Trumbull EMS Executive Director Job Closer to Reality

Trumbull EMS could have an executive director if the Town Council approves the position.

A funding transfer approved 4-1 (with one abstention) by the Board of Finance pushed the job closer to reality, but debate centered on to whom the director would report.

There is a strong candidate for the job if it is approved, First Selectman Tim Herbst said.

Herbst said TEMS is "as critical a function as any other service provider." The Holdsworth Report detailed changes needed for TEMS, including hiring an executive director and changing the staffing structure. TEMS used to be a volunteer service but has since become a hybrid.

Trumbull EMS Commission Chairman Joe Rodriguez said TEMS Director Barbara Crandall is doing two jobs and should not be.

"Even before the report, I saw the need for an executive director," Rodriguez said. There used be a leadership team of eight people to handle various functions, but now there are three people.

Finance board member Tom Tesoro said the Holdsworth report contained errors and suggested tabling it.  He said he supported the position but added the TEMS commision needs a "strong and active role."

The executive director should be answerable to the commission, Tesoro noted. He abstained from voting.

Susan LaFrance, another finance board member, said a delay in voting could put the town at risk, a charge which Tesoro vehemently denied.

His colleague, Andrew Palo, said he also supported the position but questioned the process. He said he wanted to hear from the TEMS Commission first.

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The Executive Director's Job

According to the job posting:

• The Executive Director's primary responsibility is to oversee the daily functions of the Trumbull Emergency Medical Services (TEMS), which shall include an ongoing evaluation, compilation and review of service operating systems, helping to plan for the needs of the agencies and public that is served. In addition, the Executive Director shall be required to develop a long range plan that develops a clear chain of command, develops a contracted EMS force that is supplemented by a strong volunteer corps. The Executive Director shall develop a financial plan that generates enough revenue to make the organization financially self-sustaining while allowing TEMS to provide a critical life-saving function.

• The Executive Director will need to have a full understanding of Connecticut EMS Regulations, South West Regional Protocols, TEMS By-Laws, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and employee manual.

The responsibilities will be:

• Problem resolution and supervision of both TEMS volunteers and contracted paramedic personnel

• Hiring, disciplining and termination of personnel in concert with the Town's Personnel Department
• Staff scheduling and overtime cost containment
• Performing annual personnel reviews.
• Working with other Town Departments to plan EMS coverage for large public gatherings in the Town
• Participating in the South West EMS Regional Council planning activities
• Working with Town Finance Department to ensure proper revenue collection and spending practices
• Participating in the development and delivery of community health initiatives
• Working with the Trumbull Board of Education to create an EMS awareness and recruitment program in the school system
• Responding to calls as back up when necessary to ensure service area coverage.

The candidate should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum certification of Connecticut licensed EMT or EMT-P in good standing. He/She must also have a minimum four years of documented experience as either a Chief or Assistant Chief of an EMS service that consists of volunteers, employee personnel and contractual personnel.

The new director should also be able to obtain Regional Medical Control within 90 days of appointment, according to the posting.