Submitted
Public Information Officer Kerry Harlin and Assistant Director Thomas “Boomer” Riter spoke on behalf of Creek County Emergency Ambulance Service District to the Sapulpa Times regarding a claim made by a citizen on Facebook that CCEASD had “no paramedics” and “could only transport”. This misinformation came from the responding service that was requested for mutual aid, due to all units being out on active emergencies.
“Mutual Aid” is referred to as responding to a request for an ambulance outside of the response district. “We run as many mutual aid calls for other services as they run for us. EMS as a community is quick to make sure every call is responded to,” Harlin said.
Like many other industries, healthcare workers are facing a shortage nationwide, including EMTs, nurses, and doctors as well as support staff in healthcare facilities.
According to Harlin and Riter, Creek County Ambulance currently employs 32 paramedics and 29 EMTs and is working to grow that number by positioning itself as a place to be for long-term employment.
“We are continuing to grow Creek County Emergency Ambulance Service District as a career employer for paramedics and EMTs,” Riter said. “In order to do that, we focus on retention of our highly skilled providers to continue the best care to our citizens.”
A follow-up at the management level was done with the concerned citizen within 24 hours of transport. The Facebook post has since been removed. Harlin says the post was removed voluntarily. “We remain committed to providing the best care possible while advocating for every patient,” Harlin said.
For questions comments or concerns email kerry@creekcountyems.com
