With recent changes to Catoosa County's ambulance service provider, the county is pursuing an option to ensure continued ambulance services and speedy response times for all within county limits.
Catoosa commissioners last week gave county staffers the green light to pursue action that would allow Catoosa to be consolidated into a single ambulance zone.
Right now, Catoosa is divided into two ambulance zones by the state: one that covers the western half of the county and another that covers the eastern half. Currently, the county only controls the eastern zone, with the western zone licensed to and controlled by Angel Emergency Medical Services.
The Fort Oglethorpe-based ambulance service's operations were recently acquired by Priority Ambulance, which operates under several brands across the Southeast, including Puckett Emergency Medical Services.
Should the county's request for consolidation be approved by the state, Catoosa would enter into a two-year agreement with Puckett EMS for a monthly subsidy of $20,800. The arrangement with Angel EMS called for a monthly subsidy of $12,500.
The process toward consolidating the county's ambulance zones involves submitting a request to the Georgia Department of Public Health's Office of EMS and Trauma following April 1, as a temporary service agreement between the county and Puckett is set to expire March 31.
Under the new agreement, Puckett EMS would assign three full-time ambulances to Catoosa County, each stationed at a different location to ensure equitable access throughout the county.
As part of the contract, the provider would also have other ambulances floating around during peak hours for emergency calls to ensure they meet the required response times. Puckett would also provide coverage for events such as high school football games, live fire training and disaster training.
At no additional charge, Puckett EMS would also transport inmates from the Catoosa County Sheriff's Office and perform blood draws requested by law enforcement officials.
"We very much enjoy being here," said a representative from Puckett EMS. "We want to be a part of the community here in Catoosa County, and we look forward to a long and bright future working with the county."
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.