Latest news with #DarnellFullum
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
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A study finds long EMS response times in DeKalb. What are the reasons?
When you call 911, you expect a quick response. In Dekalb County, a study found that EMS response times could be more than 20 minutes. The recommended standard nationally for basic life support is usually between four and eight minutes. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The county conducted an EMS feasibility study, looking at five years of data between 2019-2023. The study found that AMR, the county contractor, responded to EMS calls at 23 minutes in the 90th percentile. Dekalb County Fire was more than 10 minutes. The study found the main problem was resources. Dekalb County Fire Chief Darnell Fullum told Channel 2's Michael Doudna that he agreed resources were part of the problem. Around 80 percent of the time an EMT crew was on the clock, they were on an emergency call. That means the system's resiliency is impacted. 'That means there are fewer resources available for that next call that comes in,' Fullum said. 'Those 911 calls don't stop, but they keep coming in and they keep stacking up,' said Chad Black, Chairman of the Georgia EMS Association. A look at possible solutions, LIVE on Channel 2 starting at 5 p.m. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
