FROM STAFF REPORTS

Iredell County commissioners have approved a plan to hire 24 new emergency medical technicians.

Investing $1.74 million in those positions, EMS Director Blair Richey told commissioners during their recent retreat, will improve service, alleviate staff burnout and save taxpayers about $325,000 annually.

While dealing with numerous vacant paramedic positions, the county spent $2.07 million on overtime in fiscal year 2023 to fill open shifts, Richey said.

Although EMS officials have had a difficult time filling paramedic positions, which require advanced training and certifications, the HR Department has an abundance of applicants for EMT positions.

The starting pay for EMTs is $35,850 annually in Iredell County, compared to $45,755 for paramedics. The county offers a $2,500 hiring bonus for new hires for full-time positions.

Iredell County EMS has traditionally staffed its units with two paramedics. However, maintaining Advanced Life Support certification requires only one paramedic per truck.

Commissioners universally agreed that Richey’s proposal was a good one. They encouraged her to work with HR to fill the new EMT positions as quickly as possible.

“Our staff is tired. This is going to ease the strain on everything,” Richey said.

The EMS director also expressed optimism that after these positions are filled the department could put its 15th truck in service full-time.

The board also supported the purchase of two new trucks and asked County Manager Beth Mull to bring a budget amendment for the purchase to the board in March.

MAT program expanding

Following a separate discussion, the board approved the hiring of two new community paramedics to assist with the county’s Medicine Assistant Treatment program. The initiative aims to help those struggling with opioid use disorder.

The new team, which will focus its efforts in the southern end of the county, will be based at Mount Mourne Volunteer Fire Department. The positions will be funded by the county’s opioid settlement money.