BARTOW – While waiting for a decision to be made about the possible consolidation of fire services and emergency medical services, Polk County paramedics and emergency medical technicians learned of yet another cost-saving measure under consideration for their department.

During two separate EMS staff meetings last week, employees were told that one possibility for increasing efficiencies in the department is reducing five stations from 24-hour to 12-hour operations.

“If EMS can be more efficient and deliver the same level of service, then that’s what we have to look at,” EMS Director Harvey Craven told employees during a meeting Friday at the Polk County Agricultural Center in Bartow.

Craven said statistics from each EMS zone were analyzed to calculate how many ambulances were needed in each area. Those stations experiencing less demand, under this plan, would reduce their operating hours to 12. The employees and ambulances may be assigned to other areas based on data showing need for EMS coverage.

If approved, the following would become 12-hour stations: Nalcrest, Sun Air, Solivita and one station each in Winter Haven and Lakeland. About 30 employees would be affected by the change.

Complete story: Click Here