UPDATE: Porter Fire Chief Jay Craig Jr. has issued a stark warning about local ambulance services as contract negotiations with Northwest Health loom. During a recent town council meeting, Craig expressed frustration over a life-threatening incident where an ambulance was unavailable for 14 minutes, highlighting a critical lapse in emergency response.
This urgent situation occurred when a patient required immediate advanced medical attention, yet a Northwest Health ambulance was not dispatched in time. Fortunately, the Portage Fire Department stepped in, sending an ambulance with a paramedic to provide the necessary care. Craig’s concerns echo a troubling trend: he believes that Northwest Health frequently fails to send adequately staffed ambulances, relying too often on emergency medical technicians instead of paramedics, who possess advanced training crucial for serious medical emergencies.
The current contract with Northwest Health is set to expire at the end of the year, prompting Porter County officials to prepare for negotiations, which are expected to begin next week. Under the existing agreement, Northwest Health operates multiple stations across the county, including locations in Chesterton, Valparaiso, Hebron, and Wheeler. However, Chief Craig asserts that the service has deteriorated, stating, “There has to be a better way and nobody, in my opinion, is making the effort to make it a better way. It’s getting worse.”
Porter County Commissioner Jim Biggs revealed that the county’s potential annual cost for ambulance services could soar to $1.5 million—a significant increase from the current $450,000. Biggs noted, “I’m not hearing that from anybody else. I’m not hearing that from any of the municipalities,” suggesting that Craig’s criticisms may not be widely shared among other fire chiefs.
The implications of these issues are far-reaching. The National Fire Protection Association sets an ambitious goal for fire departments to reach emergency scenes within 6 minutes at least 90% of the time. This is especially crucial for patients suffering from heart attacks or strokes, where every second counts. Craig has advocated for a system similar to LaPorte County, which provides comprehensive ambulance services but comes at a hefty price tag of $5.7 million annually—far exceeding what Porter County currently pays.
As negotiations approach, the Porter County Council plans to request the addition of a sixth ambulance to cover the rapidly growing Morgan Township area. Biggs emphasized the need for a strategic overhaul of the ambulance service delivery, noting that the county’s expanding population is straining existing resources.
Craig’s persistent call for improvements is underscored by the reality that the community deserves superior emergency care. Commissioner Greg Simms remarked on the changing landscape since the last contract negotiation five years ago, acknowledging that costs have escalated dramatically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know we are going to pay more. We know they are going to ask for more money,” Simms stated.
While Kelly Credit, a spokesperson for Northwest Health, acknowledged the ongoing contract discussions, she defended their commitment to providing timely emergency care. “We are committed to providing timely, clinically appropriate emergency care,” Credit stated. However, she expressed uncertainty about the specific incident referenced by Chief Craig and affirmed their dedication to continuous improvement.
As the situation unfolds, residents are left to wonder if their emergency medical needs will be met effectively. The upcoming negotiations present a crucial opportunity for Porter County to address these pressing concerns and enhance ambulance services for the community.
Stay tuned for more updates as negotiations develop and officials respond to these urgent challenges.
