There are certainly still challenges facing the county’s EMS system.

But collaboration that has taken hold in the last year is a positive step forward.

And it will continue into 2024.

Warren City Council approved agreements between the city and Clarendon Borough as well as Pleasant, Watson and Cherry Grove Township.

Fire Chief Dave Krogler said that Clarendon, Pleasant and Warson approached the city seeking coverage “on an as-needed or backup basis.”

He added that Cherry Grove Township officials have requested that the city serve as primary coverage 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For 2023, the city contracted with a regional EMS commission in the southeast part of the county.

Krogler said the city met with the commission back in August and said that some municipalities were interested in an annual lump sum payment while others wanted to pay monthly.

As a result, he added, the decision was made for the city to contract directly with individual municipalities.

Mayor David Wortman called this agreement evidence that the city is “continuing to be part of the solution. I think it’s a fantastic program the city is involved in.”

The fee per call for a response – $300 – remains the same. Krogler said the $150 fee for the city being canceled en route was reduced to $75 and a three-minute

Council also approved an agreement with EmergyCare to sort out the payment arrangement when both agencies respond to a call.

The city’s response is capped at basic life support while EmergyCare is the sole advanced life support provider in the county.

Krogler said a prior 60/40 split has been turned into a $225 flat rate for 2024.

“This is a one-time fee we pay them once they’ve provided the ALS service,” he said.