Services
Basic Life Support
Advanced Life Support
Inter-Facility ALS Transfer Team (Emergent and Non-Emergent)
History
Firelands EMS was established in 1978 when the Huron County townships of New London and Fitchville, the Village of New London, and the Ashland County townships of Ruggles and Troy created a volunteer Ambulance Service District under the authority of the Ohio Revised Code. The district—now known as Firelands EMS—was formed to ensure that residents across these rural communities had dependable access to emergency medical care, regardless of distance, staffing limitations, or local resources.
Governance and Oversight
Firelands EMS operates fully within the framework of the Ohio Revised Code. Its Board of Directors is composed of publicly elected officials from each participating jurisdiction, providing a strong foundation of transparency and public accountability.
- Financial stewardship — The Board approves all expenditures and manages district funds generated through local levies and cost‑recovery billing.
- Operational oversight — The Board is responsible for the EMS station, vehicles, and all equipment used to deliver patient care.
- Public accountability — The Board meets twice monthly, on the first and third Mondays, in publicly held meetings to conduct district business and ensure open governance.
This structure ensures that Firelands EMS remains fiscally responsible, community‑driven, and aligned with the needs of the residents it serves.
Staffing Evolution and Current Challenges
For decades, Firelands EMS operated as a fully volunteer EMS agency, supported only by three part‑time administrative roles: Director, Training Coordinator, and Fiscal Officer. As call volume increased and volunteer availability declined, the agency faced mounting challenges in maintaining reliable response coverage.
- June 2024 — Part‑time EMS staffing was implemented to ensure daytime coverage as volunteer numbers continued to fall.
- July 1, 2024 — Firelands EMS began staffing a Basic EMT on station 24/7, with a second paid provider—typically a Paramedic—on duty from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and volunteer EMTs covering evenings and weekends.
While the agency strives to provide Advanced Life Support whenever possible, limited funding and the nationwide shortage of EMS personnel make consistent ALS coverage difficult. These challenges reflect broader national trends: fewer individuals entering EMS, declining volunteerism, and increased reliance on paid staffing models to maintain essential services.
Service Area and Operational Demands
Firelands EMS serves a primary response district of approximately 140 square miles, responding to more than 840 calls per year—a dramatic increase from historical volumes. This growth places significant pressure on staffing, equipment, and operational readiness.
The district’s annual operating budget must support every aspect of EMS operations, including:
- Personnel costs for paid EMS staff
- Station utilities, maintenance, and security
- Medical supplies and medications
- Routine and emergency vehicle maintenance, repairs, and fuel
- Dispatching services and communication equipment
- Replacement of expired or outdated medical equipment
- Mandatory and elective training, along with training equipment
- Technology needs such as computers and software
- Insurance and other administrative expenses
With such a broad range of essential obligations, there is limited flexibility for major capital purchases—particularly high‑cost items like modern extrication tools, cardiac monitors, or vehicle replacements.
Commitment to Service
Despite these challenges, Firelands EMS continues to be staffed by a dedicated combination of part‑time paid personnel and volunteers who give their time, skills, and compassion to serve their neighbors. The team consistently strives to deliver the highest level of care possible with the resources available, and remains committed to improving services, strengthening capabilities, and upholding the values of integrity, professionalism, and community‑centered care.