At the start of the Town Council meeting Tuesday in Lisbon, 33 people were in attendance. Once councilors agreed to move the vote and discussion on selecting an emergency medical service provider to the next meeting, the majority left. Vanessa Paolella/Sun Journal
LISBON — The Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to table a vote on selecting an emergency medical service provider.
Town Council Chairperson Harry Moore said the town officials have received more information on the service options and have heard from a number of concerned community members since reviewing the bids. He proposed that the Town Council hold a workshop, a more in-depth discussion, at the next meeting, which would also allow more time for residents to share input.
Representatives from Lisbon Emergency and United Ambulance will be in attendance to answer questions, he said. Members from the public can speak during workshops if invited by the chairperson.
The vote would take place at the same meeting.
Thirty-three people were in attendance at the start of Tuesday’s meeting. Once the vote was moved, the majority left.
Two residents who remained urged the council during public comment to continue contracting with Lisbon Emergency.
Erich Randall read a letter written by his wife, a nurse who works in the emergency room of Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick.
After reading both bids, she argued that Lisbon Emergency’s proposed staffing triumphed over that of United Ambulance. Both services would station at least one ambulance in Lisbon, however Lisbon Emergency has proposed staffing up to the paramedic level, a higher certification than United Ambulance.
United Ambulance has offered a paramedic flycar, which would be based in Lewiston and respond to Lisbon when needed.
“This time delay may not seem significant,” Randall said, “However I can assure you that I’ve seen people pass away from untreated allergic reactions in less than 15 minutes. I’ve seen cardiac arrest (patients) that have had better outcomes because they were able to be given medication immediately by a paramedic-staffed EMS crew.”
Paramedic flycars are a great option for small rural communities, but not a town the size of Lisbon, he said.
“I cannot fathom why the town of Lisbon would want to choose this as an option for our community,” he continued.
Lisbon resident Arthur MacArthur, who was once treated by Lisbon Emergency staff, said: “I believe that the best interest of the people in Lisbon is to have Lisbon residents running the ambulance service here.”
Lisbon Emergency has been the primary EMS provider for the town for 45 years. However, United Ambulance, a larger service in neighboring Lewiston, submitted a bid $60,000 less this year.
All four members of the review committee previously recommended that the Town Council award the contract to United Ambulance in consideration of the financial savings, and access to additional benefits and services.
The council will next meet 7 p.m., May 2 at the town office.
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