MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County is adding a new education coordinator for its Emergency Medical Services Department.

During the recent legislature meeting, county lawmakers agreed to create a new full-time position of EMS Education Coordinator with a salary of $25.18 to $32.77 per hour. The description of the position says the individual will “be responsible for the oversight of the Continuing Medical Education program and assisting employees with maintaining all their required ancillary courses that are necessary in conjunction with their current Medical Technician level.”

During committee discussions, county Emergency Services Director Noel Guttman said there are about 300 EMTs and paramedics in the county that rely on Continuing Medical Education, including volunteers. Without the continuing education, they can lose their certification.

Fire departments pay the county annually $100 per EMT and $500 per paramedic, which they can get reimbursed from the state.

Guttman said the county had a part-time person who oversaw the recertification process but that person has moved out of the state. He has a few people in his department who are assisting county fire departments for now, but it’s been difficult. They’ve also had to contract with Cattaraugus County for assistance as well.

Guttman said when this year’s budget was created, it included this position.

Legislator Terry Niebel, said he’s generally reluctant to create new employment positions, especially ones that aren’t receiving state or federal funds.

Guttman said this position has a high need. “Without getting this, we are going to cripple the ability for EMTs and paramedics to stay certified,” he said.

Legislator Bob Bankoski, D-Dunkirk, said the changes at the state level are impacting EMTs. “The state is requiring more and more training year after year, which it’s difficult now to get people to volunteer to do these things with all the requirements,” he said.

Guttman agreed. ”

We need to have a path for people to be able to easily maintain those certifications once they put in the hard work,” he said.

Legislator Tom Nelson, D-Jamestown, said he, too, is reluctant to add new full-time employees, but agreed to creating the new position. “It’s a public safety matter,” he said.

The full legislature unanimously approved the resolution.