Wiscasset Ambulance Service’s roster is growing at the same time as some existing members’ roles are changing.

The developments follow an outside review of the department and residents’ June straw vote to keep the town service.

The changes stem partly from Tideview Group's recommendations and partly from other ideas within the department, Abbott said in a telephone interview Aug. 13.

“It was just time,” he said.

Asked how the department is doing, weeks into the changes, Abbott said: “I think it's going very well. We've got a bunch of new people coming in and new energy. We're looking forward, not looking back.”

The new members are Boothbay’s Kaitlin Iuzzolino and Edgecomb’s Anita Sprague, as basic emergency medical technicians (EMT); Westport Island’s Jason Cooney, an advanced EMT; and paramedic Rory Putnam of Windham, according to Abbott’s Aug. 3 report to Town Manager Marian Anderson.

The report details the department’s July activities. Department heads submit monthly reports to Anderson; the July reports were released in connection with the Aug. 18 selectmen’s meeting.

According to Tideview Group’s report to selectmen in June, the consulting firm found issues with Wiscasset Ambulance Service’s leadership, facility and recruitment, but also found that residents and medical professionals like the care it provides.

The firm recommended steps to aid safety, morale and the agency’s appeal to prospective employees.

Abbott anticipates another three members joining in addition to the four he announced. The three applications are being processed, the report states.

“This brings our current roster to (eight) paramedics, (five) of which  are currently out on leave, five advanced EMT’s and 13 EMT’s for a total roster of 26 members.” The department may also offer a basic EMT course in the fall; any area EMT interested in helping with the class may contact the department at 207-882-8204.

In a series of shifts inside the service, one of two two deputy director posts has been dropped: Wendy Williams stayed in the remaining one and will focus on quality assurance, the report states. Mark Webber is no longer a deputy director but remains on board as a co-training coordinator. Tanya Bailey has also become a training coordinator.

Abbott’s report thanks everyone who has been showing support for the ambulance service. “The service went through a difficult couple of years but has come out the other side stronger and more committed to providing excellent patient care for Wiscasset and the surrounding communities,” Abbott writes.