How important is it to have a Paramedic ambulance arrive quickly at a medical call?
Back to Top
Rapid ambulance response is critical in a medical emergency. While EMTs and First Responders play a significant role in stabilizing ill and injured patients to prepare them for treatment and transport, the early arrival of Paramedics allows advanced lifesaving treatments and procedures to be performed immediately. In the case of trauma, treatment and transport should begin within just a few minutes and a critical patient needs to arrive at the appropriate hospital less than 1 hour from the injury.
What capabilities does a Paramedic ambulance have in the case of a medical emergency?
Back to Top
A Paramedic ambulance is equipped similar to a hospital emergency room. It has medications and equipment to treat almost any medical emergency and it is staffed with trained personnel who can quickly assess a patient and begin life saving treatment.
How many Paramedics work for the Camas Fire Department?
Back to Top
How many Paramedics work for
the Washougal Fire Department or East County Fire & Rescue?
Back to Top
The Washougal Fire Department and East County Fire & Rescue do not have any Paramedics on staff, as
their budgets cannot support their own internal Paramedic programs, and as such
WFD and ECFR are not licensed to provide Paramedic-level care or any ambulance service.
How many ambulances does Camas Fire Department have?
Back to Top
Camas Fire Department has three Advanced Life Support, Paramedic ambulances staffed around the clock and is capable of responding a fourth ambulance in just a few minutes if needed.
What is the cost of the EMS levy?
Back to Top
It is important to remember that the EMS levy is not a new tax, but that it
requires a regular periodic renewal at least once every six years.
Currently,
the EMS Levy for most of the ECPS area is 35¢ per $1,000 of a
property's valuation, which is equal to just $105 per year if you own a
$300,000 home. Washougal voters approved a 60¢ per $1,000
measure, and the extra 25¢ is used by Washougal to support additional
emergency service needs outside of the ECPS.
How might this election impact my home's
resale value?
Back to Top
While assessed property values will probably not be greatly impacted, the loss
of reliable, dedicated Paramedic ambulance service is likely to damage your
home's market resale value, as much as if you were to suddenly lose coverage
from law enforcement or fire protection. Home buyers usually expect these
services and may not want to live in an area lacking reliable ambulance service.
How are funds collected from the EMS Levy spent?
Back to Top
100% of the funds collected from the EMS Levy are returned to the community
directly to support regional EMS. The funds are routed to the Camas Fire Department to pay for the high costs of Paramedic training, advanced medical equipment such as defibrillators, purchase and maintenance of ambulances, and ongoing training and re-supply of medical supplies in order to serve all of the communities participating in the partnership. EMS Levy funds are also passed through the Camas Fire Department to supply emergency medical training, equipment and supplies to ECFR and Washougal, since they also serve areas within the
partnership.
Who paid for this web site, informational home
mailings, etc?
Back to Top
All work is performed by concerned citizens, and 100% of the monetary funds spent were provided through privately-funded donations. No tax dollars are involved in this effort.
CFD and ECFR have independently released information strictly for voter awareness which is not related to work performed by the
'YES on EMS' Committee.
I am concerned for my community's safety and want to save our
ambulance service, how can I help?
Back to Top
It is easy to help, click here for more
information on easy ways you can help save your ambulance!
How can I get registered to vote in time to participate?
Back to Top
New residents must have their registration completed 15 days before the election
date. Address changes must be completed 30 days before the election, or else your vote will be held and processed following the completion of your change of address. Click here to open a new window with Clark County's Voter Registration Information. Every vote counts! If you have to make changes to your registration status, don't delay.
If you have a question not answered on this
page, please send us an email:

Page last updated Monday, September 29, 2008 06:51 PM