CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (July 9, 2025) – Clinton County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is embarking on significant shifts in its patient transport protocols and considering a change in its sponsoring hospital, driven by a commitment to evidence-based medicine and a focus on delivering higher levels of care to the community. EMS Director Stephen Deckard presented these upcoming changes during the Tuesday council meeting held in the Clinton County Courthouse.
Deckard reported that Clinton County EMS anticipates an approximate 7% increase in its annual run volume for the current year. He also noted a continuing trend of more patients being transferred out of Clinton County to facilities in Lafayette or Indianapolis.
A major change on the horizon involves the EMS agency’s sponsoring hospital. Deckard stated that due to a “continued lack of support” from IU Health, their current sponsoring hospital, Clinton County EMS is in “active discussions with Ascension” to take on that role. He explained that while IU Health Arnett, a level 3 trauma center, had a “heavy hand,” Ascension, a level 1 trauma center, is offering a “more friendly package” and is “much more willing to collaborate as a partner, a true partner”. Deckard noted a level 1 trauma center is better and also cited a “70% increase in pharmaceuticals” and other burdens as factors in this potential shift. He added that IU Health is “bleeding EMS partners throughout this region,” indicating that Clinton County is not alone in its reconsideration of the partnership.
These discussions are directly impacting patient transport destinations, particularly for critical cases:
Stroke Patients: In the “very near future,” more stroke patients will likely be transported to St. Vincent at 86th Street. Deckard emphasized that St. Vincent is a “comprehensive stroke center” with the unique capacity to perform mechanical thrombectomy – a procedure to remove blood clots from the brain vessel – which is not available locally. He noted that IU Methodist is a “further transport”. Deckard stressed that this decision is based solely on “evidence-based medicine” and “what is best for the community,” not on pushing an agenda related to partnerships.
STEMI Patients (Heart Attack): All STEMI patients, referring to an ST elevated myocardial infarction or what laypeople call a heart attack, will now be transported to St. Vincent at 86th Street or the Heart Center. Deckard explained that these are the closest Cath labs. He highlighted a significant issue with IU Arnett, stating they “will not activate a field STEMI” until the patient arrives at their facility. This delay, due to on-call cardiologists, can prolong care by an hour.
Deckard acknowledged that the transport time to St. Vincent at 86th Street is “45 minutes,” which is “15 minutes longer” than to Lafayette. However, he asserted that it provides a “more comprehensive center” with a “higher level of care” and “more resources”. Deckard reiterated his commitment to operating solely on “evidence-based medicine” and facilitating “better care for our community,” vowing not to be “pushed or inspired by other partnerships that facilitate their benefit and not our community benefit”.
On staffing, Deckard mentioned that EMS has “open positions” for paramedics. They currently have four individuals in training, three from their program and one from another, who are expected to graduate in December of this year and come online then.
