ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — One Ross County Township announced that they would no longer be providing EMS services for residents.
The Twin Township Board of Trustees voted last month to terminate EMS services within their area.
Trustees cited the struggles the township has had in responding to emergency calls.
Ross County Auditor-Elect Jeff Lehner took to social media to comment on the recent decision saying, “It was welcome news to learn of Twin Township’s newly formed agreement with Bainbridge Village, Huntington- & Scioto Townships to address their EMS challenges. It’s a creative, cost-effective approach to addressing a problem that many Ross County townships have in common — not enough volunteers to serve current needs. This is the central challenge that the committee studying EMS reform seeks to meet. This plan represents an economy of scale that most townships in Ross County can’t achieve on their own. For example, I’m told that Twin Township averages approximately 360 emergency squad runs annually. This isn’t enough volume to justify a full-time, paid professional force economically. On the other hand, that volume has proved too great in recent years to rely exclusively on a small, all-volunteer force — even with mutual aid agreements.”
A push for a county-wide EMS service continues as other area townships face many of the same challenges.
The board’s decision, officials said, will not affect the fire department.