This will bring noticeable benefits to the community including the addition of new staff members, equipment, uniforms and more:
- New Staff Members: John Sollars, Carle Region 6 EMS Coordinator, has been assigned as interim manager of Hoopeston ambulance service. In addition, eight new crew members will be added, including both part-time and full-time positions;
- New Equipment: A new ambulance will soon be purchased and placed in service, as well as new Zoll defibrillators in all ambulances currently in service in the Hoopeston area. These new defibrillators use the latest EKG technology to allow the EMS in the field to make a faster diagnosis and immediately transmit the collected EKG data to the waiting Emergency Department (ED).
- New Uniforms: EMS crew will wear uniforms clearly identifying them as care providers.
There will be two ambulances staffed 24/7 with full and part-time staff and one of those crews stationed at the ED for at least 16 hours a day.
Crew members are also working to obtain the highest paramedic certifications, ensuring that every ambulance is considered an Advanced Life Support crew.
Integration between Carle and the Hoopeston Regional Health Center is expected to be completed in November.