The Crossville Chronicle reports that at a Tuesday evening meeting, Cumberland County’s Emergency Services Committee discussed the potential impact of a proposed city of Crossville-operated ambulance service on the county’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department. Committee Chairman and 2nd District Commissioner Tom Isham raised concerns about how this new service would affect the county’s EMS operations.

Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster explained that the city’s ambulance service would push county ambulances out of the city, potentially increasing response times, which currently average around 7 minutes and 13 or 14 seconds. Foster noted that the city would lack the ability to call in additional ambulances, unlike the county’s current system, which could lead to slower response times. EMS Director Chris Miller added that 40-50% of the county’s EMS calls originate in the city, and Mayor Foster emphasized that losing this call volume would significantly impact the department’s revenues.