Staffing Deficiencies Force Ambulance Service to Decline 115 Transfers
Clark County Board Meeting | Jan. 16, 2026
Article Summary: The Clark County Ambulance Service turned down approximately 115 interfacility transfer calls in December due to staffing shortages, according to a report from Director Chace Bramlett. The department is also grappling with ongoing Medicaid billing issues that are delaying fee collection.
Ambulance Report Key Points:
-
Missed Calls: Staffing deficiencies forced the refusal of approximately 115 interfacility transfer requests.
-
Billing Issues: The service is currently unable to collect Medicaid fees due to billing system issues.
-
Call Volume: Volume remains steady, with frequent simultaneous calls occurring in December and January.
-
Equipment: A remount ambulance is expected to arrive soon; a new chase vehicle may be needed.
Clark County Ambulance Service Director Chace Bramlett reported significant operational challenges regarding staffing and billing during the County Board meeting on January 16, 2026.
Bramlett informed the Board that call volume remains steady, but the department is struggling to meet demand for interfacility transfers. He stated he had to “turn down approximately 115 interfacility calls due to staffing deficiencies.”
The director also highlighted a trend of calls coming in simultaneously, a pattern observed in December that has continued into January.
Financially, the service faces hurdles with Medicaid billing. Bramlett reported that the department is “still having issues and not able to collect those fees at this time.”
Despite the challenges, Bramlett highlighted a recent success where a crew responded to a child suffering a seizure; he reported the child is doing fine. Regarding equipment, he noted that a remount ambulance is expected to arrive soon, though the department may possibly need to acquire a new chase vehicle in the near future.
Latest News Stories
Cooperation sought from Big Tech, financial industries to protect children
Two killed, 17 injured in Minneapolis Catholic school shooting
Department of Transportation reclaiming control of D.C. Union Station
New law sparks debate over Illinois school mergers, communities fear loss
Casey Gears Up for 37th Annual Popcorn Festival: A Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza!
Illinois in Focus: Rest area burglary arrests made; overdose awareness events planned
WATCH: Pritzker, Johnson defend public safety approach; campaign finance issue looms
Illinois quick hits: Record hotel tax revenues reported; grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud
WATCH: Policy questions loom as Pritzker announces ag investment, tax credits
Starry Night
WATCH: Police officer, legislator: Seize opportunity to reform Illinois’ cashless bail
WATCH: IL Hospital Association: $50B rural hospital fund ‘woefully inadequate’