Special to IFN

The Iredell County Board of Commissioners released the following statement on Tuesday in response to an Iredell Free News article reporting on an investigation into the operations of the county EMS:

“In response to recent news media reports and public inquiries, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners would like to clarify and correct information related to the operation of the Iredell County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department. First and foremost, the portrayal of EMS as a department being “run into the ground” and suggestions that there will be any reduction in service beginning July 1 are false. As stated by the County Manager, the Commissioners have taken multiple steps, including funding for additional equipment and positions in the upcoming budget to expand services provided by EMS. Please be assured that any suggestions or rumors that the County intends to privatize these services are, just that, rumors, and are false. Further, any suggestion that the County or its administration are “corrupt” is also false and unfounded.

“To clarify information regarding the 30-day hold put on the use of Ketamine and drug-assisted intubations by the EMS department, this was recommended by the County’s Medical Director because both the department director and its deputy director – its administration – were not physically present in the day-to-day operation of the department, not because of any wrongdoing or specific issues involving the department’s drug-assisted intubations or use of Ketamine.

“Any efforts by former employees to discredit or erode the public’s trust in the County’s emergency services is unfortunate. While the County is limited regarding its ability to share information regarding specific personnel actions, the Board of Commissioners and administration welcome any questions or concerns about department services, whether EMS or other County departments.”

RELATED

♦ Iredell County administration investigating EMS in response to employee complaints