The South Kingstown Town Council convened on October 28, 2024, to address several key agenda items, primarily focused on public safety equipment upgrades and a new collective bargaining agreement for EMS personnel.

The meeting began with discussions on the acquisition of advanced medical equipment for the town's emergency services. The council approved the purchase of a new CPR device that automates the process, allowing paramedics to perform CPR for a full 30 minutes without interruption. This equipment is expected to be integrated into a new ambulance scheduled for delivery in May 2025. The urgency of this purchase was underscored by anticipated price increases in 2025, prompting the council to act swiftly to secure the current pricing.

Following this, the council approved the acquisition of a power chair designed to assist paramedics in safely extricating patients from difficult locations, such as homes with stairs. This device minimizes the physical strain on emergency personnel and enhances patient safety during transport.

The final equipment item discussed was a cardiac monitor defibrillator, also intended for the new ambulance. The council noted that purchasing this equipment now would save the town a significant amount, as prices are projected to rise substantially next year.

In addition to equipment purchases, the council reviewed a new collective bargaining agreement for the town's EMS personnel. The agreement aims to address longstanding compensation issues, as South Kingstown's EMS staff have historically been among the lowest paid in the region despite holding high-level certifications. The new contract, which took six months to negotiate, includes substantial salary increases to improve retention and recruitment of qualified personnel.

The town manager highlighted that the agreement was necessary to comply with updated labor laws regarding overtime pay for EMS workers. The first-year increase reflects a compliance adjustment, with subsequent years seeing more modest increases. The council expressed satisfaction with the contract, emphasizing its importance for the town's emergency services and the well-being of its personnel.

Overall, the meeting underscored the town's commitment to enhancing public safety through improved equipment and fair compensation for its emergency responders. The council's decisions are expected to have a positive impact on both service delivery and employee retention in the coming years.