Ambulance provider responds to concerns

DOUBLE SPRINGS - Amidst brewing controversies with emergency responders over patient care claims and issues, Regional Paramedical Service representatives met with an overflowing crowd April 24, in Double Springs in an effort to explain their staffing, policies and procedures.
Eric Pendley, director of operations for RPS, explained to a room full of emergency responders--including firefighters, rescue squad members and law enforcement, as well as state officials that had gathered for the monthly Winston County Firefighters Association meeting--his company’s stance on issues that had been raised.
In a presentation of figures and statistics, Pendley explained their number one concern was patient care.
At least 17 patients were airlifted out of Winston County last year, according to officials at the meeting. In January of this year, RPS added medical flight services known as Regional Air Medical Services or RAMS.
Emergency responders who spoke at the meeting cited major concerns, especially since they feel RAMS is competing for patient service with Air Evac and claiming RPS or RAMS is causing problems at different scenes.
“I think we have already  flown close to 10 with Air Evac this year,” added Pendley. “Our status has not changed. This is where I talked about patient care and liability of the company.
“I have to make sure, number one, that it’s the right thing for the patient, that the patient needs to be flown,” Pendley continued.