Item ~.5 Consider^ and discuss G~iaar•ter•ly Report fr^om Ron Derr^ick (ist Responders). (Ron Der•ric4c/Commissioner ~` Pct.#1) Described the First Responder- p'r•ogram as a volunteer~ organization, composed of certified people from all over- the county. Pagers or• radios and bags of medical supplies, purchased by +.he Co~_mty, allowing response to life--threatening emergencies. Mr'. Der•r•ick went on to explain the way they deter•inined medical priority dispatch. Requirements put on these First Responders-no lights, no sirens, and no speeding. These people r•espnnd in their- own vehicles, ^c4 hours a day, basically, as volianteer•s. Volunteers have been on the decline, not only here beat statewide. Grant money is provided 6y Texas Dept. of Health, with several grants out seeking funds. Rttending or participating in various ways, obtaining funds to use for- equipment to keep the pr^ogr•am on tr^acl<. Rddr•essed a pr-oblem with new budget for- next year- and possible solutions for volunteers getting a bit of compensation to take care of gas money, clothes etc..other• counties already giving such consideration. Stated that with new technology, the new EMT class starting will he a teleconference class, through U.T. Health Science Center' in San Antonio through the V.R. Hospital. Al.l being in agreement, that it is a great pr•ogr•am. Adding.... level of training is basic, even if ,.., they ar•e paramedics volunteer^ing, they only can be allowed into the progr-ain a+, EMT basic level. Meaning-no drugs administered. Newspapers ar•e working well with the pr•ogr•am, gi•ding Ball coverage to the community. Stressing the need for• volunteers, rtianpower• is an issue. Item 'c:.6 Consider and discuss setting a work-shop for ~-1-1. (Commissioner Pct.#1) Commissioner- Baldwin stated that lc years ago the Legislature laid oat the ~-1--1 Gr•ogr^am, this Court peat in the budget 'b50,0~0 for a county m