Successful ambulance
December 20th, 2007 by 
Alica
Bloggers recently have posted a lot of opinions about the city’s new ambulance provider. And no matter if you are happy about the new provider in town, or not happy, the provider is who it is.
My question is, what will you yourself do in the coming year to make our city’s emergency services the best they can be? What will you do in the next five years to help make the city’s emergency services successful?
What can we all do to enhance our city?
Posted in Uncategorized, Ambulance | 
December 20th, 2007 at 3:00 am
Drive to SF city limits and call for RM. MS will not be in Brandon for the next year…and for sure not the next five years!
December 20th, 2007 at 7:08 am
I will have to agree with Adam on this subject, I don’t see Med-Star making it more then a year. Its not that I have anything against the company its just that there is not enough calls to support them.
I would like to see the Brandon Fire Dept. step up to the plate and apply for the postion next year. I believe they are the best of the best and would like to see them transport patients.
If Brandon Fire is not willing then I would like to see RM apply, they have the money and resources to provide quality services. Sorry Med-Star the odds are just against you, Brandon does not have the call volume.
Like I said above, I have NOTHING against Med-Star, so I dont want to see the next blog bashing my comments calling me a Med-Star hater. I just look at the facts of 200 calls per year is not enough. Looking at the police logs on brandoninfo.com it shows Med-Star has had only 2 calls this week and reading back to previous news articles I believe Jay said that each call with profit around $900.00. Which means they only made around $1800.00 on 911 calls, they barely pays the on-staff medics for a week..
I don’t know maybe I am just crazy but it just dont add up
December 20th, 2007 at 8:34 am
But everyone also needs to remember that Jay also does transports and that they have been in Brandon for many years…Please dont get me wrong I’m not bashing you just stating a fact. Bruce do you know how much Jay pays his staff…I thought payroll in any business was confidential? Just a question.
Brandon may not have the call volume but was there really a call volume for RM to service the town?
Yes the odds are against MS but the odds are against any new business that starts up and that would also included MS.
Good luck to a great team in my eyes.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
December 20th, 2007 at 8:36 am
To add to Bruce….
There will not be $900 profit. That was his average CHARGE for a transfer. If the patient isn’t transfered to SF, they can’t charge that. Well, they could, but other services only charge if there is an actual transfer. So if they are called and the person doesn’t need or want any services they make no money.
Also take out expenses of equipment, wages, and fuel.
Next take into consideration that a service only collects about 50% of the costs due to non pay and medicare regulations.
So if he has 2 calls a week that he actually transfers to SF there’s no way he can even break even. Paying 2 medics 24/7 for one week will cost approximately $5000. Here’s the math– 2 medics at $15 an hour. 24 hours X 7 days = 168 hours/week. X $30 wages = $5040. THAT’S JUST WAGES. To break even just in wages it would take 5.6 calls a week. 291 calls per year (that actually end up transferred)And then collect only 50%. We only had about 170 transfers in the past. He will be so far in the hole after one year there’s no way without a subsidy he can make it.
That is just the facts, no personalities involved, just plain business.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:38 am
Loving life,
It’s no secret what the average medic in South Dakota makes.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:46 am
#3…
Lets just say a medic makes $25,000/year and you have 4 medics. Thats $100,000 just in salary JUST SALARY!.. Ok so they have 200 calls at $900.00= $180,000.. That leaves only $80,000 for insurance, maintaince, utilites, etc.. etc…
Now you stated that RM did not have the call volume either in Brandon, BUT they did have the call volume in SF and according to RM they average 15 calls/day..They were actually coming and serving Brandon for FREE!! We did not have to shell out $2,000 for a QA committee like we do with MS.. it was Free!
I honestly dont see Med-Star getting the contract next year for two reasons..
1) There will hopefully be new council members
2) They will not be finacially stable after reporting a huge loss.
Like I stated before I am not against Med-Star, just really dont see how they can make it work.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:56 am
Don’t forget Bruce, the average ambulance service only collects 50% of their billings. So cut your projected profit in half.
Anybody have a clue as to how much medical equipment costs? Look at your last hospital bill.
How about fuel, building rent, FICA, unemployment tax, work comp, employee benefits?
December 20th, 2007 at 8:58 am
It is very easy to see none of you understand this. MS has been in Brandon for 9 years, not taking a dime for any service they offer. RM provided the ER service to Brandon, but never staffed for it. They will neither add or subtract from their work force because of Brandon or any other town except S. Falls. RM is a nationally traded stock holder owned company. They need big returns to satisfy stockholders. These are facts. The reasons MS will be sucessful are:
1. The staff is in place and has been getting paid before MS took over 911.
2. Any new calls are in addition to an already sucessful business.
3. Rumors and speculation will be proven with facts when real time, real life situations are encountered and delt with.
My prediction for 5 years?
MS will be bought out by RM or another national chain of ambulances. The paramedics will stay in Brandon along with the building and rigs. Brandon will finally have a national chain with paramedics and rigs in our town.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Alica to answer your question about how am I going to make our emergency services the best they can be….I’m not sure what you mean. No disrespect intended but that’s not up to the citizens of Brandon. Making them the best is up to the service themselves. We have absolutely no control over their competency.
What did we do to make Rural Metro the best? Nothing. Because that’s their job.
What do we do to make our local clinic physicians and nurses the best? Nothing. That’s their job.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:03 am
I hope your 5 year prediction is right. I would feel safer.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:04 am
P.S.
It is not governments job to predict if a company will not succeed. It is only their job to make it fair to all who want to play the game. Big OR small. How much money is enough for MS to survive? How much is enough for RM to survive? My guess….RM millions….MS thousands.
Your arguments are like saying Sneakers can’t make it selling pizza because Pizza Ranch is bigger and was here first.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:07 am
Real deal,
Too bad you’re not comparing apples to apples. Selling pizza and beer is a far cry different than saving lives.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Juliet brings up a good point. Why did Brandon stay quiet when a new clinic came to town? Where the existing doctors well trained? Where the new doctors less trained? Are they state certified? Do they do more or less on one side of the street than the other?
My point is MS paramedics get a state certification just like RM. That has been the point the entire time. RM has national certification and the money to do that. Great. I personally don’t put much weight in large companies. Do you think Alliance is doing a good job or would you like Qwest to come in? I would choose the smaller company any day. They care more, and I think that is what Brandon will learn in the next 5 years. MS will care more about our town.
I truly beleive if you don’t feel comfortable with MS, you have been lied to.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Bottom line is #8 you have to make enough money to pay all your expenses plus pocket some for yourself.. And there is not enough money at the end of the month to satisfy all of those columns.. Also, Med-Star has is taking on many new expenses since becoming a 911 provider, so dont say they have no new expenses from when they did Transfers.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:16 am
It was an analogy.
My point exactly. Throw in the “LIFE SAVER” fear monger comments. Sorry Juliet, it’s business. Your theory that one ambulance provider will kill you and the other won’t is not beleivable. The training is the same the rigs are the same. They are just two different businesses. Leave the emotion OUT.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:24 am
#14
Anyone in the amulance business knows you don’t make money on 911, that is not the point. 911 is a supplement to transfers.
MS needs the 911 to get the transfers at Helping Hand and Bethany.
New area, new revenue.
Why would someone in business for 9 years in Brandon, making money, all of a sudden go broke because they start to do 911? MS has been paying paramedics to be on call already. You only need to figure the differeance in pay from on call to on sight. Leave out FICA and all that stuff, that has already been paid for years.
December 20th, 2007 at 9:29 am
Ok, I am throwing this out there.. I have heard that MS has in the past bounced checks to their employee’s, now with that being said, if this statement is not true, why will Jay not show us the finance statements of his company? RM does and by-god they look pretty good to me. I honestly dont think MS has as much money as we all think. He has alot of overhead with the rigs and buildings that he owns, that right there is a good payment alone
December 20th, 2007 at 9:43 am
#15 You are correct about the initial training. We all get the exact same training, but how much of it we understand and retain is not the same from person to person. I wish I could say more but am limited, but I will say this, I wish we could make public the number of times each of the MS medics had to retake the registry exam after failed attempts, between 3 and 6! How many times did the average RM medic retake due to failure 1! And that is the difference, not to mentiont the whole experience thing. So dont try to say they are the same. Apples and oranges (911 provider and transfer company)
December 20th, 2007 at 10:04 am
And this early in the day shouldnt you be at Tailgaters having coffee on Jay. I hope its not going on his tab!
December 20th, 2007 at 10:07 am
realdeal,
NO WHERE did I say one provider will kill you and one won’t. Shame on you because YOU inferred that and that’s where the fear monger comments always come from…the MS camp.
Why did we stay quiet when a new clinic came to town? Because we’re not paying for it. They come with there own QA also.
Why would they all of a sudden go broke doing 911 you ask? Because they have to have additional staff, duh. They guaranteed the city one ambulance and 1 medic and 1 emt. And btw…RM doesn’t hire emt’s only medics, so we lose on that part too.
Sanford pays $2.00 an hour to be on call, are you telling me MS pays the full wage of about $15??
December 20th, 2007 at 10:47 am
One thing can be said for sure, you people must be single, divorced or very unhappy. To continue to beat a dead horse the way that this continues, I feel sorry for you. Your spouses must really get tired of hearing the same crap out of your mouths day after day. Amazing!
December 20th, 2007 at 10:53 am
You’ve had plenty to say yourself on this blog always listening.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:00 am
#21.. Why the hell are you always on here bloggin then?
December 20th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Point being, I’ve learned to shut up on this issue as its settled.
December 20th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
To #9 Juliet:
Sometimes the best way to help is simply to not make things worse.
It occurs to me that workers in any occupation would not do their best work if morale is low in the workplace. And if workers in any occupation read, or hear, or know, that people around town are calling them idiots and saying mean and nasty things about them, well, that could easily lead to low morale.
That’s just human nature.
Now, I’m not saying that people should just say everything is a bowl of roses if it isn’t. But politeness in all our observations goes a long way.
I like the discussion above on this thread. People are making their points in a civilized way. Rational discourse is great.
December 20th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Always listening…your comments are wayyyyy out of line. You are obviously affiliated with MedStar, so perhaps you should start taking people’s concerns to heart. You say people are beating a dead horse? So are you by trying to convince everyone that MS is the second coming of the EMS system.
Real Deal…you are either affiliated with MS, or you just don’t get it. MS staffed during the day for transfers, and had medics on call at night. Those medics DID NOT earn full wages at night. They earned ‘pager time.’ MS promised a medic and EMT 24/7, so the payroll is going to increase significantly.
As to your comment that medics have the same training and, therefore, are equal…that is just nonsense. Does every person that walks into an algebra class come out with the same grade and competancy level?
If I were you, I’d keep my keyboard silent. You are making MS look worse and worse each time you write.
December 20th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I guess to that I have to say I didn’t call anyone an idiot.
It’s also human nature to be protective of their families safety and well being.
I don’t believe the citizens of Brandon are responsible for keeping morale high at Medstar or any other business in town. Just as I don’t expect people to keep morale high at my place of employment.
Respect is earned and maybe in time they can prove they have staying power.
It’s hard to have respect for a company that has yet to answer truthfully to so many questions asked of them. I’d like to look back in a year and say they earned my respect. Time will tell.
December 20th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
To #27 Juliet:
I have to clarify that I wasn’t directing my comments to you personally or any person in particular.
It is our responsibility to avoid, if possible, damaging the morale of someone on whom we might need to depend for our safety and well-being.
We all can be polite when we refer to people, even if we don’t respect them.
December 21st, 2007 at 7:58 am
#26….Why do all you MS bashers think that if someone has something positive to say about MS that they HAVE to be employee? I am not affliated with MS in anyway and I am a supporter of them. I just wish people would move on and deal with the fact that for at least one year (and hopefully more) MS will be our ambulance provider. You are not doing the community any favors by bashing our ambulance service! Jay has many eyes watching him now, and I’m confident that he will step up to the plate and do good things for this community.
December 21st, 2007 at 8:27 am
#29 Anonymous,
Just one thing to say, LIAR! The simple fact that you cannot spell affiliated proves you are are Death Star trooper.
December 21st, 2007 at 9:24 am
I would like to kick the horse. Haters, your company lost. Why you sided with a low-rent national corporation is beyond me. RM is a horrible company nationally with a piss poor reputation. They’ve been kicked out of a lot of towns, been grilled time and time again across the nation.
RM, which does fire service stuff in Arizon, watched someone’s house burn down because they didn’t pay the “subscription fee.” They responded to the house all right, they were paying people to be there, but they watched a house burn down because there was no profit in it.
MedStar is also a for-profit organization. So I have no love there. These are two for profit services. You people need to get on the non-profit bandwagon.
Think of your police were for-profit. Would you be okay with that? What if your fire was for profit? What if the police sent you a bill every time you called them? What if fire sent you a bill when you needed help? Would you be okay with that?
So why are you okay with a for profit company doing EMS? RM is an awful company, and anyone who tells you different is a shill. It’s poorly paid, poor benefits. That’s a fact. Unfortunately, that’s the best job in EMS in South Dakota, outside of Aberdeen Fire. What’s that tell you about the state of EMS in SD? Pretty pathetic.
Until SD starts caring about quality service and less about “I don’t take a subsidy!” No matter who spills that line, you will get substandard care. You need to go the non-profit route.
Brandon fire needs to go ALS. That will solve many of your problems.
December 21st, 2007 at 9:32 am
Roger,
I dont even know what to say to your comments, it is obvious that you have no idea what you are talking about, there is nowhere for me to even begin so I will leave it at that.
December 21st, 2007 at 9:33 am
Wow, Roger I am speechless at your stupidity, the only thing I can agree with you on is that Brandon Fire needs to go ALS ASAP!!!
December 21st, 2007 at 10:30 am
With so many experts on this issue, why haven’t YOU solved this issue??? Oh that right, you just want to be a part of the problem , not part of the solution. Thats easy.
December 21st, 2007 at 1:01 pm
#30 (Spelling Police)……Wow!! You are scraping the bottom of the barrel aren’t you?? Calling me a liar???? Again, I AM NOT afflilated with Med Star. Just trying to shed a little positve light onto this very nasty blog. Merry Christmas #30!!
December 21st, 2007 at 10:49 pm
SORRY but as for Rogers comments, pretty much the truth! do the research SD sucks when it comes to prehospital health care.
and RM, how many places have they been kicked out of and how many times were they sued in the past five years., check it out.
I don’t support med-star,
Brandon Fire and Ambulance Talk to Humbolt, Dells and Garretson.
December 21st, 2007 at 11:12 pm
To Roger in #31 your point is interesting I am quoting you ” RM is a horrible company nationally with a piss poor reputation. They’ve been kicked out of a lot of towns, been grilled time and time again across the nation.”
Now lets see what the Brandon city council has choosen to provide us.
1)QA - Back cracker who happens to a paramedic(sounds like a good one) from another state - no local doctors or REMSA would sign on to review. Oh and you get to pay twice now for the QA, once in your county taxes for REMSA and now for Brandon QA.
2) A service who has less then 6 months between two other South Dakota Cities in the last year. Bad business decisions (Jays own words at a city council meeting)
3) A gurantee of one rig 24/7 without subsidy( your tax dollars) staffed by aparamedic & EMT OH lets not forget a personal gurantee of being on scene within 8 minutes. RM has a written agreement to be on scene within 8 to 9 minutes 90% of the time.
It only takes me a few minutes to get across our town
4) The contract between BRandon and MS states only an enroute time of 4 mintues — no on scene time requirement. Wonder why?
5) A question of backup service if the one rig is busy. First Jay claims it’s guranteed that RM will cover if he can’t, then he has sent a Mutual aid contract to RM. Now the City is saying no contract on file. There no question here.
6) You say the FD should become ALS, do you have any idea the cost to become a reality. Lets start with salaries for at least 8 paramedics plus benefits, insurance, rigs or units, medical supplies, building, again with the insurance, training, medical directions, radio equipment, and finally administrative expense. How much would your like your taxes to go up to support that? Maybe karber will help by getting the insurance cost down like he did for MS.
Finally) you mention how RM have been grilled - In Brandon the only way a person can get an answer is personally tour Jays building and listen to the saleman - city council has stopped the audience from question to Jay on several occasions. That an open air format.
AS has been said many times before - If jay had on gone out and met the county requirements we would not have had this issue - wonder why he never applied for the county ordinance. Wonder if the non-existing relationship between the Ruebin family and Jay has any thing to do with it? Sounds like MS has a lot more in common with RM then people think based on your quote.
December 22nd, 2007 at 8:48 am
Goosie goose,
I can’t figure out, in your rambling, if you are agreeing with me or disagreeing with me. Because my original point was so elloquent and so On the Spot, I will have to assume that you were wowed by my amazing rhetorical approach and wonderful factual citations.
Anyway, I say Rural Metro sucks. Your response is that Rural Metro sucks, Med Star sucks, and it sucks that Med Star sucks because you wanted Rural Metro.
That is one of the most bizarre things I have yet read, and I read a lot of bizarre things on the internet.
What is shocking is that nobody, in their vitrolic hatred of Med Star, has bothered to mention is that Med Star hasn’t even had the chance to make a fool of itself. I don’t know if that will come in time, but I know this: Rural Metro has made a fool of itself time and time again. Search for news on RURL, their stock ticker. You’ll get a chuckle out of that one.
You in the hater crowd need to get beyond the “this was an inside job”. Yes, and I’m sure the grassy knoll is still warm from where the second shooter was, and maybe you can dig up a Zapruder film too from some old council meeting.
WHO CARES? You’re only wearing the tread out on those bald tires. Move on. GET OVER IT.
If you want to complain, you’ve got a full time job. IF you want to improve things, find an alternative.
Brandon Fire becoming full-time ALS: My solution.
December 22nd, 2007 at 9:29 am
Roger, I did chuckle at your first paragraph, pretty funny.
The fact remains however that Medstar HAS been proven to make a fool of itself. 3 times. Sioux Falls (in it’s previous life as CareTraum) Dig into the facts and money issues on that by looking at microfilm at the Argus. (early 90’s)We’re all forgetting that this has been tried before and he was given the opportunity to run calls in SF. Ask yourself why they’re not anymore?? Add to that the failure in Aberdeen and also Huron. 3 strikes. So over and over people say…”give him a chance” He has been given 3.
Post the links or specific info on Rural Metro. And also remember the size differences in relationship to complaints. How many complaints do you think Avera and Sanford have (system wide) compared to a small rural SD hospital?? Rural Metro is a nationally traded company that will not go broke anytime soon. I want staying power, not bad business decisions (as stated by Jay himself)
Who cares you ask?? We should all care. That’s what living in a free society is all about. It’s our right to care, complain and try to right the wrong. It’s called Democracy.
If something bad happens or Medstar is broke in a year I want to say get over it then.
I agree that Brandon Fire is a great solution. But…it won’t work yet unless we join the ambulance tax district. We just can’t support it. Go back and read posts 4-7.
If we’re going to pay for service, I’d rather pay for a couple of medics for our FD and be 90% volunteer, than pay for a profit service, but that opens up a whole ‘nuther can of worms. The logistics of starting and maintaining a service are astronomical, and not just any “joe” can do it. We’ll be paying big bucks for that expertise. By the time Brandon can support our own service, we’ll be part of Sioux Falls, and this whole issue will be a non-issue.
My thoughts are not based on your “hater” theory, they are based on personal experience in the field. No one wants to listen to the people who have actually done this before. Roger, have you run calls as an EMT before? Are you employed in the medical field? Do you have any healthcare experience? I don’t profess to know about a lawyers job, or a CPA’s job, or a cell phone seller, or a real estate agent, or an engineers job, but this job I DO know.
No one can say Medstar will unequivocally fail until that day, but…the odds are against it’s success based on past performance and lack of calls and funding.
December 26th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Get over the issue that is DONE. MS is up and running in Brandon and will be there for at least 1 year like it or not. I don’t really care for the Govener of SD but we are stuck with him until his contract is up, so I live with it like it or not. I am not sure what you people keep complaining about it is the same concept. Keep in mind RM was not liked a lot of other places too.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:37 am
Do you mean GOVERNOR? Not really the same, the Governor doesn’t do emergency medicine to save lives. And btw, he doesn’t have a “contract”, he has a term. Nice that we’re “stuck” (as you say) with a provider that didn’t get the job on merit.
December 27th, 2007 at 8:49 am
move on for at least a year and get over this issue. In a year you can start your complaining again.
December 27th, 2007 at 9:21 am
Happy New Year!!!!!!
December 27th, 2007 at 10:10 am
Has anyone had to use MS for an emergency call yet? And if so - how was their experience with them? What was their response time, were they professional in their care, etc?
December 27th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Resident is right, it is over and done with. However, we can still express our displeasure with our city government at the ballot box in the spring. If there is so much sentiment against MS, then I would expect (and hope) to see new faces on the council next year.
December 27th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Hey 4Ever in Brandon,
If you don’t like our council members why don’t you run next year??
December 27th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
cindy,
There will be plenty running, especially in Ward I. There were 7 interested when they “appointed” a replacement in Nov.
Regarding #44…How would you describe “professional” in their care? Do you mean were they nice to you or neat looking in appearance, or do you mean did they start the IV on the first try and use appropriate protocols for emergency medicine?
December 27th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
To # 47 - Get over yourself.
#44 was asking a legitimate question in a very nice manner. I would also like to hear any comments from individuals who have used Medstar since they started running 911 calls in Brandon.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I think 47’s question was as legitimate as 44’s, and it wasn’t asked impolitely, so what’s the problem?
December 27th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
#47 was implying that MedStar’s employees only look the part and can’t actually play the part. #47’s opinion - not facts. And yes, it was impolite as well as sarcastic.
The “problem” is that certain individuals refuse to give up on their quest to bash MedStar. I believe #44 was actually looking for factual comments on MedStar’s performance thus far, as most of us are.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
The problem is, #49, it would appear that the vast majority of the people that write on blogs (not only here, but the Argus, Keloland, AOL, etc) just like to complain, pick fights, and, in general, be mean spirited and rude, and all under the guise of an anonymous name. Shrinks have a name for this. It is called self aggrandizement. Or making oneself appear more important and more knowledgeable than anyone else.
Sad, isn’t it, that a public forum like a blog turns into nit-picking and name calling, instead of a forum for constructive comments and suggestions?
I understand not everyone falls into this category. Unfortunately, those people that attempt to be civil are grossly outnumbered.
December 27th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Could not have said it better myself Harmon…high five!!
December 27th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
MS has had 911 calls and people have been pleased on the care and service. They have had 4-5 calls since they started.
December 27th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Nice to hear that things are going nicely for MedStar! Thanks Resident!
December 28th, 2007 at 6:21 am
Resident,
Where does your information come from? The “people” themselves?
December 31st, 2007 at 4:47 am
Just a matter of time until Jay folds. Just like he did in Aberdeen and Huron. I don’t wish for Jay to fail, I KNOW he will fail. Then what does Brandon do?? You guys were fools for voting in this ordinance in the first place.
December 31st, 2007 at 6:15 am
Well, SDEMT, you really represent the profession well with your hateful speech.
But I’m sure if Med-Star failed, that would spell the end of Brandon. The city would dissolve, everyone would scatter like leaves in the fall, the streets would crumble, weeds overgrowing all the buildings, and eventually, the prairie grass would consume the entire city. In a matter of perhaps 2 weeks after Med-Star would leave town, Brandon would cease to exist as a city. Instead, the only remants would be that wooden watchtower thing by the park in a field of tall prairie grass blowing in the wind.
The only memory of Brandon would be the highway sign on I-90.
Yep, I’m confident that’s exactly what would happen.
January 1st, 2008 at 8:33 am
Did I hear right that Medstar already overstepped their bounds and jumped a call on the interstate?? Can anyone confirm that?
January 1st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Metro communications sends who needs to respond.
January 1st, 2008 at 1:47 pm
resident,
Medstar can not respond outside Brandon city limits. They do not have a license to operate in Minnehaha county. Period.
January 1st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Part on the interstate and Corson are in Brandon’s city limits.
January 1st, 2008 at 9:09 pm
This is just a rumer. MS did not run a call on the interstate.
January 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 am
58: You are a douche who needs to quit posting these unfounded rumors that aren’t even rumors at all. You have overstepped your boundaries.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:18 am
They asked for a confirmation, so obviously they weren’t sure.
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:36 am
“61. resident Says:
January 1st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Part on the interstate and Corson are in Brandon’s city limits.”
Corson is Corson…that is not Brandon…and the interstate is not Brandon.
January 2nd, 2008 at 10:07 am
The Medics that respond to calls in Sioux Falls are considered Senior Level Medics with at a minimum of 2 years as experence as a Staff level Medic before they are allowed to treat patients independently. The medics in Brandon are allowed to treat patients with little or no experience. This is like allowing a Doctor, who just graduated from medical school to perform heart surgery. wait a minute he has had the same traing as all the other doctors…Right?
January 2nd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
How do you know about MS experience?
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:56 pm
resident,
We don’t, because Jay Masur woulnd’t answer that question when asked at a council meeting. He refused.
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:46 am
Treat patients independently? Like they have three people on the ambulance? Please. They do what they want in the back. That’s how the job is supposed to go. That “level 2″ crap is just some fancy paperwork thing for a payraise. Big deal. It comes with freedom to do maybe one or two extra procedures that are rarely used anyway.
I don’t care either way, but let’s not cream our pants over some fakey title thrown on the situation.
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:02 am
#69
Is mad because # 66 is right. Too Bad…Ha,ha,ha
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:54 am
#70 Grow up!!MS has a buisness to run and a job to do leave your childish comments at home where they belong.
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Med Star will be filing chater 7 soon.
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
# 72 Resident - Are you making up and spreading rumors again? I believe it is called “Defimation of Character” and is against the law.
Most of us this forum would appreciate factual information only. Real facts, not those made up in your head.
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
#71 and #72 are not the same person!!
January 4th, 2008 at 7:34 am
#74 and #75 didn’t know each other before the War.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:51 am
#69-Just for your information, the facts…if you will, RM Senior and Staff levels do mean something more than increase pay. It means that they have EXPERIENCE! Something none of MS employees (including you Jay)have or will ever have in the future. RM Senior level paramedics are the best of the best in paramedicine. I have worked with them on a daily basis for many years within my job, and that sir, is the facts! How can you get any kind of “experience” working in a system that runs 3-4 calls/week? RM can get that in 1/2 hour (and be able to cover all of them, unlike MS.) You asked for facts…there they are.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I find that #76 is not stating all of the facts…I do believe that a lot of the staff on MEDSTAR does have 911 EXPERIENCE!!!! so b4 you start saying that something is fact I think you need to do some more research on his employees. I do know that a lot of them do have what it takes and that MEDSTAR will make it. They have been in business for over 8 yrs now and they dont seem to be going anywhere at this point. I do love Jay and his team and yes I do support them!!
But the bashing does really need to stop. They are up and running and so far no one has said anything bad about the care from his team.
Just have faith and give them a chance. That is all that Jay and his team are asking for.
January 6th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Here’s a summar of #76:
BAWWAAAAHHHH. MY FAVORITE AMBULANCE CORPORATION DIDN’T WANT TO WORK IN BRANDON. BAWWWHHHHAAAHH. THEY WROTE OFF BRANDON AS ‘NOT PROFITABLE’. NOW I BADMOUTH ANYONE. BAWWWHHHAAHH.
Ps. Jay is bad. BAWAHHHHAHH.
-
I think that’s being more than fair as a summary.
January 7th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
No, 78, that is not what I heard. But your ears might be bad. I am hearing that this person is someone outside of EMS that sees the real issues with MS. This person sounds as though they are possibly a emergency room doctor or nurse who does not want to idenify themselves (understandable 76), but at the same time wants us (the people of Brandon) to understand what we have got into here with MS. I am not on either side of this issue, but just trying to translate in a mature way rather than the childish way you decided to translate it. Could all grow up please?
January 7th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
You win some and you loose some. Not everyone can be happy with the way things have turned out. But lets all grow up for the sake of the children who are acting like children here. We all can dissagree on this issue always will.
January 7th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
One of MS Employees was fired from RM. This person had reported for work intoxicated. She had gone out on St Patricks Day night and tied one on. That night she crashed her car into the gas pumps at Get N Go at 10th and West in Sioux Falls. She than left the scene. Hit and Run. And hide her car in her garage. If a backgroung check would have been performed or Med Star gave a crap this person would not be working in Brandon. Not the stand up type person I would want working on me. This is why she was FIRED from RM. I guess this is the type of person MS recruits.
January 8th, 2008 at 10:12 am
RM had an employee that was taking morphine and using and selling it, so now what?
January 8th, 2008 at 10:14 am
#81……Nice blog. I hope that makes you feel a lot better about yourself. Singling people out and trahing them on this website is uncalled for and very immature. You need to GROW UP!!!! When are you MS bashers going to give it up and move on with your lives??? I’m sure you can find something else to complain about. You are beating a dead horse on this issue. And by the way, I have talked to a couple of the Brandon police officers and they have had nothing but good comments about how MS has done so far. One guy said that MS beat him to one of the calls they had. That certainly wouldn’t have happened if RM was still out here.
January 8th, 2008 at 10:29 am
#83 nice piont. This is very true. Ms has been looking good here in Brandon and doing a fine job. Keep up the Good work!
January 8th, 2008 at 11:49 am
82, RM HAD an employee (if that is true)…that is the key. MS HAS a former RM employee currently working for them which has a criminal record (that, I know, is true.) Every company has employees like both of these at some point in time. The difference is that when the allegations against them are found to be true, they are NO LONGER an employee at RM. That is not the case with MS. You people really are not that smart are you? How are those nursing home transports going MS? 18 calls…4-5 transports, that of which the majority are nursing home calls. MS will be broke within six months. They might be able to hold on 8-10 months without paying their employees I guess.
January 8th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Here seems to be the problem with all of these posts. The honest to God truth . Please don’t speal any of your accusations on here unless you tell the truth, it appears that both ms and rm have had problems. Now you, truth and back at ya, pull your nads out from underneath you and show the proof. It appears that anyone can say crap with out actually backing this up. Lets start anew. Instead of saying that 4 of our council members are egotistical, power hungry, biased, stay too long many times at the bar, or bowling alley, casino,(into the wee hours of the morning) and appoint their bud to a position of importance (which was promised), or just help an ambulance get started in our town, doesn’t matter how much qualifications or skills or any thing other than throwing a body on to a gurney, with all of the iv’s and meds taken care of already, all done before hand, then just haul them to the place they are going. Whew, that is a toughie. By the way, Jay offered a whopping $2.00 an hour to any one who would take his ambulance home at nights to respond to transports, in one of the places he didn’t stay in long. He had no takers. Duhh. This you can actually check out, remember TRUTH. Another truth, Steve Rubin’s nephew works for ms, should he have voted on this? absolutely not, he should have abstained like the Buck does, alot. I’m sure he could have schooled Rubin in it. Where’s your conscience, Councilman Rubin?
In the end, I guess all I’m trying to say is…Back up the statements with either the proof, or where you can get it.
January 9th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Regarding the article entitled “Nebraska man ready to begin ambulance scrutiny” I have a couple of thoughts.
1. It seems confusing that he uses the words “family practice.” The words Family practice are used by medical doctors who practice as family practice doctors.
2. I have a problem with his statement: “My chiropractic practice was kind of different than usual,” he said. “For me, it was more medical.”
What does that mean?? He thinks he’s really as qualified as an MD?
3. There’s nothing in the story about his experience at providing quality assurance review, has he ever done this specific type of work before?
4. I wondered how Mr. Jacobus’ name came up with the council. The woman who helped find him said she had done internet research among others. If you search for his name you get virtually nothing and certainly nothing about a quality assurance business. Now, after the article it seems very clear how he came to be. Mr. Masur knew Mr. Jacobus. So who “found” him? Or did Mr. Masur choose his own QA provider? And have you ever asked yourself why no one local would do it?? Our own QA committee quit for liability reasons, does Mr. Jacobus have liability insurance that covers his services? Or is the city paying extra premiums for him? Or don’t we have any at all?
5. Are you telling me that Mr. Jacobus is coming to Brandon at least 4 times a year to provide training for $1100 dollars? Gas alone at .35 cents a mile is $560 a hotel room for 4 nights at the HI express is $400. So the training part is FREE. What is his speaking fee when “he has lectured and taught classes around the country” I assure you it’s not free. I know what speakers at the SD EMT convention get paid.
6. Who is Jacobus sending the reports to, Masur or the city administrator?
7. Jacobus says he was to receive the first batch of paperwork by Jan. 4th. Did that happen?
Alica, I’m sure you have plenty to do, but could you track any of the answers to the above questions down?
January 9th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Really interesting that Masur couldn’t get himself in the press often enough when he wanted the contract and now that he’s got it he’s refusing to talk to the Argus. Nice PR Jay. You got what you wanted and now are being rude. Typical of how you’ve done things for years, true colors.
January 9th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Why get into the news media when they turn your stories all around and that is not what you told them. I wouldn’t talk to them either until they could print what is said.
January 9th, 2008 at 9:17 am
resident,
what are you talking about? Back it up with specifics or no one understands. And PS, the press is obligated to print what is said.
January 9th, 2008 at 10:03 am
#90 - Not to bash the press but you obviously have not really had to deal with the press. In prior jobs I was in the press several times - nothing controversial, just informative. Each time the story wasn’t necessarily represented correctly. Words can be left out, inserted out of context, etc.
January 9th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I still would like “resident” to be specific as that’s his/her MO. When asked over and over on this blog about specifics “resident” just vanishes and never gives the requested info. Makes me wonder if they don’t have it and that’s why they won’t be specific.
January 9th, 2008 at 11:28 am
92- The reason resident does vanish is because he/she/they are obviously Jay or a MS employee. Go back and read their entries and is is plain as day. I also find it interesting that Mr. Masur is now biting the hand that fed him. The Argus leader was nothing if not suppotive of im and now he/they are not speaking with them. Interesting?
January 9th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
because,
I agree, and it’s also been obvious to me who “resident” is. And yep, on the Argus issue.
January 9th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
What does the Argus have to do with how MS runs their service?
January 9th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
How people and their businesses conduct themselves in public (and when people aren’t looking) is a direct reflection on the validity and quality of that business. And how they treat the press and everyone else is basic manners.
January 10th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Did you also think that they reason why Jay would not to the Argus is because he was working. Maybe he was taking a 911 call in Brandon or he was on a medical transport. He does have a business to run and IMO is more important then talking to a reporter when they seem to twist words or they don’t report the full story. I have heard and read that the people that have had to use the services of MS are satisfied with the treatment of his employees.
Please everyone just NEEDS TO GROW UP and stop acting like you are all back in grade school. Stop trying to “bully” Jay and his company out of your town.
Just remember that as along as MS is in operation his employees are bringing revenue into your community.
January 10th, 2008 at 9:08 am
97, ok Jay, nice attempt to save face. It is so obvious that you are writing that. “maybe he was working”, yeah right. “I have heard and read that the people…are satisfied”, only you (Jay) would write something to this sort. “Bringing revenue…” More like bringing a liability. So the Argus is the bad guy now…gave up on RM huh? I guess you were just proven wrong to many times with them. Less than a year, less than a year…
January 10th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Jay can you here that? listen closely……shhhhh…..Is it the sound of chapter 11 at your door or is it RM sirens coming to Brandon because you are out of business HAHA HAHA!!!!!
Bringing revenue to this city, what revenue, you cant afford to pay your employees…
Yes, I am anti-Jay and I am PROUD of it.. So go ahead and bash me everyone, at least I am honest! Jay is a joke and everyone in the county knows except for Brandon…
January 10th, 2008 at 11:02 am
The bottom line is some like MS and some like RM. Learn to disagree and live with it and the way things are for now and maybe in a tear things will be different. Bashing one another is very childish, who are the adults here? #99 bring your proof. #98 you go talk to the Argus if you need too. People need to see that there is nothing you can do to change this issue now. MS is the provider for the lengh of the contract. Sorry.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:04 am
M auser’s
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January 10th, 2008 at 11:09 am
#100, I am very hurt you would call me a child
.. Ok, so I dont care. But way are you blogging if you dont care about the issue anymore? Go on with your life and we will talk to ya in a year, when the issue is brought back up..
I dont have to bring proof, it will all fall into place over the next 6 months..
January 10th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
If it will fall into place then you need to leave the issue alone until you have some proof of your childish coments. Get over your name calling and GROW UP!!
January 10th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Way are you still on here?? The issue is dead right? Oh and I can say whatever I want, that is the nice thing about Blogs..
January 10th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
#104 you have no clue about EMS and how it works, so where do you have any place to voice your childish bashing on here? Learn about EMS first and then you’ll have something.
January 10th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
By the way Anti-Jay do you live in Brandon?
January 10th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
#105,
Maybe you should get your facts straight before you blog!!
I have been an EMT for 8 years (no longer practice as of 2006) and o ya I do live in Brandon, and I used to be proud of it. But I am getting sick and tired of everyone at work (in SF) laughing that Brandon hired such a company. So ya maybe not so proud anymore.
The question I have for you is: Why are you taking my blogs so personal, are you Jay? are you an employee? there is I bet over 30 people that have blogged on this issue and not one has be offended like you! I think maybe, you have a little connection. Auh the joys of Bloggin
Blog away Blog away!!!
January 10th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
M auser’s
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January 10th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Why does someone who wants to blog here, and does not support MS, always gets the response of “you have no clue about EMS?” To you “who cares” where does that comment even come from? Is that the only comeback you have? Just assuming that the person knows nothing about EMS? Because I’m sure that you have clue! Pretty lame. Also, when will the people in this city open their eyes and see that in the grand picture, Brandon is not the only city affected by this awful ambulance service we have here now? The entire state is laughing at us. We are not living in a bubble here folks. This is a blackeye to all EMS systems state wide. When you have one bad apple, the whole bunch begin to stink (in the public eye.) I am not even beginning to say that there is even a remotely more poor ambulance service in the state of SD than Medjoke, but you catch my drift. Medjoke is a disgrace to all who excel day in and day out everywhere else in the this states.
January 10th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Anti-Jay and Proud as well! Thank you for your experience and former work in EMS Anti-Jay and proud of it! Jay entire staff has about one quarter of that experience. I agree that the most defensive bloggers here are Jay and his losers. P.S. you need to add laundry mat cleaning to that as well! BLOG, BLOG, BLOG…I love to BLOG!
January 10th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I really doubt most people have a clue or care about the Brandon ambulance issue. Most people are so self absorbed that they really only care about what is happening to them. Me included.
Did you really dive into the ambulance situation up in Dells, etc. that took place yesterday? Probably only enough to know the basics of the situation.
No, people really are not laughing at us.
PS. #107 Your SF workplace needs to expand their world if they are talking about Brandon’s ambulance. It really isn’t all that stimulating of a topic. Maybe they are laughing at you for being so fixated on the subject….
January 10th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
# 98 Anonymous…. I just want you to know that I am NOT JAY. By you assuming that and anyone else only makes you an A$$ out of yourselves. In order for me to become a male that would take a lot of surgeries for that to happen. I am married to one of Jay’s employees and he has over 10 yrs of experience in EMS and in 911. Everyone that is a paramedic has to do an internship with a 911 service for a minimum of 6 wks(if I’m correct it might be more) and then they should go thru a probation period w/any company.
#110 you speak as if you have worked for Jay.
I find Jay a wonderful person to work for and with. He takes pride in what he does along with his staff.
ALL I have to say is if you dont like what I have to say to bad because I have the right to my FREEDOM OF SPEECH along with everyone else but that should not give anyone the right to bash someone else for how they feel or what they think
Thank you all for taking the time to read what I have said.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
#111,
P.S. How can it not be talked about? Anything that is in the paper is talked about by the “water-cooler” Most people do talk about life-saving descisions, such as Med-Star situation. Plus, everyone knows Jays past both business and personal and neither one is to pretty. But this arguing is going to get us no where, so peace out i am done, and we can discuss this in 6 months..
#112, If your husband has been working there for years, then you will have to admit that Jay has been short on the $$ and not able to pay employees. Dont lie, you know its true. But go ahead and protect him and say “No”
January 10th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Lovinglife,
Exactly how long before a new medic is allowed to run calls independantly at Medstar?
You say you’re married to one of Jay’s medics but then you say he’s wonderful to work for and with, as if it’s you who works for him.
I don’t think anyone has ever doubted that he/they take pride in what they do. I think the beef is with the staying power of the company, the past of the owner, and the way Jay helped re-write the ordinance so his company could pass the criteria. He also has refused to answer very pertinent questions.
January 10th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
#113 - I personally do not know anything about MedStar’s employees personal lives - nor do I really care. I also do not know anything about the personal lives of Rural Metro’s employees - nor do I really care. I also do not know about the personal lives of the areas health care professonals - nor do I really care.
What I do care about is that they are licensed and ready/willing to do their jobs when/if people need them.
As far as Jay’s business goes, I know just the basics. I know he got a bad deal years ago when he tried to open his ambulance service up in SF. It is all water under the bridge now.
I will also stick to my original thoughts- most people are not talking about this issue around the water cooler.
January 10th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
#113 Your just an idiot and proud of it by your comments.
January 11th, 2008 at 6:20 am
#116
duh duh duh!!! Yep your right, I am just an idot that knows nothing about EMS, mad that med-star got the contract, I am a wanna-be Paramedic, Wish I was Jay, you hit it right on the head, you are so smart #116, you MUST be Jay or one of his smart employees. I bow to you o wise one.. HA HA HA!!!!
I bet he will be making so muchh money soon, that the laundry mat will be FREE!!!!
January 11th, 2008 at 6:22 am
I just think it is funny how some of you take this blog so personal, which makes me think that you are somehow involved with Med-Star. Its a blog people! Its a place to vent your thoughts, dont take it so personal!.. Or unless you are Jay or one of the employees we are questioning.
January 11th, 2008 at 8:14 am
#118 If you have questions that you want answered just go down to their shop and ask them. I do know Jay and a number of his employees very well. I am very happy with the work they do. Im not ashamed of what you all say on here, but the fact of the matter is everyone is beating a dead horse. the city of brandon voted so now live with and deal with it.
January 11th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Wow #118, you really sound like you are the one taking this issue personally. To me, you really sound like you have a lot of hate in your tone. You could make yourself look more credible by coming across more respectful of people in your posts. Just a suggestion.
January 11th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Maybe we should just let it go for a year before we end up with a civil war in Brandon. There is nothing we can do now. Regardless of how the decision came about, it has been made, MED-star is in place, half the town wants it this way, and the other half doesn’t. Barring a catastrophe, this is what we have until next December(?).
The best way to show your approval or disapproval is at the ballot box.
January 11th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
MedStar in under investigation by the Sioux Falls City Attorney. Appears MS Violated State Law by running a call within the city limits of Sioux Falls. Have to wait to find out what happens.
January 11th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Rumors, it’s all about rumors. This is not true. Call metro communications that is who sends who on the calls.
January 12th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
#122 I think you are a mean and angry person for making the above statement. It doesn’t even matter if it is true or false. It is just cruel.
January 12th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
#122,
Actually I heard this also, It does not matter if Metro dispatches them to the scene, Med-Star knows their territory, if the call is outside of their territory they tell Metro, and then Metro dispatches the correct agency. I did hear this from a good source,
January 12th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
I think this would all go back to who dispatched the call. Metro knows who should be sent, they have a map of the boundries.
January 13th, 2008 at 8:53 am
resident,
blame metro, then Medstar is off the hook? Playing the ignorance card wouldn’t excuse them. Medstar knows their license is for the city limits of Brandon. Period.
January 13th, 2008 at 10:31 am
What was the date? Where was the call? What is the info of this rumor?
Anyone?
January 13th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I agree that people should only post facts. (I’m anonymous #127)
January 13th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
#122 Who really cares about that anyway? If it did happen it is not any concern of the citizens of Brandon. It will be dealt with if it is an issue, and remember we all make mistakes……
January 14th, 2008 at 6:26 am
just curious,
We should care and it is concerning because any company we hire to provide emergency services and save lives should be able to follow direction and the rules! Mistake? IF it did happen, there’s NO reason it should have, they should know the Brandon city limits are not Sioux Falls.
January 14th, 2008 at 8:19 am
The Citizens of Brandon better be concened. If the State pulls Med Stars license It won’t be able to run calls in Brandon anymore.. Than what, Rural Metro never applied for a License. Brandon is without ambulance service. So it not as simple as some might think.
January 14th, 2008 at 8:49 am
#128 i agree what was the date and everything for this so called call that MS took in SF?
#113 my husband has never had an issue with getting his pay or his checks bouncing as long as he has worked there.
#115 I have dealt w/Jay both on a personal and a business level and he is a great person to deal with.
I don’t have issues w/anyone that doesn’t like Jay but my issue is the way everyone on here just bashing the hell out of him and his employees.
If you don’t like Jay fine but don’t go bashing his employees. If you don’t know then don’t go bashing them. His employees are there to help save lives and do their jobs.
They should not have to come to work and wonder everyday what kind of RUMORS people are trying to spread around about them.
January 14th, 2008 at 9:28 am
My friend at the Encore says that they were at the airport last week(sorry couldn’t remember date) and picked up someone off of a plane. He says they been there numerous times doing this. If this is the issue then these calls may have come in on a private line not 911. Just my 2 cents worth.
January 14th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Date was 1/9/2008. The call was for a flight team from the Joe Foss Flield to Sanford. The Call started and ended in the City of Sioux Falls. It wasn’t for the VA. Thats why there’s a problem.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
MS has a contract with that flight team to do the flight transfers. There is a signed contract and that is perfectly fine to do. This is a flight team from out of state, I believe. This was a private trip. There is no problem!! #133 I agree with you if you do not know the employees then people either need to meet them or stop bashing people they do not know.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I have a question, Med-Star contract is done in 1 year, if another agency applies for the contract as well as Med-Star, Does the city pick who they want to contract with or do the people of Brandon? Does anyone know if the FD is looking to maybe appling next year? What is your thoughts on the FD doing transports? I heard they were looking into a Fire District so there would be some extra income flowing in for the FD. What are the pros and Cons of Brandon fire applying?
January 14th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
MedStar does not have any contract with Mckennan or Sanford. Thats crap to say they do. Bottom line is they screwed up and the SF city attorney will soon file suit.
January 14th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
No, No, No. It doesn’t matter. If MS wanted they could run 911 calls in SF. Med Star Turn down the 4 year contact for the City of Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls want MS to be the ambulance for Sioux Falls. Jay said No because he wanted to make sure that the people in Brandon had the BEST service, Better than RM, right here in Brandon. MS will be CAAS Accredited soon, Something RM is not.
January 14th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Brandon Res,
Those are outright lies. Rural Metro is the ONLY CAAS certified service in SOUTH DAKOTA. You may confirm this by going to www.cass.org
MS can’t run in and was never asked to run in SF because they ARE NOT county licensed.
January 14th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
MedStar is a License Ambulance Provider. There may run calls in Sioux Falls, Brandon, Valley Springs or Minnehaha County. People are saying they can’t run calls outside Brandon. This is not true folks. Check your facts before you post a comment.
January 14th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
ok #139 dont use the same screen name as me, Step up and grow some ballz and use your own screen name. Your blog is full of lies and Bullsh!t. I have questions I would like answered so dont give me a bad name on this blog. So if anyone has answers to my questions in #137 that would be great
January 14th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Anonymous and Norman H. You both need to relax. If MedStar is running calls in Sioux Falls, it will not impact the citizens of Brandon. Just let it go, they guranteed us an ambulance 24 hrs. a day and if that gets broken then we can call them on it. Worrying about what they do outside the city limits of Brandon is no concern of ours.
January 14th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
This is all true I have ALOT of insider info. Sorry Brandon Res
January 14th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
To #137 Brandon Res:
As I understand the Brandon ambulance ordinance, there is no limit to the number of providers that may be licensed in the city, but only one can be the main, contracted provider.
The entire ordinance is available at the city’s Web site, www.brandonsd.com.
This year, only one service applied for a license. If more than one applies, then the City Council picks which one is gets the contract.
The Brandon Volunteer Fire Department, at this time, does not meet state qualifications to transport patients. The department doesn’t have any paramedics, for example.
As to the fire district, we will know more about that after the department makes its presentation to the City Council. That topic is scheduled to be on the agenda of the Jan. 21 council meeting.
January 14th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
To #141 Brandon Res:
I’m skeptical of your claims. To my knowledge, MED-Star does not have a contract to transport 911 patients in Minnehaha County, only within the city limits of Brandon.
Of course, MED-Star can drive through Minnehaha County, from Brandon, to get their patient to the hospital. But to my knowledge, they can’t pick up a 911 patient anywhere but within the city limits of Brandon.
January 14th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
#138 I believe that I said this ws an out of town flight service that MS has contracted with when they come into SF.
January 14th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
All you people need to stop with your poor information. Here are the facts…MS CAN NOT run 911 in the city of Sioux Falls for the following reasons:they do not have the city contract, they do not have a county contract, and the city of city SF only allows one 911 provider under REMSA regulations. Also, they have never been offered a 4 year contract, which was turned down, as claimed. Actually it has been quite the opposite, the SF city representatives refused to hear anything Jay had to say (they remember the horror of the CareTraum days)during the last 911 renewal which was awarded to RM for 8 years. You can watch the city meeting on the SF city website if you wish. As for the out of town flight services, that is also a flat lie. MS does not have a contract with any flight services (to include Rapid City, the one they are in trouble about) They would have to get permission to transport those patients from the city and REMSA, like Sanford and McKennan flight services have. The city of SF has not done that, nor will they. RM can only do this. I visited the CAAS website and I would encourage all of you here in Brandon blogging to do the same. It will become quite evident the quality of service we lost when we lost RM in our town. This process is not an overnight process, as you can see on the website, it takes almost 5 years and $15,000 just in application process and site fees to obtain this certification. If MS can not obtain a county license, they most certainly would not be able to obtain the CAAS certification. As you can see also on the website, very few ambulance services in the NATION have this accredidation, RM is one of those very few. #139, you have no idea what you are talking about and it is very clear that you are a MS employee due to that lack of brain power. And last but not least, those of you here who do not think that MS running calls that they shouldn’t be running in SF, and it not affecting our city here…you are in a dire state of confusion. MS will be shut down if they can not follow their own poorly written ordiance. Besides the astronomical fines that they will be slapped with, there will be no ambulance service in Brandon. That is until RM agrees to cover us again like they did for 8 months while Jay dumbed down our city ordinance so that he could attempt to run a 911 call. We await the day we get RM back!
January 14th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
#148 Get over your BIG BAD SELF!!
January 14th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
It’s ok if you can’t take the facts, facts.
January 14th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Maybe if you had the TRUE FACTS it wuld be better to take instead of the BS.
January 14th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Me thinks Brandon Res is just trying to stir the pot…
Me thinks Facts is a MS employee pretending to be an interested bystander…
Here is a fact…MS can transport patients, whether it be from the airport, a hospital, or a private residence, providing they are contracted to do so. As long as it isn’t a 9-1-1 call, virtually any licensed ambulance service can be contracted to ferry someone from one facility to another. It sounds to me as if airport-gate was a patient transfer, and not a 9-1-1 call.
I can assure you that Metro Communications did not dispatch MS to the airport for a 9-1-1 emergency.
January 15th, 2008 at 8:43 am
MS does have a contract w/the VA to do all of their transports. It could have been one for the VA.
January 15th, 2008 at 11:59 am
152, yes you are correct. You just need to add that the contract is city and REMSA approved as well. The problem is that MS was not operating under any type of contract.
151, tell what part of 148’s comments are false and then you might have a leg to stand on, until then go back to cleaning the laundry mat.
January 15th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I am so sick of coming to this blog