Response to Supporting local ambulance service

Editors note:

The above letter was addressed not just to Western Nebraska Observer, but also to each of the Kimball County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Tim Nolting asked that we also share the letter that follows in response to the above letter.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson

Thank you for copying me on your letter to the Western Nebraska Observer. I understand your concerns and appreciate your willingness to come forward with valid questions.

I hope I can answer your questions, as well as the questions that others may have.

As I stated in a previous Commissioners meeting, Kimball County Commissioners will not make any changes in our ambulance service unless service can be equal to or better than the services currently provided. It is our hope that Valley Ambulance will provide options that will improve our current level of service at a reduced cost to the taxpayers of Kimball County.

Under the direction of Valley Ambulance, I would anticipate that it will still be the residents of Kimball who are currently qualified emergency responders, who will answer the 911 calls for Kimball County. There will still be first responders in Bushnell and Dix. There will still be two ambulances available to serve the people of Kimball County, and we will still utilize the Kimball County Hospital.

An example of how the Kimball County Ambulance service might operate under Valley Ambulance is the town of Oshkosh, Nebraska. Although located far from Scotts Bluff, Oshkosh Ambulance Service is managed by Valley Ambulance and has excellent emergency services using local citizens. Also under the same structure is the city of Chadron, along with many other communities throughout the panhandle.

Governmental regulations and reporting will continue to become more complex over time and Kimball County can benefit from the expertise that Valley Ambulance can provide. This expertise represents time and effort that is currently being duplicated and could provide an opportunity to reduce operating expenses.

Both Valley Ambulance and the State of Nebraska have recently conducted formal evaluations of our ambulance service. The Board of Commissioners will consider all recommendations made by both parties.

We have yet to see what Valley Ambulance proposes; however, the most important consideration will be to insure that the quality of emergency care in Kimball County is not diminished in any way.

M. Timothy Nolting

Kimball County Commissioner