History…

Meramec Ambulance District was formed in 1972 by public vote to provide ambulance service to the Pacific, Catawissa, Robertsville, Gray Summit, Labadie, St. Albans and Villa Ridge areas. The District was created under the state ambulance district law, Chapter 190 of Missouri statutes. The District was preceded by the Meramec Volunteer Ambulance Service which was begun by area residents in July of 1969. The District is authorized to collect a maximum of 30 cents per $100 assessed valuation of property taxes to finance its operation. These property taxes are an important part of the District’s income and financial management.

Response…

Currently the District responds to over 3000 calls per year. The District contracts with Central County Emergency 911 for dispatching services. Emergency calls are received in cooperation with surrounding dispatch agencies utilizing the enhanced 911 system. Central County Emergency 911 Dispatch utilizes the latest computerized dispatching equipment. Its dispatchers are trained and certified to provide medical care instructions to those awaiting the arrival of the ambulance.

In the instance where air-medical services are needed, the closest air-ambulance is utilized.

When all district ambulances are committed to emergency calls, a neighboring district will provide EMS for our district through a pre-established agreement known as mutual aid. This will also provide "move-up" ambulances to the District for additional emergency calls arriving at the dispatch center.

Governing Body…

The District is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of six members, in accordance with Missouri statutes. Each member of the board is elected by geographical sub-district, and serves for a three-year term.

Buildings and Equipment…

Currently the District operates four stations, located at 429 E. Osage in the City of Pacific, 3279 Hwy 100 in the Villa Ridge area, 7390 Hwy O in Robertsville and, 385 Old Manchester Rd. between Pacific and St. Albans. Three ambulance buildings (Stations 1, 2 and 3) are equipped with emergency generators in the event of power failure, all business and dispatch operations will be maintained on generator power. These stations could also serve as temporary medical shelter in case of a major disaster.

The District maintains six Advanced Life Support ambulances. Four of these Advanced Life Support ambulances are staffed and ready to respond three hundred sixty five days a year, twenty-four hours a day.

Staff…

The District is staffed with 27 full-time employees and maintains a part-time EMS staff of approximately 20 personnel. All EMS personnel are licensed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or Paramedics (EMT-P). Three Paramedics are designated with the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenants are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the District and supervise EMS personnel. All EMS crews provide advanced life support, using the latest medical equipment and techniques in emergency medical care. Administrative personnel include a Chief and two full-time administrative office personnel.

Medical Direction…

Medical supervision is provided by St. John’s Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri. Dr. Peter McCarthy is currently serving as our Medical Director. Medical direction includes: pre-established medical protocols, EMS training, on-line medical direction and an EMS liaison. The EMS liaison and District Lieutenants review all reports and follow quality care criteria to assure compliance with State guidelines and a high-quality standard of patient care.

Training and Licensing…

All Meramec Ambulance District personnel are licensed by the State of Missouri, and are required to relicense every five years. Many personnel also maintain a National Registry License. All personnel are required to attend mandatory District training classes and additional EMS courses to maintain proficiency in medical care and treatment. Administrative personnel also attend local and national conferences to maintain proficiency in management.