Local EMTs and paramedics working for American Medical Response, Inc. will stage a rolling golf cart rally in The Villages on Wednesday to ask for residents’ support as they face staffing shortages and contentious contract negotiations.
“Following the strong community response at a June 30 informational picket at the county building in Wildwood, the members of IAEP Local R5-92 and their local supporters came up with the idea of a rolling rally in The Villages to spread the word about the challenges facing local first responders,” said Lisa Smith, senior communications officer for the National Association of Government Employees.
She said pay disparities between AMR in Sumter County and other surrounding communities have led to a shortage of EMS personnel in the county as workers take jobs with better pay elsewhere.
Long-term staffing shortages in EMS can lead to chronic use of double shifts for existing workers, increasing the risk of delays in response time, exhaustion and even accidents, she added.
“People from all over the county have been very supportive as they find out what our members are facing and what it means for residents and their loved ones,” said Philip Petit, IAEP national director. “We hope the residents in The Villages will join our members in standing up for strong emergency medical services in Sumter County.”
The route for the rolling rally:
Noon: Start at 100 Lake Sumter Landing. Rally participants will begin near the park and the dog park.
Stops at: Station 51, 1231 Bonita Blvd., via the Buena Vista Route
Sandhill Golf Course
Roosevelt Golf Course
Brownwood Paddock Square
They will then take Morse Boulevard back to Lake Sumter Landing.
