GREEENE COUNTY, Ala. — Greene County Emergency Medical Services has temporarily stopped operations because of a funding crisis, leaving the county without local ambulance transport while officials work to restore service.
The department said on July 5 it was forced to suspend operations because it no longer has enough funding to keep ambulances and equipment in compliance with state safety standards, ABC3340 reported.
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“Operating units below these legal standards compromises both patient care and provider safety — a risk GCEMS cannot and will not take,” the agency said on social media.
Neighboring EMS agencies have been asked to provide mutual aid, but residents should expect significantly longer response times as crews respond from outside the county.
Later on July 5, GCEMS placed a Quick Response Vehicle in service to help reduce response times. The QRV allows crews to begin treatment at medical calls, but the agency said it still cannot transport patients.
GCEMS officials said they are seeking resources to restore ambulance service but warned that a permanent return will require sustainable funding. The agency also called on local leaders and community stakeholders to help find a long-term solution.
