CAMILLA, GA (WALB) -
Three new ambulances and equipment to fill each one were unveiled. The technology advancements will have paramedics more equipped to handle emergency situations.
A half millions dollars' worth of ambulances and medical equipment will help medics in Mitchell County.
Three new vehicles are prized by Mitchell County Mid Georgia Ambulance paramedics.
"Reading the EMS magazines and stuff, we would see some of the larger cities that had stuff similar to this. It's just something that we didn't think we would ever see," said Mid Ga Ambulance Paramedic Johnny Russ.
The addition is Mid Georgia Ambulance's next step in keeping Mitchell County safe.
"It's a tremendous commitment both financially as well as personally to continue the same quality of services that we have been able to offer our citizens," said Mitchell Co. Administrator Jerry Presley.
Getting a private ambulance service to replace what used to be Mitchell County EMS was not very smooth at first. A grand jury even looked at how the change was made. But, since Mid Georgia debuted in May, most people in Mitchell County seem to be happy. Officials said these improvements would not have come from the public service.
"The county's financial situation, we are in tough financial times as many communities are. It would have been a lot more difficult for us to make the same kind of investment that Mid Georgia has made by bringing in these vehicles," said Presley.
There are medical improvements and better communication.
"It is a touch screen console that allows us to communicate with our dispatch center. Rather than talking on the radio, when a call is dispatched, the information for the call comes up on the screen," Russ said.
They had that distinct new car smell. Workers say it is thrilling. "I spend more time in the ambulance than I do in my personal vehicle. It's great to have nice trucks," said Russ.
The ambulances belong to Mid Georgia. But, they will be caring for people around Mitchell County.
They have never had to stock three new ambulances at the same time. So, it took a lot of work to be prepared. But, they say they are ready.
They were going to stock the ambulances with that equipment today. They would then do inspection and have them ready for emergency calls.
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Mitchell Co. Administrator Jerry Presley
Mid Ga Ambulance Paramedic Johnny Russ
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