OL director provides update
Operating at an increased funding level since Jan. 1, Operation Life has increased its staffing level and is off to a busy start to 2018, the organization’s executive director told the Putnam County Commissioners.
“The year has been busy,” E.J. Claflin said.
OL responded to 805 calls between Jan. 1 and March 31, he told the commissioners during their first April meeting.
Additionally, beginning March 11, the ambulance service has staffed three ambulances 24 hours a day. This was part of the mandate when the commissioners voted in October to up annual funding to OL from $80,000 to $400,000.
Claflin said the service has now gone to 24 hours on duty followed by 72 off, as opposed to just 48 hours between shift before. He said such a move can help prevent burnout among the staff.
Even with these changes, Claflin added, payroll is up just seven percent.
“So we’re actually getting more for the money we spend,” Claflin said.
“All in all, it’s worked out very well,” he added. “We are grateful to the commissioners and the county for the support.”
One move Claflin is still hoping to make is to set up a tracking system with 911 Dispatch so that dispatchers can always know where each ambulance is, thus ensuring the quickest response time.
However, Claflin said some dead coverage spots in the county have to be worked out before such a system can most effectively be used.