Aero Methow Rescue Service  

Emergency Medical Services Levy (EMS) Renewal Fact Sheet

This is not a new tax *** It is a renewal of the levy initially approved in 1991

Residents in the rural area (School District 350 boundaries) and Town of Winthrop will vote to approve the renewal of the EMS Levy this November

Twisp Residents are on a different timeline and will vote in 2025

Levy Money Funds:

·         the contract for emergency medical services in the Methow Valley with Aero Methow Rescue

·         training and preparation for all responders

·         vehicles and equipment maintenance

·         building expenses

·         ensure that regardless of call volume we are prepared and here for you

·         allows us to assess your emergency needs and assist you in making medical care choices

EMS Operational Details

·         Aero Methow Rescue Service contracts with the Methow Valley EMS District to ensure Emergency Medical Services operations in their defined service area.

·         Aero Methow is a non-profit 501 c(3) organization

·         Staffing is both paid and volunteer - 26 volunteers, 8 full time & 6 part time employees.

·         Main Office and Response Facility in Twisp with stations in Winthrop and Mazama

·         5 Advanced Life Support ambulances (3 in Twisp, 1 in Winthrop, 1 in Mazama)

·         6 Quick Response Aid vehicles assigned to staff. These are located throughout the valley.

- 1 in Mazama, 1 in Carlton, 3 in Winthrop area, 1 between Twisp and Winthrop

·         1 UTV with wheels and tracks for off-road all-season response

·         2 E-bikes for trail and off-road quick response

·         2 snowmobiles and 1 passenger transport device

·         There is no hospital or 24-hour urgent care clinic in the Methow Valley therefore Aero Methow Rescue Service is the only 24-hour emergency care available in the Methow Valley

·         Our Response area is defined by law: North to Canada/West to Rainy Pass & Sawtooth Range/South to Gold Creek/East to Loup Loup Summit

·         Partner with Okanogan County Public Health for Covid testing and vaccinations

·         Partner with Family Health Centers for vaccination clinics

Response Information

·         741 emergency responses in 2021 

·         Average total time commitment per response is 3 hours (to the scene, at the scene, to hospital, back to station)

·         Average miles per response – 92 miles – to the scene, to hospital and back

- 2021–– 85,603  miles on the road

·         85% of responses were for Methow Valley Residents

·         Many drop-ins seek medical direction or have their blood pressure checked at the Aero Methow Twisp Office

·         Aero Methow also responds to non-emergency calls such as patient welfare checks, medical alert alarms and lift assists

Programs

·         Car seat installation and safety checks

·         Patient care coordination with healthcare providers

·         SAIL – Stay Active and Independent for Life – Twice weekly fitness program for seniors

·         School Programs – CPR, First Aid Awareness, tours and introduction to ambulances and EMS as a career

·         Bike Safety Rodeo, Bike and Multi Sport Helmet Program

·         First Aid/CPR/AED training– initial, renewal and skill evaluations

·         4 Season Rescue - We partner with Okanogan County Search and Rescue to provide care for injuries and illness that occur in high angle, snowmobile, backcountry, swift water, or recreation trail environments

·         EMS standby at community events and school sports

Funding Sources

2021 – varies each year pending events, donations, and grants

·         44.8%  -- Contract with EMS District

·         18.4% -- Fees for services – transports

·         9.6% -- Other Contracts –

- USFS or DNR wildfire (when needed and only locally)

- Okanogan County Public Health – when needed for pandemic response

·         24.5% -- Donations and Memorials

·         2.3% --   Grants

Other Numbers

3% of Okanogan County Property taxes are for Emergency Medical Services

In comparison:

            Fire Districts – 4%

            Hospitals – 9%

            Library – 3%

Cost - $.50/$1,000 of assessed property value:        

$200,000 --- $100/year ($8.33/month)

 $300,000 ---$150/year ($12.50/month)

$400,000 --$200/year ($17.00/month)