we are at a lower standard of care. We carry all the same equipment, have all the same training and are held to the same standard all the rest of you of you. With what is said above i can give examples of "some real deal life and death" calls but i would need 10 pages to write. Just because we have rigs that do transfers as a Private does not mean that is all we do. Get your facts straight "Rats". Don't be upset with what is happening be upset with yourselves that you couldn't make the budget cuts to keep your jobs. The city gave you a chance and all you seemed to come up with is to change the way you bill. "

Clear the airwaves.... wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:04 AM:

" Let me just clear up one thing...a few Merrillville firefighters have stated in disgust about possible losing MEMS that we would "not respond if a private ambulance service took over"....Guess what, a bunch of us still would, citizens need not worry. Whether its MEMS or a private, its still OUR citizens that are calling 911 because THEY need help and we signed on to MVFD to help protect OUR citizens. Regardless of who the ambulance service may be, the fire department would still be there to help out OUR citizens. For the few FF's who still do not grasp this concept, do some soul searching. We need to and will help save our citizens regardless of what ambulance is there. We do NOT want to see MEMS leave, but should the councilkids approve that, I will not sit there during EMS calls and ignore them because a private is our main ambulance. I'm in this to save lives, no matter what. "

again....again wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:54 AM:

" I'll say it over and over. Go to 1 emt and 1 paramedic. That will save money. To the medic that is in charge of the EMS, this is what you should be doing. And I'm not talking about Brown. I don't want to see you guys go, but if you (MEMS) don't come up with a proposal, I feel that you all will have to start looking for new jobs. And quit complaining about BILLING. It's not the only problem. Help yourself. "

One other thing wrote on Aug 30, 2007 7:02 AM:

" On the Rurual Metro/Family Mobile issue. At least, management has spoken with us!!!! "

Re: My vote wrote on Aug 30, 2007 6:54 AM:

" I must say as a MEMS paramedic. I can see the warm reception that will await us if either of your companies get this. The ideal solution would be for us to work this out. But if not, I pray Family Mobile (if we go they will be ALS) or Rural Metro does come in. I just can not phantom the warm reception that would await us at either of these two other privates. It would be like a feeding frenzy at the zoo "

Re: Private Sector Medic wrote on Aug 30, 2007 5:46 AM:

" Being around the block a few times and know who you are speaking about. This person mainly stays in the office, the other is a supervisor. There are three others I know that are out in the field. They will come out when there is "low status" You better check out the time when you talk about longevity of us MEMS medics and definitely know the fact before you speak "

Facts please! wrote on Aug 30, 2007 4:01 AM:

" I am going to reiterate once again. Taking stab at us (mems) by calling us primadonnas and the other things is the same thing you say we are doing to you. However, I am going to say this. I started in a private and made alot of good friends along the way. I learned a lot and a heck of a lot from working there. When you first get your EMT cert a private is usually where you start off to gain your experience and then the majority want to go to work for a municipality. It is a great stepping stone for experience. I am not a primadonna nor have put not a one of you down "NOT A ONE OF YOU". As a fact, I have stated you do have a good people working for you. "

RE; ENOUGH IS ENOUGH wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:45 AM:

" You just made yourself looking really ignorant. There is no way our Town nor any other municipality is going to call a private to a 911 call first. The only way this will happen is if both trucks are out and Hobart and Crown Point are not available. Please know what you are talking about. "

Re: Private Sector Medic 2 wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:20 AM:

" Secondly, yes your pay does get screwed with and you know it. When you signed on to work those 24 hour shifts, you were placed on a lower hourly rate than the crews that work shorter shifts. He has always hated paying for potential sleep time, has been doing that since Fagen-Miller days. By the way, I see at least one of your 24 hour medics just about every shift handling transfers out of Southlake. Which Town is losing there ambulance then, or does it just rotate? Oh, thats right, it's in Merrillville isn't it? We know who it will be losing thier rig. "

Re: Private Sector Medic wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:13 AM:

" I have said all along that the privates do have some very good medics, but they are spread very thinly through many towns. As a medic yourself, tell me that if were involved in a bad trauma, you would feel as comfortable with a brand new paramedic partnered with a brand new EMT working on you as you would be with a crew of 2 paramedics carrying at least 12 years of experience with them taking care of you. "

Private sector medic wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:51 PM:

" what about the medics that currently work for a private ambulance, that have more experience than some of the Merrillville medics that are currently staffed there? at least in the private sector, our pay doesnt get messed with. those on 24 hr shifts get a salary.... so no matter what we work, we get the same every 2 weeks. while overtime is different, we dont have money taken away for meal breaks, etc, and all the other "money juggling" complaints that I've seen on here. and, for those that think that the "private ambulance scabs" are sub-standard, and our care is below "acceptable" we've bailed y'all out a few times, and we've also worked side-by-side with you, and until now, y'all didnt have a problem with us..... what makes it different now? "

a non-Merrillville resident wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:45 PM:

" I am a resident of another county, but currently work in two cities in Lake County.... one being a on a private ambulance...... I would serve the people of that community the same way I would my neighbor. WHY? because I repect myself, my title, my job. and Im good at my job. if you dont know me, then stop telling me the type of medic I am, just by who I work for. that isnt right. oh, and while I'm mad..... thanks to the Merrillville firefighters who would refuse to respond to a request for assistance if Prompt takes over........ thats really nice to know........I am also a firefighter, but.. GLADLY not part of your department.... how can you live with yourselves with that kind of attitude? I wouldnt turn my back on a brother, whether it be fire or EMS...... you should be ashamed. "

regarding the appearance of rigs wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:36 PM:

" to the person that commented about the condition of the Superior rigs....... when was the last time you took a good look at the MEMS rigs...... Kentucky Chrome is holding headlights in......... amongst other things..........so, your next point? "

betrayed partner wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:30 PM:

" I dont like what is going on with MEMS. and guess what? I am unfortunate enough to work full time at a private ambulance, and I work part time in 1 city and 1 township. I dont like to see what is going on with them, and what is being done to them, but whats worse is the fact that we, the private ambulance people are being treated like crap because of who we work for, not less than 3 weeks ago, we were treated as equals, now we are treated like trash, talked about, ridiculed, shunned, etc, all because of WHERE we work............ and its the CITY AND TOWN MEDICS that are treating us like that? we were ok as partners just 3 weeks ago........ so what changed? I am still good at my job... "

enough is enough 2 wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:20 PM:

" and regarding the towns people..... they didnt look very worried last night,,,, how many of them, the RESIDENTS........how many were there to support you? less than a handful? ya know why? cause they are interested in getting an ambulance when they call 9-1-1,,,,,, not WHO is operating it. just because you dont like the private ambulance service doesnt mean you need to degrade all the people that work for them, there are some that are good....... I hope Rural Metro is the one that gets the bid and takes over, then y'all will see ...; then you'll wish it was one that you knew "

enough is enough wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:16 PM:

" ok........... ya know what? Im sick of hearing that Prompt SUX because the primmadonnas of Merrillville are sweating out the fact that a PRIVATE AMBULANCE YET TO BE NAMED JUST MIGHT take over. no one knows who its going to be, or if its even going to happen. right away......... oh, the injustice!!! hmmmm........... lets seee..... ya'll are so worried about serving your town? what about when YOUR dispatchers refer the original 9-1-1 calls to PROMPT......is it because you want to pick and choose who you care for? I thought we were all in this business for the same reasons, PATIENT CARE,,, and a job that we love doing. obviously not. I find it extremely offensive that the Prompt medics were singled out,,,, when NO ONE KNOWS what is going to happen "

Re: Mems Employee wrote on Aug 29, 2007 8:22 PM:

" What about the $5.00 per call franchise fee for the opportunity to serve the Town of Merrillville "

concerend resident of highland wrote on Aug 29, 2007 7:49 PM:

" In closing to my previous comment. Privates due have some well trained paramedics and EMT's however they are few and far between. Where as local cities and town's in the area have standards before they will let people become paramedics for there towns based on there experience as a paramedic and keep there staff well trained at all times. "

concered resident of Highland wrote on Aug 29, 2007 7:47 PM:

" I at one time was a resident of highland, however my family is still a resident of highland. They have had do use 911 in the past with a private responding to there home. The private stated the paramedic they sent was well trained do there standards, however we have vowed never to call 911 again for emergency due to the privates coming to the house. They mistreated the patient, they had no idea on how to get to the hospital from the call and they over billed my family. Which in return they had to return all monies collect due to insurance fraud after that. My family member spent another week in the hospital because of the medical problem she was having, however the paramedic from the private refused to treat the patient because he said she was fine and still charged her for advanced care procedures even though he did NONE! Are these the dishonest paramedics you want working on you in your town where all they care about is make sure they get the highest amount of monies possible and not patient care. "

Citizens of Merrillville wrote on Aug 29, 2007 7:37 PM:

" In regards to what is happen in to the ambulance service in Merriville these days. I would first like to start off by saying that I'm currently employed by several different cities as a paramedic and I also work part-time for a private. I see the differance on a daily basis in the way calls are handled. Privates due care about exactly the money not the patient care where as cities care about the patient care not how many transports they can get done in a day. I seen how the CEO of a certain private handled the major incident at the hospital in dyer in the past week. They over ran the local fire departments authority, who was in charge of the scene to begin with and all they were worried about is how many patients they could transport. The CEO's continously misused rescourses at the scene and had lack of respect for the local agencies at the scene who are more expercienced in handling the matter, just so they could transport the majority of patients in attempted to make money. Is this wat you really want in your city "

re: Overtime and sick pay wrote on Aug 29, 2007 6:36 PM:

" I am also a MEMS employee. We get 4 hours of sick pay a month. We work 24 hour shifts, so in order to get one day of sick off, we have to work six months which equates to 2 sick days a year. Also, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. We have two hours taken off (24-2=22) for meal time. Also, if we do not get a call for the next six hours we are paid at straight time (24-2-5=17. So what we used to get in overtime is drastically reduced. Just to clarify things here. "

REALLY Wake up Town of Merrillville wrote on Aug 29, 2007 6:32 PM:

" And when you do see the great multitude of private ambulances driving through town, count the number of uniformed personnel in the front seat. Guess what, if there is only one, that is NOT a rig that is going to respond to any type of call, they are already handling(most often) some type of transfer. Also, you do not know the qualifications of the medics in that truck. Are they brand new EMT's, maybe even one new paramedic, on occasion, it may even be one of the experienced medics they do have. But, is that a risk you really are wanting to take. With MEMS, you know exactly what you are getting. "

REALLY Wake up Citizens of Merrillville wrote on Aug 29, 2007 6:25 PM:

" Explain to me why you believe that Municipal EMS is supposed to be profitable. If they were, don't you believe the Town would be doing thier part to make sure they were getting the 90-95% return they should be getting as opposed to the 61% they are Trust me, they don't. I have worked for both of the major private services in this area and have seen them both at times straddle 1 rig over the coverage area of 3 911 response areas. "

MEMS employee wrote on Aug 29, 2007 3:12 PM:

" I am a full time paramedic with the Town of Merrillville and have been for several years. The council says that the proposals for bids were opened to put feelers out for some options but if you read the first page of the Proposal for bid they ask for a bond of $70,000 or a cashier's check for $7,000. They are also asking for a written contractual agreement that would begin the beginning of 2008. But they haven't made up their minds? I have been reading many proposal for bids from around the US and they do not include all of that unless they were seriously looking! The council president and the town manager yelled at a town resident last night in the council meeting when she demanded to know some of the problems that were going on with the EMS. One of the problems they yelled were overtime from sick and vacation. First off, they "restructured" our pay on a "trial basis" last year to cut down on overtime. If that's not working why don't you try to fix it? Second, the EMS doesn't get anymore time off than any other town employee! "

Re: Wake UP wrote on Aug 29, 2007 1:04 PM:

" Gee your transparent hehe. Get a grip and hide better "

Wake up citizens of Merrillville wrote on Aug 29, 2007 10:36 AM:

" Finally the Town of Merrillville has realized that EMS is not a profitable entity for a town to have. I would be interested to find out how much money is needed to run EMS in a town. Well, at least we know it is at $300,000. I've got to estimate it being near a million dollars yearly when all is said and done. I've asked around and I now know how much it is costing the Town's of Griffith, Dyer, Munster and Highland - NOTHING! Imagine citizens of Merrillville…having more money in the budget for improvements and having quality EMS from a private service that does not have hire costs than you currently are subjected to, having the same of core of paramedics that have been serving you or have served you in the past, plus the luxury of additional ambulances already working within your community allowing for even faster response times. WOW, What a concept! Citizens, don't be fooled by those stating opinion, not fact. "

Former Superior medic... wrote on Aug 29, 2007 10:24 AM:

" I could not agree more... Superior is driven by the almighty dollar and everything else be damned... They have trained their paramedics in their own school because they could not pass Methodist or St. Anthony's, and THEY NEVER HANDLE A 911 CALL!!!! They train to be transfer medics. Dave Hill and Jay Washburn opened Champagne the night they lost the contract to Prompt. They never wanted to do 911, but was trapped by the Co*Med Contract. Also average Superior fees for ALS is >$900.00 If the town is resolved to do this, and it sounds like they are, at least pick the service that currently handles 911, and that is Prompt. Family does not provide paramedics, so that eliminates them. So, guess that big base on Broadway did pay off. "

Another thought on Superior wrote on Aug 29, 2007 10:19 AM:

" Their ambulances come from IL rejects. They do not get rid of their rigs. They fix them and keep them on the street, no matter how unsafe they may be. I've worked in rigs that are closing in on 300,000 miles. Do you want to be having a heart attack and have the ambulance you are in breaking down on the way to the hospital? Look at a Superior rig the next time you see one. They are rusty, the decals are peeling, and they are in general a disgrace. No thanks. "

Hmmmmm.... wrote on Aug 29, 2007 9:50 AM:

" How come you never see one of the "elite" town councilkids offer their opinions and discussions and reasonings about this matter on this site? I wonder how much money per hour is being wasted as they sit at their other jobs waiting for new blogs to appear and read what WE are saying, yet offering no constructive criticism? 2)The reason some people have to wait 15 minutes for a CP ambulance to arrive is M'ville has always been 2 cheap to put in a 3rd ambulance in the biggest town in Indiana, so when MEMS is already on 2 separate 911 calls, they have to call Hobart/CP to cover for their lack of ambulances in M'ville. Believe me, we have tried getting a 3rd ambulance for many years to offer more protection, it always fails. Unfortunately, with as great as MEMS is, they can't leave one call to go to another because calls are stacking up. Get 3 ambulances, a EMT/Paramedic on each, and watch how much more $ we'll get because we won't have to rely on mutual aid. "

Long Gone from that Town wrote on Aug 29, 2007 8:17 AM:

" where is it going wrote on Aug 27, 2007 7:19 PM: " they cant pay the fd or street dept? what is being done with the money mville has? " Maybe people will start waking up and realizing what is going on. You voted the Dems in years ago and the Town has gone down hill ever since. Keep electing them and you have only yourself to blame. The Town Council is a joke. The politics there are horrible. Pay attention to the details, it is all in black and white. "

Buddy wrote on Aug 29, 2007 5:51 AM:

" Let's not forget that Superior Ambulance is sponsored by St. Mary's Medical Center in Hobart. Have they been courting the town council? If Superior gets in, Methodist Southlake will lose a bunch of patients because they will be taken to St. Mary's...... "

Bub wrote on Aug 29, 2007 5:32 AM:

" A Quote:" Funny guy, I just ran 3 Gary munincipal aid calls alone working for Prompt my last shift!! And who else would they call. I know they do not like family mobile, and lake station and hoobart do not go into gary( I have heard it from their own medics)!! " Hobart will go to Gary, Lake Station, Portage, Merrillville, etc. We go where-ever we are called.... "

Quoting Shawn Petit, Town Council President wrote on Aug 29, 2007 4:54 AM:

" "Taking proposals for ambulance services is the same as taking them for waste haulers." Town Council Meeting, August 28th 2007 30 seconds later he ended the meeting. Nice to know where the town residents rate. "

If Superior gets it, pack your bags and move wrote on Aug 28, 2007 11:51 PM:

" I worked for Superior. I would possibly trust two of the medics with my life. The good news is that one of them works in M'ville. The bad news is that they have been having several new medics pass the test after time and time again failing it. Plus Superior cut hours and shifts because they said they are in the poor house, so I don't know that they would be able to handle 911. They can't even handle their own contracts. In their large area in Indiana they are sending night crews over 40 miles away on emergencies because no one is available. They know they are understaffed at night, but don't care. They want to save money. "

Union Brother wrote on Aug 28, 2007 9:51 PM:

" The future: replace MEMS with "Supromptior Critical Ambulance Business". Sign contract with SCAB for $100,000/year for five years. Save Merrillville a ton of money. Eventually, Merrillville gets rid of all former MEMS workers, and sells the equipment to recoup the $300,000 in lost billing. SCAB requests a new contract. Only this contract will cost $750,000/year, so for SCAB can get back in the black, upgrade equipment, etc. Merrillville is at the mercy of SCAB and must pay more money for each successive contract. Too late to get MEMS back. But at least the elected officials were able to save some money for a few years. Now history: check the private ambulance services in Arizona, California, Washington, Louisiana, and Alabama. Ask why the city of Tempe, AZ took a huge hit several years ago to oust the privates and 're-hire' the FD ambulance. Ever hear "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it?" Or "You get what you pay for?" Wake up residents, Merrillville has caught Mitch's Disease and is busting up unions and selling the pieces. "

Mat wrote on Aug 28, 2007 7:20 PM:

" And another thing everyone thinks this is a big ploy by gary miller to make more money. First, a private service actually loses money when they take over a town. its just a status symbol. Second, Prompt probably wont get mville. My money says that superior is gonna get it. they Have a much better grip on the that town wether prompt wants to admit or not. superior is faster "

Mat wrote on Aug 28, 2007 7:10 PM:

" Just so everyone knows, Lowell doesn't have an ambulance. they are covered by TRI-Creek Ambulance Service. They are called TRI-Creek because they cover three very large townships with four fire depts. THAT is why they can afford 12 medics. I don't think they are in trouble. they don't either. Do your homework "

john b wrote on Aug 28, 2007 4:45 PM:

" what does other towns do for service and how is it being paid for check out lowell is the service in trouble they pay 12 medics /////????ask them....................................they dont even have that many calls where do they get the funding...??????????????????????????????? "

Response from Responsible Governing wrote on Aug 28, 2007 4:30 PM:

" I just found out that I am Gary Miller and/or the owner of Prompt and/or a Republican. I am neither of these, but some of you fair people are obviously at your judgemental best talking about issues on which you know little or nothing. I would ask crack -- what in my posts are lies or misrepresntations? For the uneducated like yourself, I was simply expressing an opinion. I would argue that your comments about Prompt and its owner are much more libelous than any opinion I expressed. It is good to see that open-minded, free-market thinking is alive and well in Lake Co. Or maybe not so much... One last thing, genius, intellegence is spelled intelligence. "

sam ems wrote on Aug 28, 2007 4:22 PM:

" what about the town of lowell paramedics they have 12 man team how do they collect money and do they have problems what calls do they have to keep it going maybe merri should ask them???? "

Can someone answer a ? wrote on Aug 28, 2007 6:08 AM:

" How is it that the Town of Merrillville will not recognize Merr-EMS as a member of Public Safety. This is the only town I know that repeatedly does this. Police serve and protect the citizens. Fire serves and protects. EMS saves Lives by administering healthcare. Why is healthcare considered disposable? "

Where is the money going? wrote on Aug 27, 2007 8:07 PM:

" Nextels, outsourcing of janitorial, gas, entertaining "

where is it going wrote on Aug 27, 2007 7:19 PM:

" they cant pay the fd or street dept? what is being done with the money mville has? "

re: $$$ wrote on Aug 27, 2007 1:50 PM:

" ya, you are right...i heard the same thing...m-ville wants to cut the street depts. health benefits and drastically cut their hours. if you read the minutes they want the street dept. to start cutting the lawns of abonded houses in m-ville. a job that used to be contracted out. the fd is not going to get their money for call for the year. but yet you got a got 12000 for running the ems and councilmen who just got raises....CORRUPTION anyone? "

re: nameless wrote on Aug 27, 2007 12:40 PM:

" you are truly ignorant. First of all MEMS is for the town of Merrillville not Crown Point. Why dont you tell CP that and see what they will tell you "

joe wrote on Aug 27, 2007 11:50 AM:

" I'm not sure of what ambulance services are going to submit proposals to provide EMS in Merrillville, but I am certain that the level of service will not decline. This obviously is something that should and can be controlled. I do know that the privates in the area that can provide ALS, Superior and Prompt, are both reputable services employing outstanding personnel that would do a great job if given the opportunity to serve Merrillville. It seems that Prompt has been signaled out as the service that has an inside track. What facts to you have to prove this? I have been able to find out is that Prompt is the only private in NW IN that has contracts in place to provide EMS to towns and is doing an outstanding job with average response times under four minutes in these towns. Superior had contracts in the past and also did a reputable job. Based on my research, Private ambulance services consistently are able to provide awesome response times with few medical related care issues. This is not opinion and can be found by just looking within the records that the towns keep and audit records at the RCC. "

does it matter? wrote on Aug 26, 2007 10:22 PM:

" Merrillville will be sorry going with a private. "

to the Merr EMS wrote on Aug 26, 2007 8:06 PM:

" Other then billing...what do you guys suggest be done to help in reducing the cost. All I hear is it is billing...billing. I would have to guess that there is something else that can be done to reduce cost. Part time employees, less Overtime, 1 emt 1 medic per shift, less call-offs…there has to be a better answer. "

$$$ wrote on Aug 26, 2007 6:45 PM:

" By the sounds of things, not onle should the EMS be concerned, but police, street department, and all the administration of the town. They literally have no money. Think im wrong , ask your councilman. There is actually talks of cutting benefits, and going to only 3 or 4 days a week for some departments due to the lack of payroll funds. Need more evidence, ask why the Fire Department is on a spending hold stopping the delivery of much needed equipment because the town cant pay the draw to the fire department because they spent it! "

southsider wrote on Aug 26, 2007 12:29 PM:

" I don't live in Merrillville. However, after reading this thread. I observe the reason why the Town EMS was folded so easily: some of these guys are gold-plated pains in the arse. You can be the best in the world at what you do, but if you're high maintenance, it's hard to justify keeping you around. "

Some person wrote on Aug 26, 2007 11:59 AM:

" I don't know why you are all angry and criticising Prompt EMTs and Paramedics. We're not the ones who want this town contract. It makes no difference to the person on the street. We shouldn't be fighting private vs. municipal. We're all in this EMS world together. What we should really ask is...how convienient it is that Gary Miller bought a Merrillville Base and just started staffing paramedics out of it a month ago. Which councilman's pocket is he in that tipped him off that the board was going to vote the way it did? "

Another private wrote on Aug 25, 2007 8:59 PM:

" To the Citizens of Merrillville, Good luck. I have seen what "private" coverage is like. Most of the time it is great. One of the more knowledgeable paramedic I have met is working for Prompt. That medic can only respond to one call at a time. Who will you get? Will it even be a paramedic? The big diffrence between Municipalities and the "Private" service seems to be emergency response experience. Since the average Private emt works as a cab driver (hospital transfers and dialysis runs), they lose any skill for emergencies. Nothing is worse that an basic crew waiting 20 minutes for a paramedic, when they are two blocks away from the hospital (well besides a firefighter who says he wouldn't help in an emergency because a private was on scene). One final note, this is not an attack on those EMTs in the private sector that actively pursue ways to keep their craft. but most EMTs in the "private" sector can go up to four months without a single emergency call. than they are expected to respond with all the knowledge of their trade ( a knife left out to long will dull and rust). "

MAKE MERRILLVILLE A CITY! wrote on Aug 25, 2007 1:34 PM:

" They should have made Merrillville a city when it was on the ballot. They would have gotten more money from the state, etc. There would be a mayor, a city council, not town council. It would finally be what it really is, a city. People need to wake up and realize that Merrillville is not a small town anymore. I have been living here for 30 years and have seen it drastically change! I voted for city status, I wish everyone else would have done the same and we would probably not be in this situation. "

Yvonne wrote on Aug 25, 2007 9:16 AM:

" Privatization! That's the catchword these days. This gives no credence to the fine jobs currently being performed by the members of the EMS teams in Merrillville. We had reason to use them in April and I would not trade the personal-touch given my these guys for some outside, non-union, profit-seeking outfit for anything. If the town cannot handle the billing due to lack of personnel, perhaps the town should re-examine its general makeup. Merrillville remains a town. We cannot afford to go outside to have our EMS billing done. When a problem needs more attention, more work, more time from those in charge, the simple solution always seems to be "privatize". Step back and re-think this decision. It will be costly, not only for the town, its residents, but will cost too many of our own their livelihood. "

Cygnus Inter Anates wrote on Aug 25, 2007 3:51 AM:

" lake and porter co paramedic) i hope if prompt accquires the contract it forces changes that we both know need to happen. EMS must be run as a service first and for profit second. both can be done, but the bottom line needs to be patient care, not turning a profit. despite somepeople's greed, you must agree, that the job will still get done because the medics care about quality patient treatment, not just a check (and a weak one at that). Final thoughts, MEMS has given excellent service to the twon of merrillville only to be sold out by it's town council. I don't know why bad things happen to good people. Many people resent prompt, or any private service comming into their town saving their lives. You want to get up in the middle of the night and see people's loved ones dead and dying, I'll pay for you to go to paramedic school myself. good luck to MEMS, change the town council, good luck to whoever get the contract because you will not be welcomed by some, but remember who you do it for, Goodnight "

cygnus i anates wrote on Aug 25, 2007 3:48 AM:

" what if schererville staffed paramedics full time. they have their own ambulances, but still rely on private services for paramedics from time to time. Crony politicians....well it is the region after all. i think that MEMS was betrayed by the town council. so much for loyalty. 2 medics on a ambulance?just like doctors, police officers, atheletes, medics are human, they have bad days, they get sick, two medics on an ambulance gives god two chances to change his mind. cost it's a lot less when the cost is recouperated through insurance "

Cygnus I Anates, a student of ems wrote on Aug 25, 2007 3:44 AM:

" get it right to anyone questioning the quality of service of prompt, or for that matter any private paramedic. Go through paramedic school first and see if you don't wash out. by contract with the towns under penalty of strong fines)prompt provides als on scene in under 10 mins. Not every private service just does transfers. some handle real emergencies, everything that you would see at any other service in the area. All of the medics have to do field interships with guess who? Municipal departments such as ...MERRILLVILLE. Before they can function with that patch on their shoulder, they pass paramedic school and all over 500 hrs of clinical training (not easy) most interactions that people have from municiple agencies with private emt's and medics are not with the best and the brightest that the privates have to offer. who do you think runs transfers at privates, and who do you think handles a multicar , a pt with a tension pneumothorax, a child not breathing in a swimming pool, or somebody's overdosed nephew? the average or the elite. who do you think would be in merrillville? the average or the elite? "

Nelson Muntz wrote on Aug 25, 2007 12:32 AM:

" To the person who wrote that Private Medics are bottom of the barrell, may I offer a prayer for you that you never in your life require the use of a Helicopter Ambulance. Because if you do, you do realize that you are then putting your life in the hands of a bottom of the barrell Paramedic, right? That's right boys and girls the people who come swooping in from the sky to help you in your time of need are, GASP, Private Sector Paramedics. Also I don't want to alarm you or anything but this can be just between you and me, but did you know that several of the municiple Paramedics took their training at. Get this. A private institution that did not have government funding? How can this be? Look I'm using a lot of hyperbole here to express a little bit of obserdness I admit. There is nothing wrong with government run health care in some instances. All I am saying is that there is nothing wrong with Private run health care either. "

I was an EMT for private service, and I agree we know less wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:30 PM:

" I'd like to think I'm a smart person. I excelled in my EMT class.I sought further knowledge on my own. I'm college educated. I can't say the same for my coworkers. I had to leave, and go back to school to get a different job in the medical field. The people I work with are stupid. Sure, there are some smart people, some people with enough common sense. But there are way too many who have little to no clue what they are doing sometimes. Yes, we all take the same test. But I proctored a test day once for my company, and scores were changed so those that failed would pass. The state proctor knew this and supported it.I know paramedics who repeatedly took the test over and over, and finally passed. Do you want someone like that showing up at your door? Now that I have been in EMS, I am scared to ever have an emergency or for my family to need EMS. I trust the FD much more than I trust private. That is because I was private, and I know the kind of people they employ,and the stupid things they say or do. "

Hogwash wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:51 PM:

" What a bunch of bunk. The town manager gets a 12,000 raise for "running the EMS department" (in light of the budget crunch, maybe he should return it). The council president's wife can't get an adequate return on medical billing (wanna bet she keeps a job after the EMS department is gone). Yet it is the medics who after many years of service are going to be the one's out of a job - Doesn't seem fair does it? Remember, these town council clowns in 4 years. "

Town Vs Private wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:08 PM:

" As a paramedic that has worked in both public and private EMS I have to add my two cents. A private EMS has a great deal of good paramedics, but understand one thing... the turn over rate is high. Good paramedics look on to bigger and better things, jobs with fire departments with better benifits or con't on with an education. Mr Miller or any other private can not promise the same paramedic every day for a town because Mr. Miller will lose up to 10 paramedics a year who go to other places. He will replace those with paramedics straight out of school. Take that for what is worth. Than ask yourself one question.. If that paramedic is so good, and knows what he/she is doing... why does Mr. Miller or other privates not work harder to keep them? What kind of employer is a private service?? Ask any medic and they will tell you a reason where money out weighed patient care and your blood will run cold. Do not fool yourself into thinking any private is it this line for anything but the $$$. Grandma get ready to sell your house to pay the EMS bill "

Nope!! wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:08 PM:

" Private ambulance service, no thank you. Used it once. To expensive for my budget. Plus the didn't let me make payments. And I'm talking about the same service you people are. "

special kudos wrote on Aug 24, 2007 5:09 PM:

" I just watched Channel 7. Thank God for the Merrillville paramedics and firemen, helping evacuate all those people. And they want to get rid of these people,,,,,what are they thinking? "

Re: Responsible Governing wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:40 PM:

" Just the kind of response I would expect from the owner of Prompt Ambulance "

Quality of care wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:39 PM:

" Just Ask Joe or Yovonne at the RCC, it is not only the medics at privates that are getting in trouble for doing stupid or wrong things and providing low quality of care, it is also the munincipals. And beleive me, I have done ALS audits and work for a munincipality myself and have seen it first hand. "

RE: RE: Please tell me that: wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:35 PM:

" Maybe he or she is just trying to defend themselves form all the BS people are saying about private services. "

It's not the privates fault wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:33 PM:

" Why does everyone act like it s the privates fault for all this. They are not the reason MEMS might be loosing there jobs. There are just there to answer the call from the town council. Dont take it out on them. And others saying that they will get no respect is outragaeous. It seem that the only " red headed step child" here are the private medics. BY the way, were i come from, like many major cities and states, the privates are the big dogs, and munincipals are a joke. "

nameless for the sake of others wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:27 PM:

" If MEMS is so reliable, then why did my neighbor wait one day for 15 minutes for an ambulance to come form Crown Point when he was having a heart attack and almost died. And why did another time I see a person on the highway who got into a motorcycle again wait almost fifteen minutes to have an ambulance from Crown Point show up? Clearly, MEMS was not the most reliable there. Yeah, maybe MEMS are expirienced, but they deffinanlty cannot fly. It is terrible that someone in need of help has to wait because merrillviilles only 2 ambulances have a call. "

RE: Lake and Porter County Paramedic wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:19 PM:

" Funny guy, I just ran 3 Gary munincipal aid calls alone working for Prompt my last shift!! And who else would they call. I know they do not like family mobile, and lake station and hoobart do not go into gary( I have heard it from their own medics)!! "

Longtime medic wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:16 PM:

" I hate to be the one to admit it, but expirience is not everything. I have seen some of the most expirienced medics make some of the stupidest mistakes. I have also seen some of the "expirince medics" become so lazy, that they would not work a code or run a pt. ALS because it was afetr midnight. Yeah, expirience counts, but it certaintly does not replace ignorance, arrogance, and overall stupidity many expirienced paramedics make. "

Hey responsible governing! wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:15 PM:

" Are you on crack? Fine company? Prompt? Why don't you just identify yourself as GM and get it over with. If I wasn't laughing so hard I may have been offended by all the lies and misrepresentations you were trying to package into your posts. Man, really, stop with the "ignorance of the quality of service that a private service like Prompt will bring" comments, my side and jaws hurt. Seriously, trying to sell your cast of misfits and rejects of local EMS as "quality" is like trying to sell sewer water as Evian. While I truly do appreciate the comedy, you can stop trying to insult everyone's intellegence in the process. I have to admit though, I haven't laughed that hard since GM was fired from CoMed! "

Merrillville residents???? wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:11 PM:

" How come you do not see many Merrillville residents blogging here? BECAUSE THEY DO NOT CARE. It is the sad and hard truth that evryone in EMS, munincipal or private know, THE PUBLIC DOES NOT UNDERSTAND EMS AND WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT. A resident will not care if an expirienced paramedic or a rookie comes walking through the door, because how would they know. "

Re: Respnsible Governing wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:11 PM:

" Oh...so apparent on what you are saying.... How does that "red" shirt do ya? "

RE : medicmaster wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:09 PM:

" First off, the current CEO of Promot was not involved in the bakrupcy of CoMed or for " BLACK FRIDAY" for that matter. He was out of CEO position long before that happened. Anyone in EMS in this area should know that. "

RE: Thought Bubble wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:05 PM:

" Your thought bubble is cloudy. Most people in the US have no clue what EMT's and Paramedics are all about whether munincipal or private. Ask anyone random person what an EMT does and see what your responses are. No resident will care who walks in there door if there family member is not breathing, they will just care that someone is there. "

RE: The "Private" medic wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:01 PM:

" First off, Gary Miller does not pay Methodist Hospitals. Secondly, saying that Methodist past paramedics who fail their internship is ironic, seeing is how the one who does that passing has been a munincipal medic for almost 20 years, not to mention a medic at MEMS for a long time of that. Also, saying those who fail internship still become medics is again ironic, seeing is many of them do their internship at MEMS, and MEMS medics have to pass them!! Gets your facts straight!! "

Another Private Medic wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:53 PM:

" We at Private services are not advocating the firring of the great medics of MEMS. If we were in there place, and a few of us our, we would be feeling the same way. But there is no need for everyone to insult the private service like we are a bunch of ignorant nieve rookies. A lot of us at the private service have a lot of expirience. And some of us do not, but so do munincipalities. A private service will not be a stepp down from care. It would only mean added ambulances, better response times and better care. "

RE: Griffith resident wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:46 PM:

" First off, none of the towns reemburst Prompt for there service. Secondly, Prompt charges a lower fee for those who receive emergency care in the towns they cover. Also, SFD, LHFD have their own ambulance, but Munster does not. They use to but residents were waiting half an hour plus to have an ambulance come and provide care to them because they could not staff the Ambulance. "

MEMS and MFD work together well? wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:42 PM:

" I have heard countless times MEMS bashing MFD for doing stupid things on car accidents and what not! Better ask the MEMS medics how they feel about there FD before saying they work great. "

Responsible Governing wrote on Aug 24, 2007 1:46 PM:

" Mr. or Ms. Hospital Administrator - it is obivous to me that you fall into the group that I categorized in my first message about being averse to change. If a private entity can provide EMS to M-ville in a less costly, more efficient fashion, why wouldn't the town employ it? It is a no-brainer. Just because it is different does not mean it is bad. It is a shame that the EMS folks employed by the town are losing their jobs - but our leaders are elected to lead and make tough decisions. If collections are the issue, why hasn't it been done? Maybe because the town does not have the resources to adequately do it. Privatization, with a couple of exceptions, has worked very well in other parts of Indiana -- give it a chance here. "

Re: Responsible Governing wrote on Aug 24, 2007 1:10 PM:

" I agree that the town cannot lose $300,000 on the EMS but don't you think that the responsible thing to do would be to look internally to find ways to increase collections before firing 12 experienced and dedicated individuals?? If the number of ambulance runs have gone up significantly and expenses have only gone up marginally, then the answer to this equation is the need to increase collections. As a hospital administartor, this is a "no brainer" to me (but then again, I do this for a living and obviously the TC does not) My question to you, "Mr. Responsible Governing", is exactly what do you think Prompt is going to do differently to reflect a net operating margin . . . AGGRESSIVE COLLECTION WORK. "

Tom wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:51 PM:

" Quite interesting whenever there seems to be a "budget" problem...the bastard step child of medicine is the first thing any town or city looks to get rid off. Perhaps EMS is in the red for the town but, wonder how much the police, public works, and fire departments are costing the town. Why not get rid of the public works? No dont we still need to be able to put that stop sign up so that we can prevent accidents..this way there is no need for an ambulance service. "

re: Are you people dumb? wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:50 PM:

" news flash for you buddy...90% of the people writing in this blog are firemen or medics...88% of us DO NOT WANT YOU IN OUR TOWN!wait and see at the next town council meeting the turnout you will see from the fd. believe me it won't be in your favor. if you do get the contract...good luck getting respect from the fd! "

re: to please tell me that... wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:46 PM:

" YES! he or she is obviously a medic for prompt! he or she is sticking up for and defending them like it was their family...look at what merrillville is going to get! "

re: nelson muntz wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:45 PM:

" everything else but the ambulance service is usually joined...you are correct. WHY? because doctors go to school for years and years. medics go for 8 months. private or not you will have doctors knowing what they are talking about. PRIVATE MEDICS are the bottom of the barrell and thats all there is to it! "

Please tell me that: wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:38 PM:

" The person who posted "Are You people Dumb?" doesn't work for an EMS. "

Not Patronage, Responsible Governing wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:32 AM:

" Thought Bubble suggests a referendum be placed to the voters of M-ville on this issue. Why do we have elected officials? To make decisions like this. One of the reasons for the tax crisis in Lake Co. is limitless spending by local government. If the Town is losing $300K per year on providing EMS service, it is obligated to consider a private company to provide the same (or better) level of service at a lower cost. This is one of the jobs of elected officials. Prompt is mentioned specifically. Why all of the negativity toward this fine company that not only is at the top of its field providing EMS services, but is one of the stronger corporate and philanthropic citizens in Lake Co.? The comments in this post reflect two things -- an ignorance of the quality of service that a private service like Prompt will bring, and a general aversion to change by most people. I applaud the M-ville TC for at least trying to address what is obviously a financial burden on the town -- WITHOUT sacrificing, and in the end probably improving, EMS services. "

Nelson Muntz wrote on Aug 24, 2007 6:04 AM:

" I have a few questions for the government employee's and supporters of quasi socialized medicine here. 1. What government agency made the Ambulance you drive? This could be made into several questions by itself but just to save time exetend that same question out to every single part of your unit including Medical supplies. 2. What government agency makes the radios you communicate with? In fact other than the service you work for what aspect of treating your patients does the government provide? Do you only transport your patients to a government Hospital? To a Government Doctor or Nurse? Do they go to a Government Rehab unit or Extended Care facility later on? Why is any of this important? Because it seems to me like you trust your life (ie the truck you ride in, the radio's you talk on and the equipment you treat the patient with) to for profit Private Corperations. Why is it that every single aspect of health care that the Private Sector is not only treated as equals, they are often looked up to, except in the Ambulance world? "

The "private" paramedic wrote on Aug 24, 2007 1:03 AM:

" Most paramedics start off in the privates to be sure, but the good ones move on. What is left either stay at the privates or leave the profession altogether. This is not necessarily the individual paramedics fault. It all goes back to money. Paramedics are supposed to pass a internship, many do not, but are passed anyway through the Methodist hospital paramedic puppy mill; financed by one Gary Miller. They have a saying in the privates, all you need is a license and a pulse. "

Are you people dumb wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:16 AM:

" To all you people who feel the need to talk all kinds of B.S. about private ambulance services. Do you have any kind of experiance in EMS? No. Thats what I thought. We all take the same test, we all go through the same amount of schooling. Yeah we do transport people to dialysis and home from the hospital, but we also run 911 calls. You would know if you did our job. Prompt runs 911 calls for several towns in out area including Munster, Dyer, Griffith, and Highland. That doesn't include the mutical aid that we give to surrounding towns and citys. If you ask any one in any of the towns that we do 911 calls in I highly dout that you will hear any commplaints. I hope that Prompt gets that contract in Merrrillville just to prove all you people how wrong you really are. "

Lake and Porter County Medic wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:30 PM:

" Another point I meant to hit is this. Someone made a comment that the MEMS Medics took the same test and use the same protocols as the private medics. To that extent yes, we are the same. Here is the difference---experience. The medics in Merrillville have over 200 years of combined experience in EMS. You can teach someone to read sheet music and teach them the keys on a piano and yes, they will be able to make music. But this music will not have nearly the same quality as someone who has played for years. Experience can only be gained over time. Privates do have some very experienced medics, I have worked with many of them in the past. You have no guarantee though that those are the medics that will be covering your area. "

RE: HEY TOWN COUNCILMAN wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:49 PM:

" Great question...here's an educated question.....THEY DON'T CARE!!!!! It's all about the votesand everyone else's opinion. I've had direct dealings with the council/town manager before and here's how it goes.....if councilman A likes the idea but councilman B doesn't, and C and D don't either but E does also...instead of them discussing ways out to make everyone happy, they all side with the majority, so even though A and E like the idea, they side with B,C, and D because thats the majority, and, and this is the catch, and its because in the future, when A nd E need a vote and a favor, they'll remember it and hold B,C, and D to it and they'll get their thing passed. Right from the top horses mouth. It's about the votes and making themselves look good. Sound complicated, not as complicated as Merrillville politics. Should be proud kids! "

Why 2 paramedics wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:07 PM:

" Going from 2 paramedics to 1 paramedic and 1 EMT will not save that much money, 40-60 thousand a year. That old argument that when we went to 2 paramedics is when the financial trouble started is a lie too. Since the early 90's there were 11 paramedics and 1 emt. Besides, THE PROBLEM IS THE BILLING!!!! it wouldn't matter if we put a monkey and a manequin on the ambulance, if you consistanly only collect 60% of what you bill out you aren't going to break even! "

To the Merrillville EMS wrote on Aug 23, 2007 11:58 AM:

" Why do you have to have 2 paramedics? Couldn't you go to 1 EMT and 1 Paramedic? This seems like a great proposal so that we can keep you guys here. I would think that it would have to save money somewhere. "

Councilmen - OPEN YOUR EYES wrote on Aug 23, 2007 11:32 AM:

" It looks like all levels of government are trying to take control of health care. What a shame that is. Is this town government going to taken control the level of care available to it's residents and visitors? Uneducated leaders can only understand "levels of care" when it comes to their own needs in an emergency situation. So how can they can make this type of decision? The amount of payment received from medicare, medicaid and private insurance is a direct reflection the adequacy of the billing and collections departments. There is alot of room for improvement in the area. However, the town can save alot of money if they would get rid of some of the "dead wood" they continue to employ. Educate the residents of the town and let us have a choice before the decisions are made. Allow us to cast an educated vote for these types of issues. I do mean educated, not like the grandstand performances that were put on about the town becoming a city. It is very disappointing to watch this town going down the tubes! "

RE: CURIOUS wrote on Aug 23, 2007 11:15 AM:

" you can go online and get the minutes to the town council meetings...its under the merrillville website...it will tell you the names of the councilmen and which way they vote.(yea or nay) "

Curious wrote on Aug 23, 2007 10:42 AM:

" Does anyone know if any of the councilmen have someone running against them in the general election this fall? I'm a life long democrat but I am so upset about this that I'd vote for a republican in this case. Also what councilmen are for this? Is it all of them or are there some that are against it? "

MedicMaster wrote on Aug 23, 2007 10:01 AM:

" I am a professional Paramedic working for a Professional Municipality. The word professional is key. It is key becaues in 2001 when the private ambulance service known as CoMEd went bankrupt, they left the Towns of Grffith, Munster, Dyer, St. John, and Highland with questionable ambulance services. This is why St. John got their own ambulance. Nearly all of those medics went to municipalities shortly after that in an effort to associate themselves with the same professional service they themselves provide. A Professional Municipality does not bail on its citizens in the way the Private Service did. It was the CURRENT CEO of PROMPT who was involved with the formation of CoMed and ultimately partially responsible for its demise. Let us not forget BLACK FRIDAY, when over 400 EMT's and Paramedics lost thier jobs in Indiana and Illinois due to financial troubles of the regional PRIVATE ambulance provider. And you ask why not a Private Provider! "

HEY TOWN COUNCILMEN wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:23 AM:

" so how do you guys feel about this situation now that you see how YOUR voters feel about YOUR decision! "

Thought Bubble wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:00 AM:

" Here's a thought?!?! Why not let us citizens in Merrillville vote on the proposal brought up by a few town councilman to replace Merrillville EMS with privates? Put it on a ballot. A half a dozen to 10 members of this town political fiasco can dictate our medical services?? Let us vote!! Let us help your decision. I can guarantee the majority will be to keep our ambulance service as is, in fact, improve them...put a third ambulance out east so we don't have to keep abusing Hobart and Crown Point to cover us when we have more than 2 calls going on! Thats also more revenue for us if we keep mutual aid limited. Oh yea, and get qualified billers, not a nepotism-daycare service. "

Thank you to those paramedics/EMTS wrote on Aug 23, 2007 5:46 AM:

" Thank you for the paramedics that took time away from there families and continued to keep up there continuing ed. I hate to see Merrillville loose good people. I just wished Merrillville would of gotten smarter and put people like Ron Reed in charge or the old crew of Juan and Yovonne in charge instead of a retiring cop or someone who didn't know what they were doing. Hope all of you will be able to find jobs that allows you to spend time with your families. It just shows that we as voters...we must evulate strongly who we vote and don't go by there "promises" I say change to the new council would be a good thing!!! "

Re: I want that Job wrote on Aug 23, 2007 4:11 AM:

" That was $12,000 for EMS Director plus Town Manager Pay. I thought that wasnt allowed. Can I get a job in dispatch? "

Mike Abramson wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:45 PM:

" In my opinion, and thtas all it is, you do lose quality of care to an extent when you go from municipal to private. Yes we all carry the same equipment and certifications BUT with a municipal service the medics are more town or city oriented. By this I mean I have met the residence I serve and you start to develop a more genuine relationship. You also know the area you serve better. For instance, I know when the State. County, or town send out a road closure notice I already know a couple alternative route I can take. Why do I know this, because I live there. Let me ask you all a question. If private services are so good, why are the majority of their employees all trying to get out of the private side. Now one last thing. Why did it take the town of Merrillville so long to realize that the EMS was running the town down. The didn't just realize it They are jst looking for votes to eep their positions. "

Lake and Porter County Paramedic wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:45 PM:

" If private services provide such great service, why have Lake Hills and St. John decided to begin there own EMS services when they were getting it for free before. The final point I want to make is this. Your own paramedics, some of them definitely good medics, I won't deny that, have told me and other medics I work with that there is no way that Prompt can handle the additional 911 contract. They have stated that they can barely cover the 911 areas they have now. Kind of a strong warning from the front line medics. "

Lake and Porter County Paramedic wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:39 PM:

" I know for a fact that you DO NOT run mutual aid to the Town of Merrillville. In the event it is needed, Crown Point Fire Rescue or Hobart Fire Department in contacted. Also, I have worked for private EMS in the past, including for Gary Miller. I can't tell you the number of times I have seen the "dedicated" 911 trucks for Highland or Griffith or Dyer at a nursing home or other facility picking up a patient to take to dialysis or doctors office or somewhere else besides an emergency room while 1 ambulance sits covering 3 or 4 towns. Hate to get sick or hurt 2 minutes after someone else. "

Lake and Porter County Paramedic wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:31 PM:

" I want to address a few of the issues that were brought up by Private Medic. First, yes, most municipal medics started at private services. It is a good place to get experience in medical care. But, private EMS services are a stepping stone to bigger and better places. I know of only a few medics that have not wanted to move onto municipal jobs that provide better benefits and retirement plans that the private services do not offer. Second, yes, alot of medics work part time for private services. The field overall is underpaid for what we do. But lets think about this for a minute. Private services rely on medics that do not have regular schedules to fulfill staffing obligations. That means somedays will have more to offer than others. Third, you mentioned being mutual aid to Gary and Merrillville. Well,I know for a fact that Gary EMS is so "impressed" with the quality of Prompt crews that they have recently been bumped to the third service they will call for mutual aid. Basically, if they have absolutely no other choice it the matter, they will call you. "

Re: Crybabies wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:53 PM:

" Just so you know I do not consider myself a primadona. I never have forgotten where I came from. I learned a lot from a private service and moved on to Merrillville. Is this what I get to look forward to if I consider coming to Prompt? "

I want that JOB wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:50 PM:

" EMS Director/Town Manager, $12,000/yr and stated he could not speak to medics but what was allowed by council??? Stating he signs paychecks, I want that job to do nothing and not speak to your employees when asked a question. "

Municipal (Merrillville) vs Private (Superior, Prompt, Whoever) wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:28 PM:

" I have observed both in action and I must say Merrillville medics is the one to keep, Dont bring the privates in because they are inexperienced and its not because of the name PERSAY, but the people out in the public representing them running it because alot of them show bad example of personality and finesse!!!! "

Bill wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:25 PM:

" I feel sorry for you Merrillville. You go to a private service and wait till you get a bill. I think the private services charge about 2 to 3 times more that your paying now. Good luck. "

union pmedic wrote on Aug 22, 2007 5:54 PM:

" A private is a step down, there is no argument. I work at a municipality and have had to call the privates, just to be called back to the scene to rescue the patient. That is correct, the fire engine on scene called us at the hospital to come rescue the private ambulance; they had a patient who was not breathing and didn't know what to do. What I'd like to see is the campaign contributions the merrillville council has recived from the local private ambulance owner. "

REPLY TO TODD AND ALL COUNCILMEN wrote on Aug 22, 2007 5:19 PM:

" WE (M-EMS) DO NOT CARE ABOUT OUR JOBS NOW. YOU GUYS DREW THE LINE ON WHERE YOU STAND WITH US. WE WILL BE ABLE TO FIND GOOD QUALITY JOBS ELSEWHERE WHERE WE WILL BE APPRECIATED BY OUR TOWN OR CITY. THE GREAT ENJOYMENT I WILL GET OUT OF THIS WHEN IT IS ALL SAID AND DONE IS HOW IGNORANT YOU GUYS ARE. YOU REEP WHAT YOU SEW. I JUST HOPE ONE DAY YOU (COUNCILMAN) WILL NEED THE GREAT AND QUALITY EMS SERVICE THAT YOU WILL BE PAYING FOR. I HAVE ONE WORD FOR YOU ALL.................KARMA! "

Re: Griffith Resident wrote on Aug 22, 2007 4:21 PM:

" In response to your opinion... 1. Ambulance companies are a business they need to get paid. 2. So if Griffith had an ambulance they would still bill you for the ambulance just as well as prompt does. It's not free. 3. Schererville, Lake Hills, and St John didn't just get into the ambulance business. They have had their ambulances for years. Schererville and St John just upgraded their services to better serve their citizens. They both are now Advanced Life Support. Before that they would have to call for a nearby town or a "private" ambulance for Advanced Life Support. Prompt Provides ALS. 4.Fire Departments survive on grants from the state to keep them running and up to date to keep the residence safe. Just as well as owners of "privates". 5. Finnally, I don't think any of the victims of 9-11 were complaining when a "private" ambulance in NYC was helping when death was knocking on their door. Think about it. "

Medah20001 wrote on Aug 22, 2007 4:18 PM:

" Wake up and smell the coffee people. If there was not some way to collect fees, do you think that a private service would take the contract or much less keep it. The professionalism of the EMS Personal would be there, but remember it is all about the money. "

Re: Why so many? wrote on Aug 22, 2007 3:49 PM:

" Most ambulances in towns run 1 Emt and 1 Paramedic. Some run 2 Emt's. Why they run 2 Paramedics... we'll never know "

Just because of the name... wrote on Aug 22, 2007 3:48 PM:

" Prompt may do a lot of transports, and may be considered a joke, but almost all medics start off there or any other private service. The employees that work on the 24-hr shifts at prompt are all highly trained and most hold other jobs working in other towns. Most have had years of experience. To say that a private service wouldn't offer good quality EMS is a joke. You can't judge people until you meet them and learn about them... "

All are EMT's and Paramedics... wrote on Aug 22, 2007 3:43 PM:

" Private or city worker, we all pass the same tests, and have the same title under our name. Why is it you think a "private" service would offer any less care. We all care strongly about our jobs and people, and we are not "less qualified" than others. Apparently a lot of you are ignorant to that fact. Stating "prompt" will not know what to do...back to the beginning, we all have the same job title, and we all started out somewhere. I garantee over 95% of these medics started at one private service or the next... I'm more sad and unfortunate for the employees there. The people of the city need not worry, they will recieve excellent care from whom ever arrives onscene. And be thankful for all of us individuals who risk our lives stepping into the unknown each day... Private or not... "

Shameful.. wrote on Aug 22, 2007 3:30 PM:

" It is truly a shame that Merrillville is wanting to get rid of a PROFESSIONAL medical service to save money??? Reduce medical care to save a town money?? MEMS is filled with experienced, caring, overly knowledgeable paramedics who have served amazingly throughout many years of failed directors, politics, and money crunches...yet they still provide! And all the few in the town council want to do is remove them? It's bad enough they barely pay the largest, one of the busiest volunteer fire departments in the state a bare minimum operating budget (contracted too, to save them money)((Still a VERY skilled group of unpaid professional firefighters))...but to keep scratching the bottom of the bucket for the emergency services divisions is just showing how M'ville is slumming downward. KEEP MEMS!!! "

re: lacking knowledge wrote on Aug 22, 2007 3:12 PM:

" prompt doesn't deal with trauma calls like municipality ems does. don't worry mr. prompt i won't rely on you...i will rely on my fire department's personel. they have came to my house for a garage fire (which they saved...thank you) and medical reasons for my elder mother. forget prompt and let the fd take care of business like they have for so many years "

Ashamed to be a merrillville resident. wrote on Aug 22, 2007 2:10 PM:

" I hope for the town of merrillville residents and any visitors that this privatization does not happen. Merrillville should of been declared a city a long time ago and would have the necessary funds and checks and balances in place that this would not be happening. MEMS are top notch and deserve to continue servicing its residents. I agree with another post that they will not seek jobs with the private ambulance service that takes merrillville over but will lose them to other cities and towns that have better sense then merrillville. "

T.G. wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:18 PM:

" Does anyone realize that private ambulance services provide many areas with paramedics. Places like rural metro, amr and southwest have been doing it for a long time. It is very common in many parts of the US. Just because it is not arroound here does not mean anything. "

Private Medic wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:15 PM:

" What is with all the bashing of private medics like Prompt. FYI, Prompt does do emergency service and is staffed by great Paramedics with emergency service expirience. Prompt covers a rather large area for contracted 911 emergency services, not to mention providing a lot of mutaul aid for Gary, Schererville, Calumet Township, East Chacago and Merrillville themselves. Not only that, but the majority of Paramedics at Prompt have either another full time job, or a part time job at Munincipal EMS services. Prompt does have emergency expirience like car accidents, traumas, critical medical patients, cardiac arrests, etc. To say Private Paramedics are a step down from care is outrageous. Prompt has good paramedics, ambulances, and equipment. Also, to all those who say Prompt will be comming from great distance and have long response times is insane. Prompt will have ambuances dedicated to Merrillville 911 calls and will be in Merrillville. Not to mention the fact that they will also have more ambulances covering Merrilville than just 2. FYI: Gary Miller has put more paramedics in school than anyone else in the area!! The majority of municipal paramedics have their roots, not to mention training and expirience, in private EMS. "

Todd wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:47 AM:

" To all those MEMS medics bashing their town concil members, that will not help you keep your job. "

Private Medic wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Last time I checked, those who have full time private EMS jobs also work part time for munincipals, and those with full time jobs with munincipals hold part time private EMS jobs. I would hate to think that the quality of care a paramedic provides changes form leaving his/her full time munincipal job to a part time private job!! "

Why all the Private Ambulance bashing? wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:42 AM:

" Why are supporters of MEMS bashing a private service? They have some of the best medics I have ever seen working. There are also everywhere and always available. MEMS has 2 ambulances compared with Prompts 20 plus. MEMS also has fewer paramedics. "

move to st john wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:42 AM:

" merrillville will suffer with a private ems. do they think a private service will do it for nothing? munster pays over 300k for private service, and Prompt collects from all patients. Yes it will be Prompt, Gary Miller has the council in his hands. "

Private EMS wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:40 AM:

" To all of those who do not knowm Prompt covers 911 emergency service for an area roughly the size of merrillville and runs more calls a year than merrillville does. They also staff the four towns of Griffith, Dyer, Highland, and Munster with six full time ALS ambulances that run of off the exact same medical protocols that MESM does. MEMS has only 2? Also, Prompt has an overall response time in that area of less than 2.5 minutes and there residents receive qualtiy care. residents of the town as well as FD and PD that Prompt works with enjoy working with them. Anotherthing is that when both MEMS ambulances are on calls they call Crown Point or Hobart FD for mutual aid, which are both 15 minutes away. Also Private EMS doing 911 services do not make money, they actual lose money considering saleries for the emts and paramedics that work the towns, as well as maintanence and fuel cost. Finally, private services offer quality care, they have good equipment, good ambulances, and expirienced Paramedics and emt's "

need new town manager wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:32 AM:

" sounds like merrillville needs a new town manager becauses now tryin to cover up in todays paper what he said about "just looking in the field" "

Why so many wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:56 AM:

" Why can't the Merrillville EMS just go to one emt and one paramedic on each ambulance? This seems a way to help save money. Do all other cities and towns have 2 paramedics? "

Get Rid of the Town Council wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:19 AM:

" Someday Merrillville residents will wake up and smell the coffee. You elect the officials that make the decisions. You have a Police Chief that has no degree, a democratic running for clerk treasure that has no business being in that postion and town councilmen that do nothing but argue. If Guersney wins Clerk Treasure you think you have issues now, just wait. I moved out of that Town years ago and since then it has done nothing but get worse and worse. Why do you think the towns police officers dont want to live there. Politics in Merrillville are horrible. Getting rid of the EMS is a huge mistake. You dont want private. Good luck residents, until you elect real leaders this is what you get to put up with. "

Hopefully better medics than spellers.. wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:50 AM:

" What a spirited debate.. what is right or what is wrong? Both types of services have merit. The primary question is can a community, any community, continue to lose money and provide any essential services to the community. Are better billing options available to increase revenue? These are the questions the town board was elected to answer. Yes, most of the MEMS workers started @ the privates including Mr. Ferris who actually was the head manager if I recall. They chose to leave and go to a municipal service because better money and less routine calls such as transfers. I believe if you look, the towns that contract with Prompt are actually mostly happy with the service they provide. The comments that Prompt medics would not know how to work with MVFD is just not right, inter-agency cooperation is learning how each organization works. That being said, if the Town chooses this route, then they must guarantee coverage that would be equal to what is now available. And medics, please, continue to state your case, that is what these boards are for, but the horrible English and spelling just makes you look uneducated. "

Bub wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:20 AM:

" Sounds like the problem might be Mrs. Pettit and her poor billing skills and bad decision making by the town administration. An EMS department with a proper director, frugal employees, and a decent billing dept will NOT make money, but it can break even. Towns are not supposed to make a profit....The town council needs to work with the medics and solve this...... "

Pround sister of a Volunteer Fireman wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:08 AM:

" To "Merrillville Blows" Your comment about the Merrillville Fire Department is really wrong. Whether or not they are volunteer or a paid department my brother risk his life everytime that beeper goes to respond to a call in Merrillville. Whether it is a false alarm or structure fire my brother and the rest of the MVFD are there to serve Merrillville for a little bit of nothing day or night. Instead of bashing these great men and women how about you step into their boots or come down to the station and see the training that they go through. Maybe then you will rethink your thoughts! "

Corruption wrote on Aug 22, 2007 5:56 AM:

" Is'nt funny that the town council has members from all the different departments other than EMS. They put Tim Brown, the town manager, as head of EMS even though he has no medical training or a clue on how EMS works. Just ask Cedar Lake. Town council members, Ron Widing ( head of public works), Lance Huish ( high ranking police official) and Joe Shudick ( member of the Fire Dept.) are looking at nothing more than how to get more money into their departments while the public gets screwed with behind closed doors. "

EXPIERIANCE !!!!!!!! wrote on Aug 22, 2007 5:32 AM:

" Four medics with over 20 years expieriance, another with 16 years, 5 with over 10 years, one with 9 years, and the other with over 5 years. Thats what Merrillville EMS has to offer. When a private comes in not only will you not have two paramedics on the rig, you may just have a medic just out of school with an EMT basic just as new. By the way, how can Crown Point, Hobart, Tri Creek (Lowell)and Gary all have collection rates around the 80% mark but Merrillville is around 61%. Sounds like inadequate billing practice to me. "

Another Nail In Merrillville's Coffin wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:46 PM:

" The town has been mismanaged for years and it's finally come to a head. As for private ambulance services, just ask any Paramedic or EMT who works for one if they would rather be there or work for a city. Very few EMTs or Paramedics make a career out of a private ambulance service. It's a stepping stone for something better. Some questions that should be asked, how is the staffing going to work? Is Merrillville going to get Medics who don't know the town because they are always being shifted around to different towns or doing routine transfers? Are they going to be as experienced as the current Merrillville Medics? Are we just getting someone who has'nt been on the job that long looking to go to a city EMS like most do? I went to EMT school with some of the Medics that worked for Merrillville back in 1984.They are still working in Merrillville! I doubt that any private service has that kind of retention rate. It's criminal how they are being ousted by the people who run the town. The town says that they want to save money. Just remember you get what you pay for! "

The people of Merrillville lack knowledge wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:02 PM:

" All of you are so wrong. How is a Prompt a step down???? Have any of you worked at Prompt or in EMS at all? No matter if you work for a private service or a municipality everyone takes the same test. YES..the same test. Most of the people that work at Prompt also work for other places like Merrillville or some other town. DID YOU KNOW THAT?? Also Prompt has the 911 contracts for Dyer, Highland, Munster, and Griffith. They DO NOT have a problem working side by side with the fire departments. Did you also know that Prompt also holds trainings that some of your high and mighty Merrillville EMS attend to keep their certifications. So, before you start bashing something you know nothing about do your research because someday you just may need one of the "PROMPT" ambulances to come to your door. "

Griffith Resident wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:32 PM:

" We have Prompt in our Town and Per our Agreement with them they must have two units in Town at all times. They seem to serve the town well but the thing that I don't agree with is the town pays them to provide the service for the town which the tax payers are paying for, then when you need them you get a bill from prompt later. Seems lake a double tax to me. Another question is why are so many other towns getting into the ambulance service, St John, Lake Hills, Schererville, Munster did what Merriville is doing now, and If I am not mistaken Munster got back into the ambulance business. It just kills me when Politicians won't listen to State Trained Fire and EMS Personal. These other departments must be making money or they wouldn't be doing it. Find the problem and fix it don't shut down the ambulance service. and regret it later "

Putting a price tag on healthcare wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:06 PM:

" Shame on the Town of Merrillivlle that they would put a price tag on the welfare of my family. We deserve to have our own service and the size of Merrillville to say it can't is ludicrous. My vote will definitely change. "

Re: Merrillville Resident for 30 years wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:02 PM:

" I could not have said it better. The EMS and Fire Department work very well together. I believe there needs to be an investigation. The Town deserves to know the truth and not just what some people that sit on council seats say. "

Seen It! wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:01 PM:

" Why not combine the ems and fire and cross train everyone, this is a no brainer folks. "

nremt-p state of indiana and thankfully former town employee wrote on Aug 21, 2007 3:37 PM:

" It appears cities and town have monies in their budget for Fire dept's bit not for EMs.Do FD's generate revenue. NO Why is there a higher redard to protect property than human life. TO the person who doesn't realize the step down in care from the "privates" I was in class with Dave Ferris 15 years ago and were both in the private services-Yes. But these services serve as an enrty level start for many in FIRE and EMS. WE were glad to get out THe people of merrivlle will now Prompts "CUSTOMERS" NOT PATIENTS. Did you prompt employees don't get Holiday pay, Even christmas and 4th of July. Moral is poor and the only one that benifits privatization aer the owners. the town of merrivlle will save money and its people will suffer. "

RE: MERRILLVILLE BLOWS wrote on Aug 21, 2007 3:18 PM:

" You are a moron. Just because the town's fire department is volunteer doesn't make the town unsafe. Merrillville has one of the top volunteer fire departments in Indiana. Come and get to know your local fire department before you start bashing departments. 80% of fire departments in the USA are VOLUNTEER. "

Merrillville Blows!! wrote on Aug 21, 2007 2:01 PM:

" Have you noticed how many homes are for sale in Merrillville?? How can anyone feel safe living in Merrillville when the entire fire department is volunteer and now the EMS are going to be gone. Maybe you should think about all the money you are going to lose in law suits when people are dying because the family mobile couldn't get to them in time. What is going to happen when Pettit or one of his family members needs a paramedic?!?! "

Merrillville resident for 30 years. wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:48 PM:

" I think based on the response and questionable ethics reported that the town of merrillville should be audited by an independent council. I feel there is some nepotism and corruption in our fair town and it should be investigated. I too saw the accident on 30 saturday evening and sat waiting to be able to pass in awe of the prompt and efficient acts of both the volunteer fire dept and the merrillville emergency medical staff. I'm terrified that the next accident victim will not fair so well because the private ambulance service will be too busy taking a dialysis patient home to respond to a real emergency. In a "town" this size we should have the resources to have a paid fire dept which I am told would save its residents substantially on their home owners policies and a emergency medical staff that can operate in the black. Which means we need new fresh political faces that will not turn their backs on us the residents that pay their taxes and shop locally all to keep the town they love continuing to prosper. Please speak up and be heard. "

Phil wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:16 PM:

" Why is it you think that privatization is a downgrade, don't all paramedics take the same test and don't a lot of the people working for privates belong to fire departments. Just because a private has to make a profit does not make them any less qualified. Maybe what they need is a manager that can handle, the organization as it is to keep down overhead and see that billing is done properly. A private company knows how to do this without losing the quality of service the residents are use to. "

What a Shame wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:42 AM:

" It is a shame, Dan Lee would not have let this happen nor would Andy. The voters should definitely rethink their stance. The town has fed lies to the residents for years. Put a few trees up, do a vet's memorial statue and there you have it, all is good! "

crybabies wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:41 AM:

" Where do you think all the merrillville medic's started at or are currently working there part-time job's at, a private ambulance service, and the private medic's work at a municipal. Having stated "lowering there level of care" is amazing in itself when prompt, for example, covers four 911 contracted towns to merrillville's one. they also state that they "are 300,000 dollar's in debt due to billing problem's". Why instead of blaming billing, put an emt on the ambulance with the paramedic and save money that way instead of running two paramedic's per ambulance which costs more. look at gary ems, east chicago, crown point, hobart, etc. Why dave ferris is bashing private ambulance services is amasing in it self where that is where he started his career and made a name for himself, same schooling, same state exam, same education. The real question is can the premadonnas at merrillville adjust to being taken off their high horse and brought back into the real world and that a private ambulance service might actually be benifial. "

hey merrillville wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:40 AM:

" wake up and smell the coffee...you all are a bunch of idiots! you talk about gary being bad...how do you think it got that way? it all started with bad politicians like merrillville has. "

Wake up Town Council wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:38 AM:

" Dont you realize a government agency isnt supposed to make money! A private ambulance IS for profit, and you know there not gonna give you a dime of that money they make! Your supposed to use money when need it and NOT spend it the minute you get it, thats your towns problem. Your council is so worried about monuments and "features for the town" that they forgot about who they are taking care of---the citizens and voters! You dont have a good manager in there doing their job properly, maybe he needs to be moved out and someone else put in that place, yes im talkin about the town manager Tim Brown---what a disgrace to the Town! "

RE: MERRILLVILLE MEDICS ARE TOP NOTCH! wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:38 AM:

" YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. MERRILLVILLE FIRE ALONG WITH EMS WORK GREAT TOGETHER. ONE KNOWS WHAT THE OTHER IS GOING TO DO NEXT. THAT IS HOW YOU RUN A PRODUCTIVE SCENE AND TAKE CARE OF THE PATIENT'S PRIORITIES. WE KNOW EACH OTHER AND THAT IS A HUGE ADVANTAGE. YOU PUT PROMPT OR ANOTHER OUTSIDE MEDIC IN A SITUATION INVOLVING A BAD CAR ACCIDENT OR OTHER UNFORTUNATE SITUATION THEY WILL NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO! THE SCENE WILL BE ABSOLUTE GUARANTEED CAIOS. AND THEN THE ONLY ONES THAT SUFFER ARE THE PUBLIC. "

Pinnochio would be proud!!! wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:53 AM:

" Such Lies. I feel sorry for the residents who do not know any better. I doubt many of the medics are going. I can only say I will work part time jobs. Been there, done it, graduated from it. Not going back to that again. It is a FACT it is the billing, which should have been contracted out. Mr. Brown who was collecting $12,000 a year for only being in the office a hand full of times, what a deal! Ask Cedar Lake what they thought!!!!! "

I live in Petits ward wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:52 AM:

" You do NOT have my vote come this election!!!!!!!! I voted for Lee in the primary! "

Merrillville Medics are Top Notch! wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:51 AM:

" Saturday Night I observed a bad car crash on Route 30 near Grant Street around 7-8pm, this crash was bad enough the fire dept was cutting the car up to get a person out. From what I saw the 4 paramedics; 2 guys and 2 girls were in action from start to finish along with the Merrillville Fire Dept, they knew what to do at a moments notice and I highly praise them for a speedy response, My vote is for Merrillville EMS not for the privatization, Support them and Help them, Dont downgrade this to a "private ambulance" to save some money; if you know whats right get the billing problems in check as im reading about in todays paper! "

pettit wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:45 AM:

" WOW! sonds like some more people with information like LIAR LIAR has need to come out and speak their mind...whats the worst case they can do fire you? you guys aare already gone! speak up! "

The Siren wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:42 AM:

" first you run me out of town...now the medics...merrillville sucks....woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhh "

CURRUPT POLITICIANS wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:41 AM:

" merrillville in its size is a all vol. fire department with full time ems. the fire dept. runs only fire calls (1,200 a yr. or so). the only time they (fd) runs a medic run is when the merrillville ems is tied up and they call in crown point or hobart for mutual aid. merrillville medics run around 3-4 thousand calls a year. is this going to get shoved off on the fd when prompt or another outside ambulance service is not in merrillville? merrillville says the have no money... it's an all volunteer fire dept.(and they still complain they can't afford the $10 per run a year) and now this with the ambulance...cops haven't had a raise in what 3 yrs? where does all this money that merrillville get go? certainly not back into the town! the town is starting to look like little gary. have you checked out the north side lately? maybe someone should check into the checks and balances of some of these politicians and find out what is really going on. MERRILLVILLE EMS PLEASE STAY IN OUR TOWN OUR LIVES DEPEND ON YOU! "

what if wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:31 AM:

" what if prompt or who ever is in schererville and a heart attack happens in merrillville? whos fault will it be when they die? "

Get out of merrillville your life could depend on it wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:13 AM:

" Wake up Merrillville and start supporting your own. I use to be so proud to live in Merrillville, but now I'm not. It's sad that Merrillville does not care about the EMS service that does a great job in our town. Whats next? Get rid of the volunteer fire department and call in private company or maybe you will hire the watre company to put out fires or go to the false alarms that you wee complaining about a few months ago in the paper. Merrillville will really be sorry. As much as EMS is called to the Retirement Center on 73rd I just hope that the private ambulance service wont be to busy to respond or to far away. Wake up Merrillville the town depends on it. Make Merrillville a city we wouldnt have these problems! "

rats wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:46 AM:

" merrillville sounds like it's more concerned about their dollar than the residents of merrillville. Outside ambulance service is A STEP DOWN and you won't get the quality. Prompt and all these other ambulance companies don't really deal w/ trauma injuries and situation that are life and death. They do transports from house to hospital or hospital to hospital its a joke. The residents of merrillville better hope that individuals from merrillville ems stay in town a get a job w/ these outside medics. How will this affect merrillville fire department... will they run ambulances? "

Liar Liar Pants on Fire wrote on Aug 21, 2007 1:57 AM:

" Pettit says he was told on three times that "we're not going to get out of this hole." Who told him that? The town paramedics didn't. The private billing company that presented a proposal to him last year didn't - in fact they were quite optimistic. So who told him? Was it his wife, one of only 2 part-time ambulance billers the town has? The wife that only works a couple days a week and is by no means an expert on medical billing? The wife that may be too preoccupied with her children crawling around the office while trying to work to pay full attention to the job before her? If so then it makes perfect sense why Mr. Pettit says it's a lost cause, after all, who can argue with such expert opinion? Maybe it was Tim Brown, the town manager who was given $12,000 a year to also act as an absentee EMS Director and run the department straight into the ground. Maybe Mr. Brown came by that opinion after being wined and dined by a certain private ambulance CEO. Good to see that nepotism and questionable ethics are no longer a part of local politics. "

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