A proposed contract with Central EMS that may go before Augusta commissioners Tuesday has the city paying Central a $2.65 million annual subsidy to have 8-14 ambulances and three quick-response vehicles available at all times.
Response-time compliance is the “standard measure of performance,” and Central must respond to all first-priority urban-zone calls within 12 minutes 90% of the time, according to the contract.
In the rural zone, located south of Willis Foreman and Brown roads, Central must arrive within 15 minutes 90% of the time.
If the commission approves a long-term EMS contract Tuesday, it will be Augusta’s first in many years. The draft, obtained by The Augusta Press on Saturday, is subject to change ahead of the commission’s planned Tuesday vote.
Augusta had been operating under a non-binding memorandum of understanding with former provider Gold Cross for the last few years, followed by a month-to-month contract with Gold Cross from January through April 2.
The month-to-month contract, which had no response-time requirements, would amount to $1.9 million annually for Gold Cross. A few on the commission have stated their opposition to paying Central more than that.
The proposed $2.65 million subsidy is subject to a 3% annual increase, which would bring it to $3 million in 2028.
The draft contract is for five years, with two one-year renewals in 2028 and 2029. After 12 months, either party may terminate the contract by giving 120 days’ notice.
The number of ambulances may fluctuate, with 8-14 available as needed to meet the response time requirements, in addition to three quick-response vehicles, or QRVs, staffed with paramedics, the contract states. QRVs can provide high-level care at a scene but can’t transport a patient.
The contract requires Central to secure a $250,000 performance bond and be subject to liquidated damages if it fails to meet response time requirements and minimum staffing levels.
After a 150-day “discovery period,” the fee is $2,000 to not make response time requirements, and $2,500 for insufficient staffing on more than four days per month.
The contract also calls for Central to hire and train two social workers to conduct a “community health intervention program.” The program would assist in connecting people with medical resources and educate “in the appropriate use of the 911 system and emergency medical resources,” the contract states.
The contract calls for Central to house EMS personnel and equipment at Augusta Fire Department stations around the county for a $350 monthly fee.
Ambulances and crew would be located at stations on Telfair and Ellis streets; Walton Way; Alexander Drive; Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard; Old Savannah, Flowing Wells, Old Waynesboro and Windsor Spring roads and Old U.S. Hwy. 1.
Quick-response vehicles and personnel would be staged at stations on Richmond Hill and Old Louisville roads and Highland Avenue.
The fee would deduct $54,600 from Augusta’s subsidy if all 13 stations are utilized.
