PEACH COUNTY, Ga. — Across the state, emergency medical services are challenged with having enough staff during their busiest times.
Peach County EMS is trying to improve ambulance response times, especially as they see increased growth. A report from the state's emergency medical association reports ambulance services warned of cuts and longer waits for 9-1-1 calls after the pandemic and that's due to challenges in recruiting, training and retaining employees.
Peach County EMS Director Brian Donaldson says nearly 80,000 cars drive through the county each day due, including incoming traffic from I-75.
"I think that we've seen, we're in a unique position and that we're a rural county that's growing in population," Donaldson said.
Donaldson said call volume went up after 2020. Right now, they're on pace to end the year with over 50,000 calls, a 12% increase over last years numbers.
Alvin Keith Lewis is a shift supervisor and has been with the department for 30 years. He said he's notice the county development since the start of his career.
"Our call volume has extremely expanded to where we have needed the extra truck on numerous occasions," Lewis said.
Two years ago, county commissioners approved a third ambulance for Peach County crews. Donaldson says it was used during peak call times, on different days of the week, adding he found the additional emergency truck helped significantly. Now it will be used seven days a week.
"We're growing the staff to staff that truck seven days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and that will help our two trucks that are 24/7, absorb that higher call volume," Donaldson said.
Donaldson said when he started his role with the county they were at level 0, meaning all resources were assigned to a call with no other available resources to utilize. Now the team will be adding two spots: a paramedic and EMT or two paramedics.
Lewis says he's excited to see the staff grow as they add more resources.
"I think we have a very strong team and we look forward to working with future applicants," Lewis said.
Donaldson says the additional help will allow them to rely less on mutual aid which is when first responders in other jurisdictions lend a hand, such as Houston and Bibb counties.
He says paramedics can expect to make between 50 to 60 thousand, while working seven days on and seven days off with 12 hour shifts.
They're also looking to hire part time positions. Applications close later this month. To apply, visit Peach County's website.