BVA: Budget cutbacks, training causes costs to rise

Editor’s note: This information is provided by the Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, Inc. (BVA) Board of Directors.

The board met following the commissioners meeting regarding current contract.

The board is working with Boundary County Commissioners to come to a financial agreement with a fair amount of funds.

The current contract was extended for another year, while negotiations are being made to allow the community to have the same quality ambulance and rescue service it has enjoyed for the past 47 yrs.

Currently the volunteer EMT’s manpower is down to a handful running most of the call volume with an average of 800 calls per year.

Many EMTS have full time jobs. Working a full time job and running calls 24 hrs seven days a week has causes burn-out over time.

Qualifications have increased to be a licensed EMT which includes numerous hours of continuous training and costs associated.

With such a large amount of runs per year BVA has been receiving funds from the county in the amount of $8,000 per year.

With budget cutbacks, Medicaid and other insurances not covering all the services that have been previously covered, BVA has requested additional funding to cover the shortfalls and provide the necessary training to keep the EMTS qualified and up to date.

BVA’s goal is to provide quality care to the citizens of Boundary County.

“The mission of Boundary County Volunteer Ambulance, Inc. is to provide the best possible care, transportation, rescue, and extrication to the sick and injured who request our services, while continuing to promote the individual growth of our members and our community”

BVA board looks forward to reaching a common goal with the Commissioners to continue providing ambulance and extrication services.  

The BVA Board gives a huge thanks to all the EMTS for making it a priority in their lives to respond in a moment’s notice, leaving their homes, families and jobs. Those services are greatly appreciated by many in Boundary County.