Stat Care EMS authorized to offer subscription service

Stat Care EMS received authorization from Jasper County Commissioners Court last week to begin a subscription plan service in Jasper County.

EMS operations manager Glenn Blank explained that the plan is no cost or obligation to the county. It is a $50 annual subscription service paid by customers.

It allows Stat Care EMS to input the information such as directions to the home, allergies, medications, and conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure for each household member, so that the emergency responders already have that information as they are enroute to an emergency.

Subscription members are also eligible for discounts on service provided by Stat Care.

Commissioners questioned how this plan affects the 911 emergency response. Currently, dispatchers call ambulance services on a rotation basis, but Blank explained the customer can request Stat Care and give their customer number, or they can call Stat Care directly.

"We teach our kids to call 911 and its definitely easier to dial three numbers than seven," Blank said. The subscription plan, Blank emphasized, is not to replace the 911 system, but to "better enhance our service" by having all the vital information already available before an emergency.

Any emergency medical service can seek authorization to establish a similar subscription plan. In other areas of Texas such as Jefferson County, providers often cooperate with reciprocal agreements, but Stat Care is the first to seek authorization in Jasper county.

Commissioners approved the request unanimously.