Colfax opts for advanced life support agreement with sheriff’s office

Colfax followed in Baxter’s footsteps last month and formed an agreement with Jasper County Sheriff’s Office to receive advanced life support (ALS) services and allow for more consistent paramedic-level care during emergency calls, particularly in the more rural areas of town.

Sheriff Brad Shutts said the 28E agreement works similarly with the contract drafted for Baxter. In the event the sheriff’s office provides the only medic on a transport, then Colfax authorizes the county to bill for services. If the county receives payment, then the county will reimburse Colfax $150.

According to the resolution included in the supervisors agenda documents, Colfax and Jasper County acknowledge it is in the best interest of all service providers to provide assistance and support for the operation of ALS services when the sheriff’s office’s ALS deputies take over primary care for the patient.

Jasper County is now obligated to provide ALS services when available and when required or requested by Colfax. The sheriff’s office shall also allow any Colfax service provider access to patient care reports when a paramedic-deputy was involved. The same agreement was formed with Baxter back in March.

Baxter Mayor Doug Bishop spoke highly of the agreement formed with his city, and he thanked both the sheriff and the board of supervisors.

“Without this program we would not be able to function an ambulance service for the entire West Malaka Benefitted Fire District up there,” Bishop said. “It has saved our goose several times up there. Volunteers are short to come by. People don’t have time for the training or work from home and don’t have the desire.”

Supervisor Brandon Talsma noted communities like Kellogg and Colfax have been very supportive of the ALS program ever since it was introduced by former Sheriff John Halferty. Talsma said it behooves Jasper County to try to keep the volunteer agencies up and running.

“We don’t want to come in and take over territory,” Talsma said. “That’s not what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to fill the gaps and enhance the service that’s already there.”

Bishop added, “It’s a great symbiotic relationship.”