Southern Penobscot Regional EMS meeting Tuesday

CORINNA – Incoming Rep. Ken Fredette, R-Newport and local fire departments will be having another meeting about emergency medical service issues and the role of local fire departments at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Corinna fire station, 14 Main Street.

Attendees will discuss possible ways to address the public safety issues facing Southern Penobscot County. Staffing shortages, lack of funding, and other issues are threatening EMS providers and have created a serious threat to Maine’s health care system.

“The availability of EMS services is potentially a life or death situation for anyone in need of emergency medical assistance at any time day or night,” said Fredette. “EMS providers are a critical piece of Maine’s health care and emergency response systems. This is the third local meeting to discuss these issues and discuss options for Southern Penobscot County towns.”

Fredette has drafted a bill proposal for the Maine Legislature to establish a regional ambulance service for towns in Southern Penobscot County. This proposal includes a framework for town opt-in, funding options, a governing board, staffing and training standards, and an opt-out process for towns wishing to withdraw.