The Covington County Hospital Ambulance Service responded swiftly to the tragic bridge collapse over the Strong River on State Highway 149 in Mendenhall that occurred at approximately 2:55 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16. After reports of the structural collapse of the bridge, dispatchers immediately mobilized the available emergency response team, sending five ambulances, one sprint truck, and personnel to the scene.
“At the initial call, we didn’t know how many people were injured,” said Todd Jones, Director of EMS. “We just knew that workers were trapped underneath,”
Other emergency service providers also arrived on the scene to provide support. Pafford EMS based in Ridgeland sent one ambulance, EMServ Ambulance Service based in Laurel sent two ambulances.
Two helicopter services, AirCare and Air Evac Lifeteam, also responded. Patients were airlifted and transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
During the incident, EMServ covered Southern Simpson and Northern Covington to provide ambulance coverage. Jones is very appreciative of EMServ and additionally thankful for Lifeguard Ambulance Service of Lawrence County and AAA Ambulance Service were available to cover 911 calls in Covington and Simpson counties as well.
“For a small service, we were able to quickly put together a powerful response,” said Jones. “AAA Dispatch did a fantastic job on our end – anything we asked for, they got it going – they did a really good job. The response of everyone around us was incredible.”
Mississippi Emergency Medical Services reached out to determine what resources were needed. On site were representatives from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, all local county fire departments, the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, and the state disaster response team through the UMMC and the MS Department of Health.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those affected by this heartbreaking event,” said Jones. “Despite the rural and remote nature of our community, our team is well-trained and committed to providing rapid, life-saving care under the most difficult circumstances. Our goal is to work closely with all local authorities and other emergency services to ensure that all injured individuals receive the best possible care.”
About Covington County Hospital Ambulance Service
The Covington County Hospital Ambulance Service comprises 60 employees including Transport Drivers, EMS Drivers, EMTs, Advanced EMTs, Paramedics, Fleet Managers, Shift Leaders, and Operations personnel. The service responds to approximately 9,500 calls annually, averaging 26 calls per day. Each call required a minimum of two hours of service and travel of over 70 miles. Transport is dispatched to approximately 7,000 patients annually.
Photo Credit: WLBT-TV
