Volunteer Paramedic Program Approved

Fayette County EMS launched a volunteer paramedic program. Fayette County Commissioners Court approved the program at a meeting last Wednesday, May 26.

EMS Director Josh Vandever requested the program after an Austin-based paramedic, Wes Ogilvie, asked to volunteer for the department.

“This gentleman has been a licensed paramedic for about 15 years and he’s also a practicing attorney for the Texas Department of Transportation’s contract division in Austin,” Vandever said. “He’s published EMS literature and he speaks at EMS conferences all over the country. He’s a very smart guy.”

Vandever said Ogilvie currently volunteers for an EMS department in the Houston area.

“He’s sick of driving and wants to do it closer to home,” Vandever said. “He reached out to us about potentially volunteering here.”

Vandever said another paramedic who works as a firefighter in Bryan has also asked about volunteering for Fayette County.

“We don’t currently have a means in place at EMS to accept volunteers,” Vandever said. “The Sheriff’s Office has reserve deputies in their structure. They don’t get paid, but they work patrol shifts alongside other deputies. They have the same responsibilities and the same equipment.”

Vandever said Ogilvie carries a $1 million personal professional liability insurance policy.

He proposed that the County should offer workers compensation insurance to volunteer paramedics.

“There should be some coverage there in case he gets hurt working a wreck on Interstate 10 or something like that,” Vandever said.

Paula Vogel of the Fayette County Auditor’s Office said workers comp coverage for volunteer medical staff will cost the County $95 per year per volunteer.

“That’s pretty cheap labor,” said Pct. 1 Commissioner Jason McBroom.

Commissioners unanimously approved Vandever’s request for a volunteer position. They directed the County Attorney’s office to draft a volunteer agreement contract for consideration at the next meeting.