CLARKSTON - With the clock ticking toward the end of the current Valley-wide EMS agreement, Clarkston continues to move forward with it's own ambulance plans.

"In October we had a visit from Washington Department of Health, who came and physically inspected the vehicles to be sure they were loaded to meet the minimum equipment standards that the state has established," said Clarkston Fire Chief Steve Cooper.

And last week, the Clarkston Fire Department received their ambulance transport license.

"The State of Washington has two levels of licensure. We are licensed to do emergency and non-emergency transport of sick and people with minor injuries," said Cooper. "There is trauma verification that is a separate licensure that's required to transport patients with major injuries that require immediate treatment to prevent the loss of life or permanent disability."

They did not receive the trauma transport license, but maintain their in-the-field trauma verification.

"Clarkston is the first agency in the State of Washington that has both an ambulance transport license and a verified license for non transport aid vehicle," said Cooper.

Because they cannot transport traumatically injured patients, which are patients with multiple serious injuries, Cooper said at this point they still need to work out a mutual aid agreement with Lewiston for those services.

Cooper said they are working on being prepared for the January 1 takeover.

"We continue to work on all those steps that have to occur between now and then, and one of those steps for us is purchase of a third ambulance," said Cooper. "Bid opening for that is scheduled for Friday of this week."

Other items on the city's ambulance to do list include hiring a billing company as well as coming up with user fees.