By Bill Wyatt
Martinsville Bulletin
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. — Patrick County has approved a contract that will allow the local hospital to manage Station 8, the county’s busiest rescue squad.
As Braden Health continues work toward reopening the hospital in Patrick County, the Board of Supervisors announced plans for the company to manage the county’s paid emergency medical services staff.
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The Patrick County Board of Supervisors met in open session Monday and then went into a closed work session shortly after 5 p.m. When supervisors returned to open session, they approved a contract with Ambulance Services of Lexington Inc. to transition Patrick County’s paid emergency medical services (EMS) staff, commonly known as Station 8, from county oversight to management under the subsidiary of Braden Health by the end of the calendar year.
The new group will operate under the name “Patrick County EMS.”
All current Station 8 employees will be offered employment with Ambulance Services of Lexington Inc. /Patrick County EMS, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of service, a release from Patrick County Administrator Beth Simms stated after the meeting adjourned.
“Board members emphasized that this partnership will not reduce support for the county’s volunteer rescue squads and fire departments,” the release stated. “To further strengthen coordination, the county will maintain an emergency management coordinator position.”
The coordinator will be responsible for supporting the county during large-scale emergencies and natural disasters, serving as liaison between volunteer agencies and the Board of Supervisors, managing EMS and emergency-related grants, and providing training and operational support, the release stated.
Patrick County EMS (Ambulance Services of Lexington) will commit $2 million to enhance operations in Patrick County by investing in the purchase of new ambulances and advanced training opportunities for EMS personnel, and Braden Health will handle the direct billing for the operation.
“We deeply appreciate the community’s support of the hospital reopening effort and this creative solution to provide high-quality emergency care for our citizens,” said Patrick County Board Chair Jonathon Wood. “This partnership strengthens our emergency response capacity while continuing to honor the critical role of our volunteers.”
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