Rescue Inc sent a letter to the Brattleboro Selectboard asking them to use correct numbers when discussing their services. In it, they calculate that the net cost to the town for FY26 EMS services would have been $255,846.00.
Full letter below:
….
“RESCUE INC
541 Canal Street Brattleboro, VT
6911 VT Rte 30 West Townshend, VT
Administrative Offices
(802) 257-7679
office@rescueinc.org
www.rescueinc.org
April 29, 2025
Brattleboro Select Board,
In recent weeks we have once again been witnessing incomplete, inaccurate and misleading information about our organization as Brattleboro town staff attempt to justify the expenses of the new fire-based ambulance service. Please let me clarify several details for your benefit and the benefit of the public.
1. Rescue Inc is a local, fiscally responsible, nonprofit that has served the region for nearly sixty years. This has been proven by our member town assessments which have increased 1% or less for the last ten years. All our member towns have recently renewed their agreements setting rate increases at 1% a year through 2028.
2. Brattleboro was a Rescue Inc member town for 56 years prior to the Select Board’s sudden decision to non-renew our agreement in 2022. At that time, Brattleboro was benefiting financially and operationally by sharing a large pool of resources and splitting the costs with all the neighboring towns. All the surrounding towns continue to share resources and costs.
3. If the town of Brattleboro had renewed its agreement in 2022:
Our town assessments are calculated using our per capita rate for the year and the population based on the most recent US census.
2020 Brattleboro Census 12,184 people
2023 Rate $24.02 X 12184 = $292,659.68
Dispatch fee paid to the town – 45,708.00
NET COST TO THE TOWN fy2023 $246,951.68
2026 Rate $24.75 X 12184 = $301,554.00
Dispatch fee paid to the town – 45,708.00
NET COST TO THE TOWN fy2026 $255,846.00
*** there would have been no additional cost for response to the motel program locations***
***no additional capital replacement to fund***
That is how our regional model works.
4. Our member towns receive comprehensive regional EMS services, technical rescue, education and support services.
• Our organization has more than 80 professionals dedicated to our mission and are rooted in our communities.
o We operate a fleet of 9 Paramedic licensed ambulances with the ability to staff them as needed.
o We have a response reliability of 100% for 911 calls.
o We provide transfer to definitive or specialty care for our patients.
o Our ambulance subscription program for 911 calls and medically necessary transfers helps manage the cost to our patients.
o Our charitable care program supports those members of our community that do not have the ability to pay.
o In house fleet maintenance ensures reliability in our fleet. We also maintain a stock of new reserve ambulances on site.
o MIH program in partnership with BMH is designed to provide care at home and avoid ER visits.
• Large incident response
o Rescuer support and rehab trailer
o 4 season emergency shelter capacity with heat and A/C
o Active shooter response kits
o Mobile command post and communications center
• Technical Rescue
o State recognized MOU team, type 1 swift-water team
o 4 power boats with swift water/flood response capability
o 4 search and rescue drones with thermal imaging
o High angle rescue team
o State recognized 4 season wilderness rescue team
o UTV off road rescue
• Education
o Full service initial EMS education at our Newfane location from EMT to paramedic.
o Full function high fidelity human simulation lab
o Tissue lab
o Mobile education and simulation
o CAPCE accredited continuing education
o American Heart Association training center
o NAEMT training center
o State recognized Swiftwater and boat training
o Compliance Education
o Community programs
I ask that town staff and the selectboard use the above verifiable facts when making public statements about our organization.
Thank You,
Drew Hazelton
Chief, Rescue Inc
This is not a bid or an offer to provide service to the town but a simple statement of facts.
The Rescue Inc Board of Trustees make all decisions regarding service agreements.
Rescue Inc. is tax exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.”
