PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — The Patrick County Board of Supervisors voted August 25 to approve a contract with Ambulance Services of Lexington, Inc., doing business as Patrick County EMS.

The agreement will transfer management of the county’s paid emergency medical staff, known as Station 8, by the end of the year.

All current Station 8 employees will be offered positions with Patrick County EMS, ensuring uninterrupted emergency response, a news release said.

The agreement will not reduce support for volunteer rescue squads and fire departments, according to the release.

The county will also retain an Emergency Management Coordinator to oversee large-scale emergencies, serve as a liaison between volunteer agencies and the board, manage grants and provide operational support.

Patrick County EMS has pledged $2 million to improve services, including purchasing new ambulances, expanding training for personnel and handling its own direct billing in partnership with Braden Health.

“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,” Board Chair Jonathan Wood said. “This partnership strengthens our emergency response capacity while continuing to honor the critical role of our volunteers.”

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