A second meeting to discuss Woolwich ambulance service proposals drew a larger turnout at Woolwich Central School Wednesday evening, March 27. At the May 4 annual town meeting, voters will choose between expanding their ambulance department or contracting with Bath.

EMS Director Brian Carlton explained both options before he and Fire Chief Mike Demers fielded questions for nearly an hour.

Carlton said Woolwich’s ambulance department has 18 members, including 10 basic EMTs, four with advanced training and four paramedics. Since 2016, the town has averaged about 250 emergency calls a year. The department’s response rate has improved from 87 percent in 2017-18 to 95 percent this fiscal year, he said, adding, Woolwich first responders’ average response time was about 10 minutes.

Among the most interesting visuals came when Carlton projected maps for the last three years showing where an ambulance was needed. The maps, nearly identical from year to year, revealed most 911 calls requiring ambulance assistance were on the Route 1 and Route 127 corridors where the population was most concentrated and where motor vehicle traffic was heaviest. The Days Ferry area experienced a large number of emergency calls, as well.

Carlton said he would  “guarantee” if voters chose his department as their primary ambulance provider, there would always be at least two staff members on call 24/7. “We’ll also have monies set aside for secondary ambulance coverage with Bath and also for advanced MC1 care. If both of our ambulances are on an emergency call, Bath Fire and Rescue would be our backup,” he said.

Expanding the EMS department will mean raising $150,000 to buy a second ambulance and financing it over seven years.

Carlton said voters could opt for Bath as the primary provider. Bath offered Woolwich a three-year contract. Bath Fire Chief Lawrence Renaud said he was confident the city’s ambulance service could provide Woolwich with 24/7 coverage.  “If you agree to the contract, the city will be responsible for seeing the service is provided,” he said.

Demers felt Bath would be better used as a backup provider. “I believe very strongly we can provide the service to the community,” he said.

Selectman Allison Helper said the ambulance warrant articles will be finalized next week.