Monmouth Commissioners, Sheriff champion new EMS program
County leaders begin assisting regionalization of EMTs and EMS to offset volunteer shortage.
Freehold - While some struggle with a shortage of volunteers for critical EMS programs, a joint initiative between the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is meeting the challenge head on.
Stationed at the old firehouse on the grounds of Fort Monmouth, the new regional fleet known as Med Star will serve as the headquarters for forty-four newly hired full-time EMTs, four ambulances and two quick-response vehicles. The hub will be known as “EMS Central” and surrounding towns such as Tinton Falls, Colts Neck and Oceanport will be serviced.
For Sheriff Shaun Golden and County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, this is making good on promises made to residents to provide top-tier response times and safety standards.
“We had over 100,000 calls for service in the county last year and our goal is to assist the volunteers and paid professionals in reducing response times and provide the best patient care that we can,” Golden told News 12’s Jim Murdoch.
“Safety is at the cornerstone of everything we do here in Monmouth County and the Board of County Commissioners is proud to provide financial support to the County EMS operation for this essential service,” added Commissioner Director Arnone.
Monmouth County invested $5 million in the creation of Med Star, some of which will be reimbursed through patients’ insurance plans. Additional hires and more ambulances are expected to be added to the fleet to better serve underrepresented areas of Monmouth County.
When asked if those requiring EMS services will face increased costs, The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office said no, and that the individual will not be responsible for the difference after insurance is billed.
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