TURNER — The Turner Rescue chief is retiring June 30 and selectmen are considering options for emergency medical services because the service only has one trained paramedic.
The board read Laurel Gagne’s resignation letter at its Monday night meeting and lauded her for her dedicated service. She started with the rescue service in 1978.
Town Manager Kurt Schaub said the federal Affordable Care Act is changing many aspects of emergency medical services, including how they are paid. He said now is a good time to prepare for the coming of “community paramedicine.”
Brian Gilbert of United Ambulance presented selectmen with four options for paramedic-level service. The first is 24/7 ambulance coverage at the Turner Rescue station. The second is 12 hours of ambulance coverage at the station and 12 hours of ambulance coverage from United Ambulance’s station in Lewiston.
The third is 12 hours of ambulance coverage and 12 hours of first response paramedic vehicle coverage, both at the Turner station. The fourth is 24-hour coverage with a first response paramedic vehicle, with ambulance response from Lewiston.
Paul Gosselin, executive director of United Ambulance, said each option includes the opportunity to direct-hire Turner Rescue employees who meet the service’s requirements.
Schaub said selectmen will continue evaluating the town’s emergency medical options.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
