By Laura French
FOUR OAKS, N.C. — Officials in a North Carolina county have decided to consolidate ambulance services, expanding the county-run service and cutting ties with two other agencies.
Four Oaks EMS and 50-210 EMS, both longtime providers of ambulance services in Johnston County, are expected to close when their contracts expire and the county expands its own ambulance service into their coverage areas, according to CBS 17.
Four Oaks EMS Assistant Chief Lisa Langston, who has served with the agency for 22 years, said the county’s decision “hurts real deep,” according to CBS 17. Four Oaks EMS has operated in the county for about 50 years; its contract will expire on June 30, 2021.
Johnston County Manager Rick Hester said the consolidation has been at least 10 years in the making and that the county plans to hire members of Four Oaks and 50-210 to join the expanded service.
Four Oaks EMS Chief April Barbour Matthews, a 31-year agency veteran, said consolidation had been discussed but that the county’s decision came unexpectedly, and that the agencies and public have not had the chance to express their concerns or prepare for the transition.