The Athens County EMS is implementing new EKG monitors in squad cars that will enable workers to contact hospitals more efficiently.
Athens County commissioners approved EMS Chief Rick Callebs’s proposal for new monitors Tuesday morning, allowing the purchase of 11 EKG devices that would cost taxpayers $216,702.
However, the commissioners were sold on the idea when Callebs described the $72,000 discount that would come from purchasing all the EKG devices at once.
“The monitors will improve services to residents and will allow (EMS workers) to send the results in time to the hospitals,” Commissioner Larry Payne said.
The EMS would need 11 upgraded monitors eventually, Callebs said, so it would be easier to purchase them all at once and get the discount.
“We have six squad cars that we want to put (the EKG monitors) in right now,” Callebs said. “The oldest of them being two 2006 trucks here in Athens County.”
The EKG monitors may also be used in surrounding counties, in addition to Athens County, Callebs said. The cars currently being implemented will serve as replacement vehicles so that they can be used for a few more years.
Monitors can be transported from vehicle to vehicle if a squad car is damaged.
In addition to the 11 EKG monitors, the EMS will also be purchasing nine new cots and seven stair chairs for the vehicles to assist in injuries and other services.
“The No. 1 cause of injury among EMS workers is back injuries,” Payne said. “This will help cut down on back injuries for the workers and improve working conditions.”
The cots and stair chairs will be purchased for about $135,000 and will be paid for separately from the monitors.
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