Latest news with #AmericanMedicalResponse
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
DeKalb County sees quicker EMS response times
The Brief EMS response times are down by almost 3 minutes in DeKalb County. Officials say the faster response times are thanks to a $3.8 million investment and $4.89 million subsidy to AMR. The county also offers two programs to keep EMTs from responding to "preventable" 911 calls. DECATUR, Ga. - DeKalb County residents are seeing quicker EMS response times, according to county officials. What we know The county says this improvement is due to a $3.8 million investment from February 2024. The money went toward hiring more emergency medical technicians for DeKalb County Fire Rescue, as well as funding support staff to help stop "preventable 911 use." The county says it also extended its agreement with American Medical Response, giving the company a $4.89 million subsidy to increase the number of AMR ambulances serving DeKalb County. Now, DeKalb County says EMTs are getting to emergencies almost 3 minutes faster than before February 2024. What they're saying "We are excited about this high-performing system improvement through initiatives, resource investments, and constant leadership support," said DeKalb County Fire Rescue Chief Darnell Fullum. "Together, these strategic efforts are building a more responsive, efficient, and patient-centered EMS system for DeKalb County." Dig deeper DeKalb County offers two programs it says can help keep EMTs available for emergency calls. One is called the Healthcare Education and Linked Services (HEALS) team, which works with people to get them longer-term care options, rather than using EMTs. There is also the Nurse Navigator program, which helps 911 callers decide if they need an ambulance or if they can seek another level of care. The Source Information for this article came from a press release by DeKalb County officials.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
DeKalb Co. to invest $4.89 million in expanding ambulance fleet, longer EMS partnership with AMR
DeKalb County announced they'd be investing millions of dollars to improve their emergency medical services and expand the county ambulance fleet. According to county officials, the contract for emergency medical services with American Medical Response was extended through June 30, 2026. Additionally, the county government agreed to pay a $4.89 million subsidy to expand the number of AMR ambulances in service. The move includes adding new ambulance units, more personnel and operational support resources. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Explosion rocks Villa Rica after outbuilding at ammo supply shop catches fire Boat found circling on Allatoona Lake with no one on board Water main break shuts down road in Dunwoody, dozens of customers impacted "As a result of these efforts, the system has seen measurable improvements, including a 2-minute and 48-second reduction in response times for critical calls, 18% more AMR ambulance unit hours on the road, and 58% more DCFR ambulance unit hours on the road since 2024," county officials said in a statement. DeKalb County Fire Rescue has also partnered with local hospitals to reduce how long it takes for patients to be offloaded from ambulances to emergency rooms. 'We are excited about this high-performing system improvement through initiatives, resource investments, and constant leadership support', DeKalb County Fire Rescue Chief Darnell Fullum said. 'Together, these strategic efforts are building a more responsive, efficient, and patient-centered EMS system for DeKalb County.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
National EMS memorial procession to stop in Somerset
A traveling memorial honoring EMS professionals who died in the line of duty is set to appear in Somerset on Tuesday, June 24. The National EMS Memorial Service's annual procession began June 1 in Riverside, Calif., and will culminate in Arlington on July 19. The procession will make 29 stops in 19 states, including Somerset, to remember 29 EMS professionals who died in the line of duty. On June 24, Somerset-Pulaski County EMS will host the Moving Honors procession. It will take place at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Somerset, at the corner of W. Oak and N. Main streets. Parking is available in the First Baptist Church rear parking lot on N. Vine Street. The event will feature local speakers as well as a remembrance of Somerset-Pulaski County EMS EMT Chastian McWhorter, who died in the line of duty on April 1, 2024 as a result of a vehicular accident. He was 26 years old. The event marks one of the many stops along the 6,500-mile journey to Arlington where fallen EMS providers will be honored as part of the National EMS Memorial Service and Weekend of Honor. At the heart of the journey is a specially wrapped ambulance carrying the Tree of Life — this year's installment of the memorial bearing the names of those lost. Built by EMS volunteers, the Tree is transported with reverence and remains sealed until its unveiling at the national service. A replica Tree of Life will be on display at each stop, offering communities a space to pause, reflect, and honor lives of service. One of the Moving Honors representatives supporting this year's procession is American Medical Response (AMR) paramedic Megan Haverkamp, now in her fifth year with the crew. What began as a one-time request to drive an ambulance from Texas to Virginia has become a deeply personal tradition. Haverkamp now helps escort the Tree of Life alongside 'Chief Ted E Bear,' a comfort companion who helps children of fallen EMS providers cope with loss. 'Each stop is a moment to remember, to honor and to let families and fellow providers know that their loved ones are not forgotten,' Haverkamp said. 'What continues to move me is how everyone comes together, whether they knew the honorees personally or not, to show their love and support.' 'This moving tribute is only possible because of the shared commitment from agencies across the country and the generous support of organizations like Global Medical Response,' said Jana Williams, National EMS Memorial Service immediate past president. 'It is extraordinary witnessing so many who join alongside us to honor our fallen and to support their loved ones in such an impactful way.' The National EMS Memorial Service, founded in 1991, is a volunteer-driven organization funded solely by donors to honor fallen EMS providers and support their families and colleagues. It is the congressionally sanctioned entity that bestows the highest honor in EMS to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. While a permanent national memorial is still in development, a new panel is constructed each year and added to the Tree of Life, a temporary memorial, which continues to grow and honor those lost in the line of duty. The Moving Honors procession not only brings awareness and additional homage to the honorees but also provides a space for the public to pay respect and send messages of hope to families and EMS professionals. The REMEMBERship program is a unique way to sustain the mission of the NEMSMS, offering a simple way to donate and keep the legacy of fallen heroes alive.
CBS News
02-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Body pulled out of Central Valley canal, investigation underway
Authorities in Ceres are investigating the death of a man whose body was found in a canal over the weekend. Ceres police say they got a report from concerned citizens around 6 p.m. Sunday about a possible body in a canal along Moore Road, north of Roeding Road. With the help of Modesto Fire and American Medical Response personnel, the body was pulled out of the canal. Medics pronounced the person dead minutes later, police say. No form of identification was found with the person's body. Exactly how the person died is now under investigation by the Stanislaus County Coroner's Office.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
AMR lifeguards talk water safety tips as Oregon weather heats up
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — With Memorial Day weekend and warmer weather on the rise, hundreds of people are heading to Oregon lakes, rivers and beaches, taking advantage of what's here. 'I have grown up in cities, but it's nice to be able to easily just step out in nature and sit here in the quiet and look at everything,' said community member Epiphany Seda. 'I'm hearing the birds chirping now, so it's nice to relax.' What's open and closed on Memorial Day? But since our waters can be deadly, lifeguards with the American Medical Response's River Rescue Program are actively working to keep people safe while having fun. 'What we see often is people either underestimating the strength of the current or overestimating their own ability,' said program coordinator Zach Green. 'And that can also lead to them being in a tricky position.' This is the 26th year since the program launched, saving nearly 100 people a year at locations like Glen Otto Park and High Rocks Park on the Clackamas River. Portland infrastructure at risk due to gradual sinking, study says Every year, an average of 40 Oregonians die from drowning in our rivers and lakes like the Willamette River. The city of Portland says two-thirds of those deaths happen between May and August. Further, the Oregon State Marine Board notes all most of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. Green echoed this observation. 'The biggest thing that we see get people in trouble the rivers is not wearing a life jacket,' he said. 'That's the best way to prevent getting into getting into sticky situations.' Green stressed that if you do find yourself in trouble in the water, remain calm, then try to float on your back to conserve energy before swimming to shore. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
