Council says no to new ambulance license

A patient is prepared for transport in a Lewiston Fire Dept. ambulance. (KLEW File)

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Story Published: Apr 9, 2009 at 10:08 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 9, 2009 at 10:17 PM PDT

By Anne Harding

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ASOTIN – There has been another twist in the ongoing Valley EMS controversy.

Wednesday, in a 7 to 3 vote, the Asotin County EMS Council denied the City of Clarkston an ambulance license, saying more EMS negotiations between Lewiston and Clarkston need to take place before further action is taken.

"We're not saying that they can't, but we need to do negotiations and we need to make sure that Lewiston's not coming anymore," said Asotin County EMS Council Chair Butch Aiken. "Until they say ' nope we're not doing service over in Asotin County and the City of Clarkston' then will do something different. But right now everyone is in a negotiation, or should be."

Aiken said the Department of Health has certain criteria to determine the number of Advanced Life Support services needed in an area. He said, based on the information presented by Clarkston Fire Chief Steve Cooper, the council didn't feel Clarkston met the requirements.

"The population hasn't changed, the runs haven't changed, Lewiston's still providing, yes everyone is in negotiation with them, but they are still providing a service until the December 31st deadline," said Aiken.

Negotiations with Lewiston officials were set to continue Thursday with Whitman County and Friday with Asotin County.

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