Latest news with #DeKalbCountyFireRescue
Yahoo
2 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
2 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
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
2 women injured, 1 cat killed in DeKalb Co. house fire
Two women were injured and one of their cats was killed in a house fire in DeKalb County early Wednesday. Just after midnight, firefighters were dispatched to 4175 Ballina Drive to reports of a two-story house fire. Two women were outside in the driveway when firefighters arrived. They said they couldn't find their two cats. When firefighters searched the house, they found one dead cat inside and another cat still hasn't been found. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The two women suffered minor injuries. One of them experienced smoke inhalation, and the other had minor burns to the face. Both victims were taken to the hospital. They are both displaced from their home and will be assisted by the American Red Cross. DeKalb County Fire Rescue said the fire started in the garage, though they are not exactly sure how it began at this time. Their investigation continues. TRENDING STORIES: At least 2 people shot after gunfire breaks out at graduation in Forest Park Kid detained after sparking massive police presence over fake threat at Gwinnett hospital Gwinnett man charged with posing as mortgage broker in $152,000 scheme [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chamblee police officers save man's life during heart attack, presented awards
Chamblee police presented a second award to three officers for their role in saving a man's life who suffered a heart attack while playing tennis. When officers Dustin Bulcher, Helen Barksdale, and Brandon White arrived at the tennis court, David Chung was in full cardiac arrest. The officers took turns performing CPR and were able to keep him alive until DeKalb County Fire Rescue crews could arrive and take him to Northside Hospital. Chung stayed in a coma for two months and is still recovering from his heart attack. The officers were presented with awards on Wednesday, April 30, at the Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: 'I have plans for that money': Woman says Truist Bank is holding $30,000 of her money hostage Kemp signs bill that could make Fulton County residents foot the bill for Trump's GA legal fees EPA announces rollback on forever chemical limits. What that means for your drinking water [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Firefighters extinguish house fire in DeKalb County
Firefighters worked to extinguish a house fire in DeKalb County on Sunday afternoon. Crews arrived at 1379 Hampton Hall Drive NE and saw flames coming from the house. According to DeKalb County Fire Rescue's Capt. Daniels, no injuries were reported. As of 4:30 p.m., crews were still actively working to fully extinguish the fire. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: 2-year-old dies after being shot in the head in southeast Atlanta neighborhood, police say Ex-GA sheriff lieutenant pleads guilty to pocketing funds from citation payments Walton County deputy dies in off-duty traffic accident [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
