WILKINSON COUNTY, Ga. — Wilkinson County is bringing a new ambulance service to town.
Wilkinson County commissioners approved the change in emergency services, meaning Atrium Health Navicent will be their emergency service provider, starting in January 2025.
Darius Patterson, Wilkinson County's fire chief, says it was time for a change.
"It is a very beneficial thing because Atrium surrounds us. They're running out of Baldwin, Jones, and Twiggs. We have those resources closer to us. So if we ever get into a bad situation that we need more help, then we have those assistance and resources available readily,” he said.
Patterson says Heartland Ambulance Service currently serves Wilkinson County, but they've been understaffed, and he says firefighters have had to pitch in and help.
“There was a point that I had to ride in on the ambulance, just because they didn't have anyone to ride in," he said. "So I stepped up and stepped in.”
Due in part to the staffing issues, he says Wilkinson County residents have had to deal with long wait times for ambulances.
He says firefighters have had to perform first aid, rather than ambulance crews, but he hopes Atrium Health Navicent will be more efficient.
“The community is very excited. I'm very excited," he said. "I think the public safety officials that serve this county are very excited for this new company come in and just provide us with hopefully excellent services."
County commission chairman Toby Bentley says Atrium's bid looked like the best fit.
He says they should give good protection for the Kaolin Mining Industry, and the rest of the county.
Now, they say two emergency vehicles will take people to any hospital.