Following a Tuesday morning presentation from Hopkinsville Deputy Fire/EMS Chief Phillip Ferguson, Christian County’s Fiscal Court unanimously approved to move at least
$28,000 in E-911 funds for the purchase and installation of Pepwaves on ambulances.
In layman’s terms, they are highly-sensitive and effective wireless routers, allowing for the immediate location and tracking of the fleet.
Ferguson told that court that over the last few months, the department has been supremely focused in turning state funding toward specific projects, with priorities on patient care and worker effectiveness the key. This included new items like cardiac monitors, intubation tools and protective emergency preparedness equipment for first responders.
With roughly $66,000 remaining, another priority remained: logistics management and asset location.
This meant the need for the purchase of mobile data terminals, which allows GPS tracking and computer communication with dispatchers inside the 911 ECC service.
In trying to use the $66,000, Ferguson noted Christian County’s size rendered the use of standard antenna and other cheaper models a bit unreliable.
And that’s the last thing an ambulance service needs to be efficient and life-saving.
Ferguson attested Hopkinsville Fire and Ambulance has already tried out one of these units they’d like to purchase, and it’s been successful and up to standard.
As the system stands now, Ferguson explained the process of locating resources is outdated and untimely.
According to Ferguson, Hopkinsville Fire/EMS makes more than 14,000 runs per year, and that’s third-most per capita in the Commonwealth.
Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam said the E-911 board deemed the project acceptable for funds transfer, with the coffer coming out of paid cell phone bills in Christian County.
