Fayette County offices have received a number of calls regarding the changes in the emergency healthcare here specifically relating to Air Ambulance Services.
"Fayette County EMS is a department of the county and reports directly to the Commissioner's Court. Our mission is to provide the citizens of our county with state-of-the-art, cost-effective and compassionate emergency medical care," said County Judge Dan Mueller.
"We operate four mobile intensive care unit capable ambulances, which is the highest certification for an ambulance in Texas. Our ambulances are stocked with emergency ventilators, medication infusion pumps, cardiac monitor/defibrillators, a full contingent of advanced life support medications and airways tools that rival most emergency rooms," said EMS Director Josh Vandever.
Despite the closure of the Air Evac base in La Grange, Fayette County still has coverage from PHI medical helicopters in both Bastrop County and Colorado County and from Washington County EMS's helicopter-based near Brenham. Judge Dan Mueller and Commissioner Luke Sternadel are having ongoing conversations related to continu ing air medical services for the citizens of Fayette County and will continue to keep the public informed. "Last year Fayette County had about 4200 emergency calls. Less than 100 resulted in air transport. That translates to approximately two percent of our total call volume. We are getting a lot of questions regarding our recommendation on the purchase of air medical "membership" programs, specifically PHI. My understanding of the program is that for a $65 annual fee, a consumer would be protected from any billing in the event their company is utilized for air medical transportation.
The decision as to whether or not this is prudent for a family in Fayette County to invest in, would be a conversation best had with your insurance professional or primary care physician," said Vandever.
"Rest assured Fayette Coun- ty will continue to provide the best emergency medical services to our residents as we move forward," said Mueller.
Mueller concluded, "The office of County Judge continues to work alongside Emergency Management Coordinator Angela Hahn and EMS Director Josh Vandever to ensure the safety of our citizens".
