Wilkes Rescue Squad contract terminated
The rescue squad was in breach of their contract with the county, which required that they be ALS certified, which means advanced life support. Currently, the squad is functioning a step below at BLS, which means basic life support.
There was a big show of support for the rescue squad from various local first responders and people who live in Wilkes County, and an outcry when the commission voted.
'Y'all representing us and Kennedy, tell me how honest you are one more time,' one first responder yelled after a loud boo.
Hardin Kennedy, a Wilkes County commissioner, led the charge to cancel the contract with the WRS.
'They've got the money but haven't provided the services. Do we have legal ramifications because, basically, this is larceny?' Kennedy said.
Kennedy said the rescue squad had taken seven months of county payments and had not provided adequate medical services.
In a statement, the WRS said in part that they wanted to continue rescue services and have been fully compliant with all certificates and licensures at all times.
To simplify, even without full-time paramedics, the squad can still use their boats to rescue people in the water or extract someone from a wreck, among other services.
Kennedy said that since they can't provide backup medical services, they have been in breach of their contract for seven months.
'If I don't pay my house payment for seven months, somebody is going to come get it,' Kennedy said.
Commission President Shirley Randleman asked about event support for something like a NASCAR race.
It depends was the answer.
Without the ALS distinction, a full-time certified paramedic would have to be present at events. The ALS status, Kennedy said, is critical based on his prior experience requiring medical attention.
'Had a BLS service showed up as backup, I would be in heaven with the good Lord,' he said.
Ultimately, Randleman said a contract is a binding document, regardless of personal feelings, recalling her own experience needing support.
'I feel like the county is very indebted to the rescue squad,' Randleman said.
The hope is that the rescue squad can get a new contract. The members FOX8 spoke with after the meeting said they are devastated. They still want a contract to provide basic life support.
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