Levy County Emergency Medical Services Director of Public Safety, David Knowles and three County EMT/Paramedics talked to the Cedar Key Lions on Tuesday, March 26 describing the challenges and the personal gratification they receive from their positions as emergency medical first responders. Chief Knowles noted that they receive 27,000 calls for emergency help from the greater Chiefland area per year. That represents an 18% increase in calls over the previous year, attributable to the aging population demographics, with 34% of the calls being from residents in the 55-85 age group. The overall average response time in Levy County is 12 1/2 minutes, with each of the EMT vehicles putting on 65,000 miles per unit per year. The Lions were impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of the speakers, but shocked to hear that the starting wages for EMTs and Paramedics (positions that require a college degree) were $8 and $10 per hour respectively. EMT/Paramedics Matt Brannan, David Florence and Harry Sparks shared with the Lions how much they love their jobs and service to fellow citizens. They are here because they want to be here - they love the area
and call it home. The first responders also emphasized that, thanks to their training and the top-notch equipment available to them in Levy County, they are able to do their best to save lives. Paramedic Sparks explained, "As Paramedics, being able to provide quality service is just as important to us as salary." 
Matt Brannan, Director David Knowles, Lions President Pam Oakley, David Florence and Matt Sparks
|
|
