County hears ambulance service proposal
Tuesday, June 12, 2007: Lewis County Fiscal Court heard a request for support for a new ambulance
service at its meeting Monday morning.
Richard Caldwell with Life Ambulance Service of Portsmouth, Ohio, asked the court for a letter of
support for his company's request for a Certificate of Need to operate in Lewis County.
He said the current ambulance service is sometimes not available when needed and questioned its
ability to provide adequate coverage in the county.
County Attorney Buddy Lykins Jr. questioned the impact of competition, noting two ambulance
services might not be able to compete financially.
Caldwell acknowledged that possibility but again noted the current inadequate service, to which
Lykins responded that bad service is better than no service.
Caldwell also explained that there should not be a problem with the state issuing Certificates of Need
to two different ambulance services in the county.
Judge Executive Steve Applegate pointed out that the state controls this issue and the county really
has no official say in the matter beyond offering letters of support.
Garrison Fire Chief Marty Strong supported Caldwell's request, expressing concern about the
current provider. He also wondered why the county has no say in the matter. Strong said the county
should have some oversight, along with local fire departments and law enforcement agencies.
Lewis County Emergency Management Director Carl Chaney mentioned that he had just learned that
the current ambulance service has been sold and the new owners will take over on July 1.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007: Lewis County Fiscal Court heard a request for support for a new ambulance
service at its meeting Monday morning.
Richard Caldwell with Life Ambulance Service of Portsmouth, Ohio, asked the court for a letter of
support for his company's request for a Certificate of Need to operate in Lewis County.
He said the current ambulance service is sometimes not available when needed and questioned its
ability to provide adequate coverage in the county.
County Attorney Buddy Lykins Jr. questioned the impact of competition, noting two ambulance
services might not be able to compete financially.
Caldwell acknowledged that possibility but again noted the current inadequate service, to which
Lykins responded that bad service is better than no service.
Caldwell also explained that there should not be a problem with the state issuing Certificates of Need
to two different ambulance services in the county.
Judge Executive Steve Applegate pointed out that the state controls this issue and the county really
has no official say in the matter beyond offering letters of support.
Garrison Fire Chief Marty Strong supported Caldwell's request, expressing concern about the
current provider. He also wondered why the county has no say in the matter. Strong said the county
should have some oversight, along with local fire departments and law enforcement agencies.
Lewis County Emergency Management Director Carl Chaney mentioned that he had just learned that
the current ambulance service has been sold and the new owners will take over on July 1.
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