The future of the Fennimore EMS is still “up the air” since the squad’s staffing issues were discussed during the September and October Fennimore City Council meetings.
“We’re at the mercy of people being available, and who can make personal commitments,” both Fennimore EMS Brian Heisz, along with his wife and fellow EMS member Jenifer, stated that when it comes to staffing a squad, which still stands at nine members, three of which are Brian, Jenifer, and their son. The Heiszes stated they are working on two more possible additions to the squad.
“We’re limping along,” Jenifer stated. Usually we have two people doing the work of four and there’s fear of commitment of how much people are able to do.”
As they brought up to the council during the two meetings, in an “ideal world,” the Heisz’s hope would be to have at least six full time EMS staff members, either as city employees or as contracted service to run a 24/7 EMS.
“Now, sometimes we can have four people available, sometimes zero, daytime hours are especially difficult to currently staff,” Brian expanded. “But we have to do what it tales to take care of our residents.”
“We average at least one call a day, but sometimes we can have three or four calls, or some days zero,” he went on to say.
At the October council meeting, the council agreed to form a committee with council and EMS members to meet and discuss the future of the Fennimore EMS.
As of January, a few meetings have been held, but even with those discussions, the future is still in a holding pattern.
Alderperson Sarah Kretschman of the City of Fennimore’s 2nd Ward, who is one of the council representatives on the committee, stated, “We have held several meetings to discuss the concerns with EMS funding and the shortage of volunteers. I think there has been consensus amongst the group that those are the two biggest concerns facing the future of our EMS service. This has been a long developing concern, and not unique to the Fennimore Community.”
She went on to say, “To encourage open and collaborative discussions, we have invited representatives from surrounding townships and EMS professionals to participate in these discussions. We are currently working on finding a time that works for everyone so we can continue these conversations and make the most responsible financial decision for the City of Fennimore and residents while ensuring we maintain high-quality EMS services.
“The decisions we collectively make to address these concerns may have a substantial impact on our community and we want to make sure to listen to all voices and make the best decision possible,” she further stated.
“It’s pretty much up to the city and the council. I’ve given the numbers and the information. There’s not much more I can do. It’s up to them how to proceed, either with our plan, find an out of town service, or something else,” Brian stated.
The Heiszes both shared Kretschman’s desire to have “all voices heard,” saying that they would also like the public to voice concerns or questions on the future of the Fennimore EMS.
“People can contact their alderpersons, write a letter to the editor, or contact me over Facebook or my e-mail at chief@fennimoreems.org,” Brian said.
Another plan the Heiszes have is the possibility of a town hall meeting where the public can ask questions of them and the other EMS members.
“The public needs to have their voices heard,” Brian went on to say. “Some kind of service needs to be here.”
