HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – “We are not asking for anything that is unheard of; we are operating in a way that’s unheard of, and we are getting to the point where we can no longer function that way,” EMS/Fire Chief Steve Futrell told the Hopkinsville City Council Tuesday night.

Futrell and Hopkinsville EMS Chairman Darrell Gustafson made a plea to the council to receive funding assistance from the city next year. Currently, the revenue for EMS is supposed to be self-sustaining and mandated by insurance companies, primarily Medicare and Medicaid, with no financial assistance from the government. Christian County is the only county in Kentucky that functions on this model.

Gustafson explained the average bill for an ambulance service is around $1,000, and the department collects 37.5% of that money. This year he estimates they will bill around $7.5 million and receive about $3.2 million. They are unable to increase revenue by other means, while costs of medical supplies and competitive salaries for employees continue to rise.

Potential consequences and next steps

If additional funding is not given by this time next year, EMS may have to be replaced by a for-profit company. Contrary to popular belief, the award-winning ambulance service in Christian County is more than just a ride to the hospital, according to Futrell. Each ambulance is meant to function as a miniature emergency room to provide the best care possible. Futrell said this is a quality they are not willing to compromise.

“We want to maintain the high level of service that we have by providing our own ambulance services,” said Gustafson. “We don’t want to sub it out to a for-profit corporation, because our services will be diminished. … I think this is one of the most vital services in the community, and it’s one you can all be proud of, and it certainly deserves funding,” said Gustafson.

Futrell told the council they have been proud of being able to generate their own revenue, but it’s no longer feasible with the growth of the county. While Futrell said they have known this is coming for a while, they have done everything in their power to keep their current model running without subsidy until now.

Next steps include creating a potential budget for next year, so they have a proper number to present to the council. Mayor J.R. Knight said this topic warrants continued discussion, and he believes they can all put their heads together to find a solution.