Agenda 04-05-22; 8-j - First Reading - Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance - South Orange Rescue Squad

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 5, 2022 Action Agenda Item No. 8-j SUBJECT: First Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance — South Orange Rescue Squad DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: • South Orange Rescue Squad Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services Franchise Agreement Director, (919) 245-6100 Kim Woodward, Emergency Medical Services EMS Division Chief, (919) 245-6133 PURPOSE: To approve, on First Reading, granting the renewal of a franchise agreement by ordinance to South Orange Rescue Squad, Inc. (SORS) to continue providing emergency services basic life support transport service, special event coverage, as well as technical rescue services. Approval on "first reading" is based on State law requiring that a franchise by ordinance pass two readings in order to be granted by the Board of Commissioners. BACKGROUND: On February 2, 2010, the Board of Commissioners held a Public Hearing to determine the need for supplemental ambulance services in accordance with NC General Statute § 153A-250(a). At that time, the Board made the determination that franchise ambulance services were necessary to assure the provision of adequate and continuing ambulance service. State law requires that the Board of County Commissioners grant franchise agreements through County ordinance. This ordinance is required to pass two readings in order to be granted. Orange County has historically granted franchise agreements for convalescent transport and emergency ambulance services and for rescue service. Franchisees may also provide surge capacity in a basic life support capacity during a widespread emergency that stresses the capacity of Orange County Emergency Medical Services. Orange County Emergency Services provides all other emergency response services for basic and advanced life support needs in the County. The franchise for rescue service is necessary to provide specialized rescue service for circumstances involving confined space, swift water, and other hazardous situations where other first responders may not have specialized training. Emergency Services has reviewed the overall Emergency Services System in the County to confirm that franchise services continue to be necessary to assure the provision of adequate and continuing ambulance services and to preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety and welfare.