UPDATE: Porter Fire Chief Jay Craig Jr. has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating performance of the Northwest Health ambulance service as critical contract renewal talks loom. In a recent meeting, Craig revealed alarming incidents, including a case where an ambulance with a paramedic would be unavailable for 14 minutes for a patient in life-threatening condition.
This distressing situation underscores a growing concern for the residents of Porter County, where the ambulance service is vital for emergency medical transport. Craig criticized the service, stating that the inadequacy of paramedic-staffed ambulances is increasingly common, with calls often answered by emergency medical technicians instead. “There has to be a better way,” Craig asserted, emphasizing the urgent need for improved service.
The current contract with Northwest Health, which operates ambulance stations in Chesterton, Valparaiso, Hebron, and Wheeler, is set to expire at the end of the year. Initial negotiations are expected to begin next week, with Porter County officials expressing significant concerns. County Commissioner Jim Biggs anticipates that the county’s annual costs could surge to $1.5 million from the current $450,000.
Craig’s persistent criticism has drawn attention, with Biggs acknowledging that while he is not hearing similar complaints from other municipalities, he recognizes the fire chief’s concerns. “I’m not hearing that from anybody else,” Biggs stated during the council meeting.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that emergency services reach a location within 6 minutes of receiving a call, a goal that is critical for patients suffering from emergencies like heart attacks or strokes. Craig suggested looking to LaPorte County as a model for an effective ambulance service, though he acknowledged this would come at a high cost—$5.7 million annually, compared to Porter County’s current expenditure.
With the population in Porter County growing, the demand for reliable ambulance services is increasing. Biggs indicated that there are plans to request an additional ambulance to serve the growing area of Morgan Township. The shift in demographics could lead to more comprehensive changes in how emergency medical services are structured.
“We live in the best county. There’s no reason why we can’t have an adequate ambulance service,” said Greg Simms, a County Councilman, pointing to the changing landscape since the last contract was negotiated five years ago.
In response to Craig’s concerns, a spokesperson from Northwest Health, Kelly Credit, stated that they are unaware of the specific incident Craig referenced but emphasized their commitment to providing timely, clinically appropriate emergency care.
As the county prepares for negotiations, the urgency for an improved ambulance service is palpable. With lives at stake, residents and officials alike are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures timely and effective emergency medical response.
Stay tuned for more updates as negotiations unfold and public safety remains a top priority for Porter County officials.
