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Show WEEKLY REFLEX DAVIS NEWS JOURNAL, MARCH 15, 1979 Should Countys Paramedic Program Be Discontinued? By GARY R. BLODGETT Should Davis Countys program be discontinued? SHOULD THE fate of this paramedic program which has been in operation about -18 months in the north end of the county and a little less than a year in the south end -be put to public vote on this years election ballot? I think its wrong to consider either proposal. I THINK the commission should take action on this matter, without it going on the ballot. The major complaint the commission has about the program is economics. Is the paramedic program worth what its costing? IF THIS is the question, then the commission should take the bull by the horns and make its own decision, for or against the continuation of the program. The public doesnt tell the commission how to spend its other county funds. Why should the paramedic issue be any different? AS SERGEANT Bob Peters, deputy who directs the countys paramedic program, said: This is a tremendous program that has worked very successfully in the county since its beginning in August 1977. I dont think there should be any question about the value of the program and the services it provides. , value and necessity of the program. But I do question the cost of operating the program, especially the vast number of miles each vehicle puts on each month. I THINK .there can be some expensecutting here if the crews would spend less time on the road and yet be ready for emergencies by being centrally located in each end of the county. Rescue 14, which serves north Davis County, is centrally located in the Davis North Medical Center (North Layton) where paramedics are furnished with a lounge, police receiver and other conveniences. YET, ITS Rescue Commissioners agree. THERES NO value that can be placed on lives saved, or persons helped in such a way that they suffered less than they might have if they had not received immediate medical aid. Commissioners explained that the paramedic program has been budgeted through the Sheriffs Office, but there are no exact costs of the program since its conception in August 1977. ONE FACT is known, however, and that is the two units are racking up an average of 14,000 miles per month. At todays gasoline prices, thats a big ex- IF THE total paramedic costs for last as suggested year were about $350,000 and the time by Commissioner Flint spent by paramedics on actual emergenas cies amounted to about 30 percent suggested by Sergeant Peters - the cost attributed to paramedic work only would be about $100,000 for the first year of operation. - pense! Whats to keep the trucks from cutting back on their travel? 14 - that usually puts on the most miles each month, primarily because it has a much larger area to serve. Rescue 14 averages between 7,000 and 8,000 miles per month while Rescue 15, serving south Davis County, is driven an average of 6,000 to 6,500 miles per month, according to Sergeant Peters. RESCUE 15 responded to 87 medical calls and handled 151 law enforcement calls last month. Rescue 14 had 73 medical assists and answered 123 police calls. sheriff THESE SENTIMENTS were echoed by Commissioner Morris F. Swapp, who added: I agree with Sergeant Peters about the less severe than might have been had they not received immediate medical treatment from a highly trained paramedic.- Being a relatively new program, there are no exact figures concerning the cost of the paramedics program in the county. Figures range from slightly over $300,000 to more than $400,000 per year for the two trucks. Of the total calls, its difficult to know just how many would be classified as but Sergeant Peters said that at least three or four a month would definitely fit into this category. ," THERE ARE a lot of people in Davis County walking around today because of treatment they received paramedics, said Sgt. Peters. from Also, there are at least a dozen patients a month who recovered from injuries that were OF COURSE they should be on the road the majority of an shift, but reducing travel each month by 20 or 25 percent would do a lot to cut expenses. Commission Chairman Glen W. Flint explained that the previous commission (of which he was a member) presented the paramedic program to the Council of Government (COG), which is comprised of mayors from each community in Davis County. Reader Thinks Article!; Is Correct Idea In addition to excessive mileage traveled, the commission also suggested that costs could be cut if there were a reduction in the patrol force of one car for each of the north and south ends of the county. AT THE suggestion of COG, it was decided that the paramedic program would be evaluated for at least a year both paramedic units participating -and then COG would make a recommen- dation whether or not to have the issue placed on the ballot for public vote. I can appreciate the concern of the mayors, and their role in the paramedic program, but I feel that the final decision should still rest with the County Com- SERGEANT Peters said that his records show about 70 percent of the paramedics time is spent in law enforcement work other than responding to emergencies. With cooperation between the sheriffs department and the county commission and there seems to be plenty of that - and improved cooperation between the S.O. department and cities -- - mission. SERGEANT PETERS feels that the paramedic program is absolutely dont kill it! . criss-crossin- spaces left on this earth. We may find unending homes; businesses and roads. I find little comfort sitting on the yellow line of a road, when I could be enjoying a quiet moment in a state park viewing the wildlife and landscape ing. WE DO need Antelope Island as a state park, o write your congressman and express your opinion on this issue. The legislature, as has stated, wants to'' rescind the appropriation of. Mr.-Blodge- funds for the state park project on Antelope Island.' Your support could make the difference! Kathy Warnick ; THE FIRST public hearing will consider the roads portion of the master plan. This meeting will be held Tuesday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the East Layton City Hall. Residents of East Layton YOU do commissioners, trying to help us save a little bit of beauty totally uncluttered yet by man. Soon our society could see no blank East Layton Plans Public Meetings 1 On Master Plan Council will hold a series of public hearings on portions of the master plan. -- WHATEVER SINCE THE consideration has arisen about the possibility of building and developing vs. a new state park, I find myself looking at that beautiful island wondering how it will look wearing boxy buildings, smothered with cars and more smog, and seeing ribbons of blacktop g the horizon. Well, frankly I prefer the snow covered mounds, the few remains of a decently clear horizon, and the absolute beauty of solitude it represents. Mr. Blodgett is so right in In order to expedite the adoption of a city master plan, the East Layton City where improvement is needed - there is still life for the paramedic program. The article written by Gary Blodgett concerning Antelope Island should be considered by every Utahn. Every day I can look out my window and see the most beautiful island in the Salt Lake Area. are invited and encouraged be in attendance. tcC - OF COURSE! Professor: didnt you have a brother in this course last year? Student: No sir; it was I. Im taking it over again. Professor: Extraordinary resemblance, though extra ordinary! Kaysville Council Tackles Busy Schedule Of Events AFTER further discussion, By NORMA PREECE During the regular Kaysville city council meeting on Tuesday evening at the city chambers, Sam Bloxham met with the council for approval on final plats, King Clarion 11 and 12, noting that all signa- tures requested at the last meeting, have now been ob- tained. discussion on previous problems with AFTER A regards to other plats in the subdivision, the council approved the plats on the basis Mr. Bloxham guaran- tees that the problems noted in 10 would be corrected as soon as weather permits. Del Hayes, Rees Roberts and Glen Ravenberg appeared before the council for final approval on their Mutton Hollow Meadow Subdivision. MR. RAVENBERG argued that 8 ft. sideyard easements GYIYI GOING UP were not necessary. Supt. Walt Meacham pointed out that many times the electric department had had to go back past an existing subdivision with another line just because they had no easements to go through to adjacent property. Sometimes there was no place to set another pole or guy, if there was an accessory building, fence or wall over an easement, it had to be replaced or repaired. Now with the side easements, most of their problems had been solved and he felt this requirement should not be waived. The council concurred. In spite of a hard winter, construction is moving forward pretty much on schedule at the new Clearfield High School gymnasium facility. The $2 million project will include gymnasium areas for expanding physical education needs and seating for about 3.200 hopefully eager fans to future sporting events. Target completion date is set for September, district officials report. SUPT. MEACHAM also advised that if they planned to go underground, they had no Root Beer Parties A Welcome Break It may not be the social gathering of the year, but for some 25 children the weekly root beer parties at Davis North Medical Center have been a welcome orientation to the hospital. THE PARTIES, sponsored by the pediatric nursing staff and the volunteer auxiliary, are organized for youngsters who face a future ages stay in the hospital pediatrics ward. The parties are held each Thursday afternoon as a method of easing the trauma for the children. Kids are naturally worried about entering the hospital," says Jean Cheney, chief pediatric nurse. The parties serve to reduce their apprehensions. We all feel they have been a great success so far. THE CHILDREN and their parents or brothers and sisters are treated to a frosty mug of root beer, given a tour of the hospital, view a brief slide presentation, then listen to an anesthesiologist explain surgical operations. Those children due to have surgery can also place their order for a flavored anesthesia: chocolate, strawberry, mint or vanilla. Parents interested in the program, should contact the In order hospital at to keep the parties personalized, enrollment is 825-956- limited and parents must make reservations. THE FIRST party was held the second week of January and was attended by television and newspaper reporters from around the northern Utah area. easement along the road. Mr. Hayes felt they could come in on the 4 ft. parkway. Supt. Meacham also advised that their work load was such that they may be looking at some delay in getting electricity into new projects. Councilman David Sanders relayed the Mayor's concern (the Mayor being absent from the meeting) about the capacity of the holding pond and that seven of the lots would be draining onto Mutton Hollow Road, which has flooding already problems. MR. RAVENBERG indicat- ed that there was a natural swale, draining to the back of these lots, so there would be only the road runoff in regards to the pond, it was being designed to hold 12,000 cu. ft. or three times what would be required to handle this subdivision. He said the way it is designed, will be a better system than requested. Supv. Max Major reminded them again about the traffic problem on Mutton Hollow Road and the agreement with Mr. Hayes to furnish the pipe and the city to install, to widen Mutton Hollow Road 300 feet on both sides to the interstate of North Main, to provide a turn lane. it was moved by Councilman Clair Snow and seconded by Councilwoman Carol Page that they approve the final plat subject to working out the utilities and financial arrangements as required. It was passed unanimously. Nick Kapos met with the council with regards to his proposed development, to see if the city would be interested in extending the main sewer line some 2,000 feet from Larkin Lane to pick up the area south, as well as the Kapos and Larkin property. MR. KAPOS reported he had been to the Planning Board and they had approved his preliminary contingent on his working out the sewer line. The council noted the Planning Board's approval of the preliminary plat and the stipulations listed and their concerns regarding storm drain runoff - questioned a 60 foot street or 55 ft. and that they wanted the entire subdivision included on the preliminary plan. MR. KAPOS felt the exten-- . sion from Larkin Lane to the south would be the only way to pick up the area including the church welfare farm. Supv. Max Major pointed out that it was the city policy that the developer has the responsibility of line extension, as an 8 inch line which is the minimum service all area size-wo- uld in question. AFTER REVIEWING the preliminary plat of Kapos Acres as presented, subject to Mr. Kapos working out the sewer problem, it was seconded by Councilman Snow and passed unanimously. Mr. Kapos also asked about the possibility of having the area in front of his home, between the pavement and curb paved and a grate put in to channel the water into the storm drain so it will quit washing around his shed, during heavier runoffs. SUPV. MAJOR explained that he was doing as many of these small projects as time and budget permitted and also suggested he contact the school district about putting i creating a traffic hazard and several complaints have been received, not only on his signs, but others that have been put up around town. AFTER problem,. discussion of the .. A Mr.-- Duckworth agreed to get with the build-ing inspector and work out what would be permitted. . Gerald Kirkpatrick met-wi- Councilman Sanders reported that he understood the Mayor had had some discussion with the school board about a holding pond. IN OTHER matters, Harry Duckworth of Harry's Market met with the council with regards to notification he had received from the city building inspector, to remove his and temporary advertising signs from the parkway. It was noted that these were not only illegal, they are -, th the council for approval to install ; amusement games at his Sweet Tooth Ice Cream Parlor and presented pictures of the . type of machines he has in , mind, noting that he would put one in to begin with, but may add others if necessary.,. . . on his application -- CHIEF LYLE Larkins recommended that he stay away from pinball type machines and cited problems from past experiences with another ; . r ., establishment, j several years ago. Mr. Kirkpatrick assured . them that the machines would,! be closely supervised and he did not want to jeopardize his business because of them. If they became a problem, they would have to be taken out. COUNCILMAN Snow moved that they approve a city license for amusement games at the Sweet Tooth, seconded by Councilman Bonnemort, passed unanimously. Fire Chief Jim Dotson reported that as per the city's request, he had checked on various pager systems for the fire department to replace the phone system presently in use and would recommend the Motorolla System at a total of $12,500. AFTER A discussion the council attentively approved the purchase of these units, if funds could be found in nexf year's budget to do so. The council authorized Kaysville Justice of the Peace Henry Scheuller to attend the J.P.s conference in Las Vegas, Nev. March 29 through April 1. THE COUNCIL also authorized Police Chief Lyle Larkins to attend the police conference in St. George March 22 and 21 np curb and gutter along the west end of the junior high and drop this run-of- f into the drain to stop the water coming across onto Kapos property. : ... . DANS ELECTRIC APPLIANCE REPAIR Troubleshooting Rewiring NO SERVICE CHARGES 376-10- 86 ; , |
