Traverse City Contemplates Fire Department Takeover of Mobile Medical Response Amid Rising Demand and Funding Challenges
Traverse City considers taking over Mobile Medical Response (MMR) with its fire department due to increased demand, requiring additional personnel and startup costs, while city commissioners evaluate the proposal’s viability and potential funding options.
Traverse City is contemplating a fire department takeover of Mobile Medical Response (MMR) to meet increasing demand, necessitating new personnel and substantial initial investments, supported by Fire Chief Jim Tuller. (PHOTO: Traverse City Record-Eagle)
Rising Demand Spurs Traverse City’s Fire Department to Consider Taking Over Mobile Medical Response (MMR) with Hefty Startup Costs and Staffing Needs
The city of Traverse City is considering a proposal to have its fire department take over Mobile Medical Response (MMR). This move would require hiring additional personnel, including an EMT division captain, and incurring significant startup costs. However, the city’s Fire Chief, Jim Tuller, believes it would be worthwhile due to the growing demand for Mobile Medical Response services.
According to RecordEagle, the estimated first-year startup cost for this transition is $1,801,700, covering medical equipment purchases, an additional ambulance, and personnel training. The net annual costs to run the ambulance service, Mobile Medical Response, are projected to be between $911,000 and $1,376,700, with potential income from patient insurance billing ranging from $425,000 to $1 million.
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Delays in Patient Care Handovers Prompt Traverse City to Reevaluate Mobile Medical Response (MMR) as Firefighter Paramedics Step In; City Commissioners Seek Public Input and Funding Solutions
While the current primary transport is Mobile Medical Response (MMR), the city firefighter paramedics respond to medical calls until an MMR ambulance arrives. However, response times for lower-priority calls can be lengthy, causing delays in patient care handovers.
As reported in EMS1, one motivation behind the proposal is the city’s older population, which constitutes a significant portion of emergency responses. Hiring more firefighter paramedics would reduce the need for mandatory overtime, which has been costly for the department.
Some city commissioners are skeptical about the proposal and have requested more specific information and justification before deciding. They are considering putting the issue to a public vote in November and may need to increase the operating mileage to fund the change.
The debate over the fire department’s role in Mobile Medical Response has been ongoing since 2019, and discussions about building new fire stations may also be necessary if the city decides to take over as the primary transport agency. However, further decisions on this matter are pending until a study of city and county facilities is completed.
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