EMS rates are increasing in Fannin County
Uncategorized September 16, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – The billing rates for emergency medical services (EMS) in Fannin County will be increasing for the first time in 10 years.
The increase will still put Fannin below the average prices of surrounding counties like Gilmer and Pickens. One reason for the rise in rates is inflation. PPE products have fallen victim to inflation much like groceries, cars, and building materials. The cost of gloves went from $75 per case to $160 per case.
“The main thing that is going to increase a little bit is specialty care. The more drugs and the more critical a patient is the more we have to do,” EMS Director Becky Huffman explained. “Mostly, we’re right along now with what Medicare will allow. We’ll be a little bit above that but speaking with our billing she said most people have supplemental insurances and they will pick up the difference.”
The new rates would help offset costs with people who utilize the service but don’t pay taxes in Fannin. In some instances, the increase would be $100, and the mile cost is up by $3 to $13 per mile.
New rates breakdown
The new advanced life support specialty care rate ($800) in Fannin is less than half of what Pickens charges for the same service.
N95 masks cost the department more than $1,000 and they’re required to use N95 masks on every call. EMS workers are trying to reuse masks when possible and looking into purchasing respirator masks as a permanent option. However, Huffman wants to find one that will last before purchasing a new product.
“I think we go ahead and increase it. We’ll still be lower than other counties,” Post Two Glenn Patterson stated.
Post One Johnny Scearce echoed a similar sentiment, expressing he’s “all for it.”
The county EMS doesn’t receive reimbursement from the hospital if an ambulance transports an individual from the hospital elsewhere. Fannin owns four ambulances to service the county so it’s a strain to transport people outside of the county from the hospital.
Fannin Regional Hospital is working with Prestige to transport people from its facility, but Prestige doesn’t have a Georgia license at this point. Once the state of Georgia grants Prestige a license, it will take some stress off Fannin EMS.
The commissioners approved the purchase of two power stretchers and one stair chair for the EMS Department as well. The cost comes out of the SPLOST budget for $4,100.
Public Works
Fannin Commissioners approved the purchase of a used bucket truck for the road department to assist with cutting down dead trees and limbs. The purchase comes out of SPLOST funds for $45,000.
Public Works Director Zack Ratcliffe assured the truck was in good condition and he’s talking with Tri-State EMC so the piece of equipment can receive regular testing.
Another SPLOST purchase of $50,000 was approved for striping in the county. The cost of striping roads is up because of the scarcity of product. Only one facility in Texas services most of the southeast with striping paint.
Ratcliffe added that all bridges in Fannin County are safe and GDOT inspected. All bridges must be inspected by GDOT every two years.
Phyllis Matthews was appointed to the Tax Assessor Board by Post One Johnny Scearce after Casey Eaton had to step down from the role.
Fannin County EMS Celebrated During EMS Appreciation Week
Community, Feature News May 21, 2021
Fannin County, Ga. – The Fannin County EMS was celebrated with a luncheon during National EMS Appreciation Week.
Commissioners Jamie Hensley and Glenn Patterson serve at the EMS Appreciation Luncheon.
EMS Appreciation Week has been celebrated nationwide all week.
Barbecue was donated by Brian Stanfield, buns and chips by Flowers Bakery, and the rest of the supplies by the Blue Ridge Food Lion.
Fannin County honors past Fire Chiefs
Community, Fannin County EMA/EMS, Featured Stories May 16, 2021
Blue Ridge, Ga. – The Fannin County Fire Department (FCFD) along with Fannin County EMA/EMS took time to recognize the past Fire Chiefs of Fannin County.
“It is an honor to be a part of this with you guys,” Fannin County Chairman Jamie Hensley was present to give his thanks: “The hard work and dedication that you all put into even forming this and keeping it going throughout the years, you paved the way for all of us to be here.”
Chairman Hensley expresses his thanks to emergency personnel both past and present.
Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner Glenn Patterson echoed Hensley’s sentiments, “You guys up there laid the foundation of what you see today. We do appreciate you all and what you built from the ground up. Your contributions are invaluable.”
Among those present to be recognized were Darrell Payne, Tony Petty, Jack Worthey, Larry Waters, Walter Taylor, and Robert Graham. Those that couldn’t be present for the event were Spencer Kitchens, Ryan McDaris and William Wright.
Current Fire Chief Larry Thomas thanked the previous fire chiefs, many of whom he had worked with, “I want to give my thanks to each and everyone of you all.”
Thomas spoke of how their work and dedication helped to bring the department to where it is today.
Each one of the former Fire Chiefs spoke and it quickly became apparent that while they were given the title to lead the department, none felt they alone could take credit for how far the department has come.
The speeches quickly gave way to stories. The camaraderie of those working in emergency services showed as it was evident to everyone in the room, whether past or present, after serving your community you are always family.
Walter Taylor, Fannin County’s first official Fire Chief shared how, with the help of others, the first fire truck in Fannin County was built. According to Taylor it was a 1957 Chevrolet 6 cylinder: “We put two 500 gallon tanks on it.”
Taylor also shared a personal experience where those presently working in public safety had been called in to aid him. He gave an emotional thank you to the ones who answered the call, crediting them with saving his life.
Larry Waters, former Fannin County Fire Chief, gave insight into being a Fire Chief before the department received funding for full-time staff, “While I was Fire Chief, I was working full time at Levis Strauss and Co. and during the daily activities Tony took over as assistant chief.”
Family and friends, along with emergency personnel, continue to share laughs and stories after the recognition ceremony.
Waters spoke of firefighters and emergency personal running concession stands, parking cars, and “whatever we could do to raise money” for equipment. He also spoke of the pride the department felt when their new used equipment would arrive.
Former Fire Chief Tony Petty gave advice to those new to the field, “To be a fireman you’ve got to want to help people” and added that everyone involved is what makes a successful department: “You can be the best Chief in the world but if you ain’t got good people under you, you ain’t got nobody. I couldn’t never done it without you (all the volunteers).”
“I come in as a paid Chief,” Jack Worthey, former Fire Chief and 40 year veteran in the field, said of his reluctance to be honored with the others, adding that it is an “honor to come in and appreciate what these men have done.”
Standing with the others and looking around the crowded room Worthy noted that it is a “privilege to be a firefighter”.
There was a noticeable sense of pride in the room as emergency personnel listened to the stories shared from the previous Fire Chiefs. A humble sense of pride not only in the work that they face day to day but also a pride to be a small part of a larger team that helped write the history of Fannin County and continues to shape the future.
Former Fire Chief Worthey came to Fannin County, after having worked with the DeKalb County Fire Department for 30 years and had this to say of Fannin County, “This is the best volunteer fire department in the state of Georgia.”
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Officers honored for life saving actions
Community, Fannin County EMA/EMS, News, Police & Government August 4, 2020
Blue Ridge, Ga. – Two officers with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Department were honored for their quick thinking that resulted in a life being saved.
A call came through dispatch of a single vehicle accident on Highway 2 near Flowers Baking Company. A silver Ford Focus driven by Michael Peppers of Blue Ridge had left the roadway and struck a tree.
(L – R) Investigator Gary Edwards, Corporal Dustin Carter
Corporal Dustin Carter and Investigator Gary Edwards were first to respond to the scene and saw that the male driver was alone and trapped in the vehicle.
“The door panel was crushed from striking the tree,” Investigator Edwards spoke of the scene upon arrival.
The door was unable to be opened and both officers saw the condition of Peppers deteriorating.
“He was slightly responsive. He was losing color and as we were speaking to him, his condition worsened and he just went out, non-responsive, lost all of his color,” Edwards recounted the quickness in which Peppers’ condition worsened.
Accident reports from that day detail how Peppers’ skin color began to become grayish in hue as his eyes rolled back and his breathing came to almost a complete stop.
“He was on the verge of completely not breathing. He was having agonal respirations,” Fannin County EMA Director Robert Graham spoke of Carter and Edwards’ actions and explained that agonal respirations is a gasping for air that is associated with body reflex and is seen in medical emergencies.
Investigator Edwards and Corporal Carter worked together to free Peppers from the vehicle, Edwards having to break out the back window to gain access. It was at this point that Carter recognized the signs of a possible overdose and Edwards retrieved his supply of Narcan.
Narcan is a nasal spray used for the treatment of an opioid emergency or a possible opioid overdose with signs of breathing problems.
Upon returning, Edwards reported that Carter was able to free Peppers from the vehicle and had him laying down on the ground. Edwards administered the nasal Narcan and Peppers began to breathe and move again.
When paramedics arrived, both officers helped to load Peppers onto the stretcher and observed that he was talking to paramedics as they left the scene.
“Seeing his reactions. From the time we got there, he was kind of responsive to unresponsive in just a few minutes,” Carter explained the decision to use Narcan. Carter says that training and experience are how he was able to quickly recognize the signs of a possible overdose.
The officers were given pins of recognition by Fannin County’s Emergency Management Team to acknowledge that their quick thinking and actions were directly responsible for saving a life.
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Special Recognition given by Board of Education
Community, Fannin County EMA/EMS, Rebel's Corner February 17, 2020
Blue Ridge, Ga. – The Fannin County Board of Education took time at their Feb. monthly meeting to give special recognition to those who have positively impacted the school system recently.
First to be recognized was West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) First Grade teacher Katy Roberson and WFES Student Governance Team member Jocelyn Miller for their work which has brought state and national attention to the Fannin County School District.
What all began with the reading of a book, Stellaluna, to a class, has become an ongoing project that is now in its third year.
A former student of Roberson told her of a “bat house” that they have at home and from there the project evolved.
“She (Roberson) was able to take the concept of bats and integrate all of the subjects into it and the kids were basically learning math. They were reading. They were doing science, all through the lens of bats,” Miller spoke of the teacher’s work with children.
Miller, who is now going for her doctoral degree, along with Roberson wrote an article about the project titled “At Home with Bats”. This article was published in the National Science Teachers Association peer-reviewed journal “Science and Children”.
Since then the article has gone on to be published on university websites, garnering even more attention for education in our area.
Next to be recognized for their work with the school system was Fannin County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
Through their Stop the Bleed Campaign, Fannin County EMA Director Robert Graham, Fannin County Training Officer Ryan McDavis, and EMS Child Advocate Rebecca Huffman were all recognized for the work put into training staff of the school district.
Stop the Bleed is a program set in place by the American College of Surgeons and works to train people worldwide on how to stop bleeding in a severely injured person.
After training, the school district received several Stop the Bleed kits which have been put in place not only in the schools but also on every bus, along with a standard first aid kits.
Fannin County School System Director of Transportation Denver Foster called these kits, “a little bag with a lot of life saving power in it”.
Foster also thanked Fannin County’s EMA/EMS for their ongoing role in working with the school system to provide safety to its students on a daily basis.
Click here to read about those honored at last month’s meeting.
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Two homes catch fire, one belonging to FCHS wrestling coach
Fannin County EMA/EMS, Health December 24, 2019
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Officials looking into how two homes in the county caught fire. The blazes occurred a little over a week apart, and one home belonged to first year Fannin County High School (FCHS) wrestling coach. No injuries reported in either fire.
In the early morning hours of Monday, Dec. 23, Fannin County Fire Department (FCFD) responded to a fire in the Aska Road area. The house was vacant at the time of the blaze with 60 to 70 percent of the structure engulfed in flames.
Photo Courtesy of FCFD/EMS of Aska Road fire response.
FCFD did shut down one lane on Aska Road for part of the morning while trying to contain the fire.
Currently, the State Fire Marshall is investigating the cause. Details about the Dec. 23 fire are still developing, and FYN will update as information becomes available.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, on Meadow Creek Way, FCHS Wrestling Coach Chuck Patterson and his family lost their home to a fire. Luckily, Chuck, his wife, Cathy, their boys and dogs all made it out safely. However, the family did lose their home, everything inside, and both vehicles.
An electrical area in the front of the home can’t be ruled out as possible cause at this time, according to FCFD. No foul play is suspected in the Patterson fire.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Patterson family and has raised $18,950 as of Dec. 23. The GoFundMe has a goal of $25,000. United Community Bank (UCB) also set up the Chuck Patterson Benefit Fund for those interested in assisting the family during this trying time. To donate, simply approach a teller and tell them that you want to contribute to the benefit. If you have an account with UCB, you can also call the bank.
FCHS is accepting clothing donations for the Patterson’s. Their sizes are as follows:
Clothing donations can be dropped off at the FCHS office.
Chuck: XXXL shirt, 42-44 pant, 12.5 shoe
Cathy: XL shirt, 12-14 pant, 8.5-9 shoe
The boys’ Sizes: 8 shirt, 7 pant, 3 shoe and 5T or 4/5 shirt, 5T or 4/5 pants, 12 shoe (children)
The family is new to Blue Ridge and the Fannin County School District. The Fannin County High School wrestling team is lucky to have such an amazing and inspiring coach.
Feature image courtesy of FYN reader.
Fannin County EMA/EMS Report for September 8, 2019 thru September 14, 2019
News September 18, 2019
Fannin County EMA/EMS
Director Robert Graham
20 Station Ridge
Blue Ridge, Ga. 30513
706-632-1958
Fax 706-632-8003
September 8, 2019 thru September 14, 2019 Responses
M1: 36
M3: 12
M4: 30
M11: 28
Gilmer EMS: 1
Polk EMS: 2
Total: 109
Includes 13 out of town transfers
Law: 351
Fire: 8
Rescue: 39
Total Emergency Calls: 459
Total Incoming Phone Calls (911 and Admin): 985
New Fire Station Completed and Ready to Assist Citizens of Fannin County
Community August 20, 2019
Blue Ridge, Ga – The new Fire Station/Public Safety Complex reached completion after two years of effort with an open house scheduled for Aug. 30.
EMA Director Robert Graham presented aerial shots of the finished facility to the commissioners during the Aug. 13, 2019 meeting.
“We intentionally did not take any pictures of the inside because we want everyone to come out on Aug. 30 and see the facility for themselves,” said Graham.
The dedication starts at 11 a.m., and visitors can tour the public safety complex while munching on some refreshments.
“The building is something that Fannin County should really be proud of. It should serve the county well for years to come. We did finish up the back part of the building,” stated Graham.
Aerial shots of the complex courtesy of Fannin EMA.
“Unfortunately, Earl, I was not able to keep it under $200,000. It ended up being $200,869.02.”
However, the last bid from contractors was $439,000, so the county did it for around $200,000 cheaper than expected.
“It’s really pleasing to see what we all thought was true when we received the last bids, said Post One Commissioner Earl Johnson, “We saved $239,000 to build out the back spot. The money can carry on in other places and help in places where we need it.”
Graham thanked all the subcontractors who participated in completing the building.
The entire cost of the building ended up being $4,134,462.83 and paid upfront with taxpayer funds. The county owes nothing on the building.
“All the volunteers and employees are very proud of the facility, and I hope the citizens of Fannin County are too,” commented Graham.
The construction of the fire station resulted from a collaborative effort from everyone involved from previous commissioners to all EMS/EMA employees. Graham sought out opinions from everyone to ensure Fannin had the best facility possible for the future.
“When we did a reevaluation and redesign to keep the effectiveness of the fire station, you got input from everybody that works in your command,” said Chairman Stan Helton, “Their suggestions were extremely valuable to making this work.”
Direct Overhead shot from Fannin EMA.
Post Two Glenn Patterson also commended Graham and his department for the new fire station.
“It has been a long process,” said Johnson, “The good thing is we can go over there and touch everything. The taxpayers have something that they can touch and see, and know that they don’t owe a dime on it.”
The open house will be on Friday, Aug 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fannin County EMA/EMS Weekly Report 1/13 – 1/19
Fannin County EMA/EMS January 21, 2019
Fannin County EMA/EMS
Director Robert Graham
181 Church St.
Blue Ridge, Ga. 30513
706-632-1958
Fax 706-632-8003
Please see the EMS totals below. 911 totals are not available at this time.
M-1: 37
M-3: 11
M-4: 24
M-11: 27
Total: 99
Fannin County EMA/EMS Weekly Report for 2/10 – 2/16
Fannin County EMA/EMS February 18, 2019
Fannin County EMA/EMS
Director Robert Graham
181 Church St.
Blue Ridge, Ga. 30513
706-632-1958
Fax 706-632-8003
February 10, 2019 thru February 16, 2019 Responses
M1: 31
M3: 6
M4: 20
M11: 29
Total: 86
Law: 350
Fire: 4
Rescue: 19
Total Emergency Calls: 441
Fannin County Fire Department upgrades life saving equipment
Community, Fannin County EMA/EMS, News January 11, 2019
Blue Ridge, Ga. – “I would like to say at this time, thanks to the public for the donations, and the taxpayers here in the county that are taking care of us,” Fannin County Fire Chief Larry Thomas spoke to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) on Tuesday about the purchase of new equipment for the department.
The Fannin County Fire Department will see an upgrade to their life-saving hydraulic extraction tools, better known as the Jaws of Life.
An example of Jaws of Life being used for extrication.
Thomas informed the BOC that volunteer firefighters had voted late in 2018 to use money from their donation account to purchase the new equipment: “The volunteers, in one of our volunteer meetings, voted to go ahead and start upgrading the Jaws of Life, the extrication tools that we carry on some of our vehicles.”
After researching pricing, the fire department chose to go with Hurst to provide this new equipment. Hurst now provides a battery operated version of this tool that can be operated by a single person.
This upgrade will save time for local rescuers who are often put in situations where every minute matters.
“Before, in the beginning, way back, it took two people to use a set of jaws,” Thomas said explaining the importance of the equipment upgrade.
The total price for three new sets of Jaws of Life would come to approximately $60,000. Thomas explained that his department had already put $17,000 towards this total with the intention of applying another $7,300 in the near future.
Although the fire department has enough funds available in the donation account, Thomas stated that they would like to finance the remaining amount of approximately $35,000 as to not deplete all monies currently in the donation account.
In order finance this remaining balance, Fannin County would need to “cosign” for the loan, as most banks cannot loan to volunteer groups.
Post 1 Commissioner Earl Johnson asked for clarification on the terms of the loan being sought, to which Thomas replied that they would be seeking a three year repayment period.
Although the loan terms would be set for three years, Thomas stated, “We’re hoping to pay it off next year” and pointed to the history the department has with paying off any loan debt before the loan fully matures.
“I think it’s a great thing really,” Fannin County Chairman Stan Helton expressed his opinion before the vote. “I appreciate the volunteers and the money they have brought in to pay for equipment that is going to serve the public.”
The three commissioners voted in favor of signing off on a loan for the fire department, and bringing this life saving upgrade to the county.
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EMS/ EMA Weekly Call Report for 11/4 – 11/10
Fannin County EMA/EMS November 12, 2018
Fannin County EMA/EMS Weekly Report for 11/25 – 12/1
Fannin County EMA/EMS December 3, 2018
Director Robert Graham
181 Church St.
Blue Ridge, Ga. 30513
706-632-1958
Fax 706-632-8003
November 25, 2018 thru December 1, 2018 Responses
M1: 29
M3: 8
M4: 27
M11: 22
Gilmer EMS: 1
Total: 87
Law: 344
Fire: 5
Rescue: 25
Total Emergency Calls: 460
Total Calls: 1322
Fannin County EMA/EMS Weekly Report from 11/18 – 11/24
Fannin County EMA/EMS November 26, 2018
By: Director Robert Graham
706-632-1958
Fax 706-632-8003
November 18, 2018 thru November 24, 2018 Responses
M1: 39
M3: 6
M4: 26
M11: 28
Total: 99
Law: 306
Fire: 6
Rescue: 31
Total Emergency Calls: 435
Total Calls: 1168
Fannin County EMA/EMS Weekly Report 10/21 – 10/27
Fannin County EMA/EMS October 29, 2018
By: Director Robert Graham
October 21, 2018 thru October 27, 2018 Responses
M1: 26
M3: 24
M4: 34
M11: 25
Gilmer: 1
Polk: 2
Total: 112
Mutual Aid: 1 (to Polk County)
Law: 370
Fire: 9
Rescue: 36
Total Emergency Calls: 493
Total Calls: 1455
Fannin County EMA/EMS for Oct 14 – Oct 20
Fannin County EMA/EMS October 23, 2018
By: Director Robert Graham
181 Church St.
Blue Ridge, Ga. 30513
706-632-1958
Fax 706-632-8003
October 14, 2018 thru October 20, 2018 Responses
M1: 31
M3: 8
M4: 22
M6: 1
M11: 13
Total: 75
Mutual Aid: 0
Law: 361
Fire: 9
Rescue: 17
Total Emergency Calls: 459
Total Calls: 1345