Dixmont’s Community Ambulance prepares to ‘tone out’
5/26/09 | 24 comments
always there

Dixmont’s Community Ambulance prepares to ‘tone out’


June 30 closing to force towns of Dixmont, Etna, Newburgh and Plymouth to find new service
By Eric Russell
BDN Staff
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY GABOR DEGRE
Virginia Cole (right), 58, and her husband, Butch, 63, have been running Community Ambulance out of their Dixmont home since 1994. The Coles, both paramedics, will end the service on June 30 because of rising expenses not matched by payments. “We receive no funding from the towns we serve and sometimes we had to use our personal credit cards to keep up with repair and supply bills. I feel bad for the community and the people who need this service,” Butch Cole said. Buy Photo

Harrison and Virginia Cole — Butch and Ginny, to most — won’t miss the police scanner traffic, the drop-everything-at-a-moment’s-notice commitment or the financial headaches.

They will miss the excitement, the personal connection to the communities they serve, “and the trauma,” said Ginny. “All paramedics are trauma junkies, whether they admit it or not.”

Since 1994, the Dixmont couple has operated Community Ambulance out of their Kennebec Road home, serving the people of Dixmont, Etna, Newburgh and Plymouth. Day and night, they respond to medical calls and reports of fires and motor vehicle accidents — more than 450 calls in the last year alone. They have seen death but also have helped save lives.

“They haven’t responded to a call for me personally, but I know they take very good care of people,” Newburgh Town Manager Nancy Hatch said recently. “It’s a service we never had to think about because they were just there. Always there.”

“It’s definitely one of those things we’ve taken for granted,” added Judy Dunn, a selectwoman in Dixmont. “They’ve been so dedicated.”

But as all things must end, so it is with Community Ambulance.

“It’s time,” Ginny said this week, sitting on a desk in a converted office in their home. “I’m 58, my husband is 63. I want to bake a cake. I want to have a sleepover with my grandkids. I want to have an uninterrupted date night with my husband.”

The decision to close Community Ambulance — effective June 30 — was made with heavy and somewhat conflicted hearts. When Butch and Ginny took over the former Dixmont Ambulance Service about 15 years ago, they transformed a nonprofit agency into a for-profit business. Aside from a few part-time ambulance drivers, the work was always done by the husband and wife paramedic team.

The profits never materialized. The Coles said they continued operations because they felt a duty to the communities. Over the years, though, the couple slowly accumulated debts associated with the emergency services they provide. “Diesel prices almost killed us last year,” Ginny said. In recent months, those debts have com-bined with depleted revenues to force the Dixmont couple’s hand.

Jay Bradshaw, director of Maine Emergency Medical Services, a bureau of the Department of Public Safety that oversees ambulance service in Maine, said a majority of the 285 entities licensed in the state are smaller operations like Community Ambulance.

The difference, he said, is that most of those are still nonprofits and have access to grant programs, tax benefits and other revenue streams. Only about five for-profit ambulance services exist in Maine, Bradshaw said.

“There is no standard model for providing emergency services,” he said. “What [the Coles] did fit a need and that’s to be commended.”

Community Ambulance always covered its operational costs — mostly gas, payments on their ambulances and medical supplies — with MaineCare, Medicare and private health insurance reimbursements.

Those reimbursements have shrunk considerably in the last few years, the Coles said. They used to get $700 to $800 for an ambulance call. Now, they get anywhere from $450 to $250 to sometimes nothing at all. If Community Ambulance responds to a call and the patient does not have insurance, for instance, that patient has to pay out of pocket. Ginny said it’s rare that those payments are made in full.

“We’ve turned over stacks and stacks of claims to collection agencies,” she said. “But what are we going to do, not respond to people who may not have insurance?”

The ever-evolving technological components of ambulance service also contributed to the pending closure of the Coles’ business. Beginning April 1, Community Ambulance was required by state law to computerize its calls. It might seem like a small request, Ginny said, but it was a big deal for them.

“The state has to submit statistics in order to get grant funding, but what they’ve done is shift that statistical work to us and it’s created a much bigger workload for a very small operation,” she said. “And, it’s not like we get any of that state money.”

Bradshaw said he sympathized with the Coles’ concerns but doubted the new state requirement was the reason for Community Ambulance’s closure.

“Look at what’s happened in all realms of heath care in terms of computerization,” he said. “It’s easy to blame the state.”

The absence of Community Ambulance will create a hole for the four towns it serves. All Maine municipalities must have an agreement for ambulance services even if they don’t provide any funding. The most likely alternatives in the area are Capital Ambulance and Sebasticook Valley Hospital, both of which are affiliated with Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, which has much deeper pockets than the mom-and-pop shop run by the Coles.

Hatch in Newburgh said her town likely will approach nearby Hampden for ambulance service, or perhaps Capital.

“We’ll be OK,” she said. “But we’ve had a long relationship with Community Ambulance, so I’m sure some things will be a little different.”

In Dixmont, Dunn said her town has talked to both Capital and Sebasticook Valley but hasn’t made a decision.

“In terms of response time, things are going to change,” she said. “But maybe this is a good time for towns to reassess the services that they have.”

Even with the recent financial struggles, the Coles are thankful for 15 good years and said they are not looking back. Late this year they will celebrate their 35th anniversary. They hope to travel. They hope to spend more time with their grown children, young grandchildren and with each other.

The small office in their home likely will be converted to another use. At the very least, the scanners will be disconnected. The ambulances in their double-bay garage likely will be sold. Someone else will take over the task of worrying about responding to calls at 2 a.m.

“We’ll be able to sit down and watch a movie,” said Butch, looking up at his wife. “Just the two of us.”

erussell@bangordailynews.net

990-8167

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Comments
24 comments on this item
On 5/26/09 at 12:53 AM, BangorInsider wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

People in Maine expect to pick up a phone and get whatever help they want, right now, without cost. Well, for those four towns, things are going to change. With a 20-30 min response time for a full time paramedic service, your simple chest pain call will turn into CPR by the time you get there. People expect prompt immediate accesses to professional emergency medical services as soon as they pick up the phone as if it’s a right. Well the promptness is directly connected to how much you put out in your property tax.

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On 5/26/09 at 7:00 AM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This is sad news for these towns and surrounding areas as "Community Ambulance" has served well over the years....Butch & Ginny your service and efforts in the EMS & Fire community have been appreciated and you will be sorely missed! Best of luck to you both and may you enjoy your personal time and family as we all know who do this type of work that both are sacrificed to serve the public.....Thanks and Best Wishes!

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On 5/26/09 at 7:02 AM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I agree with your comments to a point BangorInsider...the four towns (Dixmont, Etna, Newburgh and Plymouth) all have Fire Departments which may or may not have First Responder services. In the State of Maine, FIrst Responder services must be licensed to the First Responder license level and may be Permitted (allowed) to be licensed to any level up to and including Paramedic which they have personnel and equipment to operate at.

You may actually be surprised at some of the cities and towns in the state which operate First Responder services rather than ambulance services. Waterville, Lewiston-Auburn are two which come to mind which are serviced by fire based First Reponders and the ambulance (transport) service is a private company, Delta in Waterville and United in L-A.

Hancock County has a total of 8 ambulance services based in the county which provide transport services for the county. Bucksport Fire, Bagaduc Ambulance (Castine), Peninsula Ambulance (Blue Hill), Memorial Ambulance (Stonington-Deer Isle), Southwest Harbor Ambulance, Northeast Harbor Ambulance, Bar Harbor Fire and County Ambulance (Ellsworth). Brewer Fire (Capital Ambulance) also services a very small piece of Washington on Route 9. Most of the fire departments in Hancock County operate First Responder services to provide immediate care while the ambulance in responding to the call.

What I am getting at is really two fold....First, you are correct that "promptness is directly connected to how much you put out in your property tax" and each town will need to make a decision on how they want to approach the delivery of medical care in their community. Second, while Paramedics provide excellent medical care, First Responders have for years provide excellent medical care and delivered medically viable patients into the hands of Paramedics. Never underestimate the impact of First Responder services in delivering medical care to the sick and injured.

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On 5/26/09 at 12:21 PM, tmoomaw38 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I first met Butch and Ginny on February 14, 1997. It was actually on Rt. 69 and they were loading me into the ambulance and we were on our way to EMMC. It was my first accident and I was so frightened. The care and the compassion these two had were so comforting and I knew I was in good hands. A few days later, I wanted to thank them so I found where they lived, (right around the corner actually), and the first thing Ginny said was it was nice to see me in a vertical position. We became friends and eventually I decided I wanted to help other people the way they helped me. They paid for the EMT training and they also helped me train for the big test. If you didn't ask if the scene was safe, Ginny would let you know. WHAM!! I learned so much from them. Compassion, caring, knowledge that will always stay with me. I am now in Virginia and am running with a new unit, but the lessons and love are always with me. Thank you soo much for the privilege and opportunity to run with you guys. Take care and I love you both very much!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ginny you can now actually enjoy a full cup of hot coffee. Terry (Harriman) Moomaw

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On 5/26/09 at 1:37 PM, dkenzie77 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

wow its sad, suprised jd even said that. But its really sad there losing this service.

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On 5/26/09 at 1:44 PM, obie46 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This is so sad, but as dedicated as they have been they certainly deserve some quality time with their family. I don,t know them very well but know their work. They took care of my daughter back on valentines day 1997, and they were so good to her. I also had occasion to see them in action when a co-worker of mine needed an ambulance. I was so impressed with them..they had the efficiency , professionalism and compassion that is needed for that type of work. had told my husband that if I ever needed an ambulance to request them.

Butch and Ginny , so sad to see u go, yet ha

ppy that can now enjoy your family....THANK YOU FOR TAKING SUCH GOOD CARE OF TERRY!!!

BLESSINGS TO YOU!

SALLY H

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On 5/26/09 at 1:48 PM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

dkenzie77 save the dig for another time....I personally know both Butch and Ginny and watched this service grow and appreciate how they nurtured it along...they did everything they could do to keep this service going...i also had a hand in teaching some of their earliest EMT's...both Butch and Ginny are veterans too...so I have a deep appreciation of where they came from, what they did and hopefully where they are going...what you cannot see very clearly in the photo is a verse from the Bible, the Book of Psalms...they are both Christians and very giving people...so if you want to post a comment, please feel free as you normally do...but I wonder why you cannot post without trying to take away from someones else's post.

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On 5/26/09 at 4:09 PM, dkenzie77 wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 5/26/09 at 4:19 PM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Well it appears you never practiced in the State of Maine as Maine does not certify, they license. I hold a four digit license preceded by one zero.

If you know Butch and Ginny, what instrument was Ginny learning to play in the early 1990's but never had enough time to practice or put into?

So let's play your little game.

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On 5/26/09 at 5:44 PM, dkenzie77 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

no i want you to play my game jd, you didnt train anyone in the state of maine you must certify. Want me to send you the info you bumbling idiot. Give me your email address. Im in the process of caling butch and ginny to see if they know you

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On 5/26/09 at 6:09 PM, JD2008 wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 5/26/09 at 6:14 PM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

dkenzie....here is the Maine EMS Rules citation which can be found on page 5-1 of the following document:

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

MAINE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM

CHAPTERS 1-17: MAINE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM RULES

ADOPTION DATE: August 2, 2006 EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2006

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

BUREAU OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (MAINE EMS)

CHAPTER 5: PERSONNEL LICENSES

§1. Personnel licenses are issued for the following levels of care, in ascending order:

1. First Responder

2. Ambulance Attendant - No new licenses at this level issued after September 1, 1996.

3. Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B)

4. EMT - Intermediate (EMT-I)

5. EMT - Critical Care (EMT-CC) - No new licenses issued at this level after January 1,

1998.

6. EMT - Paramedic (EMT-P)

and when you get off the phone with Butch and Ginny, here is the web site.... http://www.maine.gov/dps/ems/documents/Maine_EMS_Rules.pdf

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On 5/26/09 at 7:20 PM, JD2008 wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 5/26/09 at 7:39 PM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Butch and Ginny I am truly sorry that your story became a back and forth between dkenzie and I...I truly have a great amount of respect for both of you and what you accomplished in the Community Ambulance service area...I hope you enjoy your retirement and enjoy the grandkids!

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On 5/26/09 at 7:50 PM, AugustaPilot wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

JD - can I play? My license also has 4 digits and starts with a zero - and my guess to your question is: bagpipes.

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On 5/26/09 at 7:55 PM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

LOL....you are soooooo correct!

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On 5/26/09 at 7:59 PM, 4Him2day wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 5/26/09 at 8:10 PM, dkenzie77 wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 5/26/09 at 8:11 PM, AugustaPilot wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What do I win? :D

FTR, I've never taught nor worked with either of them - but once upon a time someone (don't even remember who) told me about her interest in bagpipes - not something you hear every day.

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On 5/26/09 at 8:24 PM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I will have to get back to you on that AugustaPilot...I recall seeing them in her dining room in the case she keep them in...I asked her about them and see told be she always wanted to learn but had a difficult time finding the time to learn let alone practice...not sure if they were passed down in her family or how she came into them. Maybe she will now have the time. I hope so, they are a wonderful instrument!

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On 5/26/09 at 10:20 PM, RGoodell wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

It is always a sad thing when any community loses an important service upon which it has come to depend. Community Ambulance has served so many for so long, it is difficult to imagine our world without the security blanket you have provided to all of us.

No one will miss your service as much as the unfortunate ones who will wait for your alternate, or the chronically ill that have found hope and comfort in your skill and manner.

Those grieving your absence will also include the people that have served along side you; the EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement personnel that have come to know you and count on you in their own special way.

Some of us are fortunate to have served with you as members of your staff. I consider myself lucky to carry that badge of honor, and feel that I am a better professional for it. As part of this group, I will share a special personal feeling of loss with the passing of Community Ambulance.

Please remember always that, as you have selflessly touched the lives of so many, on very different levels; You have certainly achieved your goal of "making a difference" in the lives of others... 100% mission success.

Butch and Ginny, you have more than earned time for yourselves, and I sincerely wish that you spend it together doing the things you enjoy as the loving couple that you are.

Good luck to both of you, and a heartfelt "thank you" for the gifts you have given.

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On 5/27/09 at 12:28 AM, dkenzie77 wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 5/28/09 at 11:07 AM, Mainelyme wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

dkenzie77

Telling JD2008 that he is Mainelyme is so last year.

There is only one moi.

But, telling him to watch his back is good advice

God knows you've been watching mine for a couple of years now.

KISSES

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On 5/28/09 at 11:15 AM, Mainelyme wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Now on to bigger and better things!

Ta.........

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