Truette elected president of Florida Association of Rural EMS Providers

Washington County EMS Director Randy Truette was recently elected as president of the Florida Association of Rural EMS Providers (FAREMS), the first from the Panhandle and from anywhere above Central Florida.

Truette previously served as treasurer for FAREMS and as vice president for the past four years. He was elected after being nominated by his predecessor in January.

FAREMS has historically been focused on educational opportunities for rural EMS stations; however, Truette is aiming the organization in a new direction while still continuing to provide educational opportunities. 

“We want to start focusing on being a collaborative voice with and for rural EMS,†Truette said. “We hope to provide legislative position statements to give a political voice to our rural stations with the hope of being able to compete with urban and private EMS for state and federal funding.â€

The majority of those funds are fed into the larger cities and private sectors, something Truette wants to change.

Of the 29 rural counties, nine are part of FAREMS. Truette is working to increase that number.

“By having more EMS join our organization we can have a louder voice,†Truette said. “When we all come together we will be able to provide that voice for the rural counties throughout the state.â€

Truette’s term is for one year, a year that he says he will utilize to benefit the rural counties.

“I am at a point in my career where I believe I can spend time focusing on FAREMS,†he said. “I am humbled to have been elected and I intend to do the best job that I can.â€