Gadsden Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) was established as a County Department in October 1984 to operate the emergency ambulance service for Gadsden County. In addition to emergency services, we also provide non-emergency ambulance transportation and provide stand-by services for events such as football games, music fests, bicycle races, etc.
GEMS operates four Advanced Life Support Units. In 2000, GEMS averaged 425 calls per month distributed between four stations. Station 1 is our main station and is located at 412 East Jefferson Street in Quincy, FL. Station 2 is located in Mt. Pleasant Fire Department at 2875 Mount Pleasant Road, west of Quincy, FL.
Station 3 is located at 6089 Havana Highway, 5 miles west of Havana, FL. Station 4 is located in the Chattahoochee Police Department in Chattahoochee, FL. Station 4 is staffed with a Paramedic from Gadsden EMS and a Police Officer/Emergency Medical Technician from Chattahoochee Police Department.
GEMS operates with a fleet of 8 Type 1 ambulances. Vehicles are replaced under a rotation of two remounts one year and one new vehicle the alternate year. In 2000 we added a Frazer Built generator powered ambulance to our fleet. In 2001 we are remounting two units through Peach State Ambulance Sales and Service in Tyrone Georgia (1-800-553-7724). We use Life Pak 12 cardiac monitor defibrillators and Pro Pak patient monitors and Stryker Cots on all units. We run a very aggressive preventative maintenance and repair program on vehicles and equipment. Extrication and Haz Mat response services are provided by the Fire Department. Dispatch is through Gadsden County Sheriff's Department E-911 system. We are regulated by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. We operate under standing orders authorized by Jessie V. Furlow, Medical Director. We provide "in-house" CEU's for continuing education and license renewal.
GEMS operates a 24 on and 48 hour off schedule system. We employ 21 full time employees in the emergency ambulance operation. We employ 3 personnel in Billing and Administration. Overtime is paid for all hours over 40 per week. The starting Paramedic salary in 2001 is $28,835.00 per year. Gadsden County participates in the Florida State Retirement System and the County offers a full benefit package including Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Sick Leave, Annual Leave, and many optional benefits such as dental insurance, accident insurance, disability insurance, family health insurance coverage, and deferred compensation. |
