Covington County Hospital has contracted with the Simpson County Board of Supervisors to provide ambulance services for Simpson County. Ambulance service was slated to begin in the county at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22. However, in a peaceful transition, the previous ambulance service handed over controls at 7:30 p.m. on June 21.
Covington County Hospital has been licensed for two years to operate ambulances in Simpson County, having assisted Simpson County several times on emergency calls. The service contract is a two-year agreement with a 90-day startup period for equipment and staffing setup, learning the county, and the option for either party to opt-out.
“As we extend our services to Simpson County, we will still provide the same service to Covington County residents to which they have become accustomed,” said Gregg Gibbes, CEO.
Currently, two ambulances are in Simpson County for 24/7 service. Within 90 days, once setup is complete, there will be three ambulances in Covington County, three in Simpson County, and one ambulance to float between on an as-needed basis. In addition, a paramedic sprint supervisor will go between each county as needed to deliver supplies and additional care.
Ambulance Station #1 is the primary operations center in Covington County. Station #2 is located near Tuscan Towers and Magee General Hospital in Magee. Station #3 is in Mendenhall, across from Simpson General Hospital.
Covington Transit is available for non-emergency transportation for stable patients who need to get to and from medical appointments but have no means of transport; wheelchair access is available.
The Covington County Ambulance Service currently employs 60 EMS personnel. “This partnership created 24 additional full-time jobs for industry personnel at leading salaries,” said Todd Jones, Chief Paramedic/Chief Shift Leader. “This is not only good for the community’s medical needs, but it also brings economic stimulus to the region.”
The Covington County Hospital Ambulance Service has provided advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) for over 50 years, including prehospital response, treatment, and transportation to Covington Countians of all ages experiencing medical or traumatic issues for acute or chronic events. “We are extremely excited about this opportunity to expand Covington County’s philosophy of prehospital medicine into our neighboring county,” said Cole.
Covington County Hospital Ambulance Service will serve as Simpson County’s emergency 9-1-1 service provider, and all Simpson County residents will dial 9-1-1 for emergency services. For non-emergent transportation, they may call 1-800-843-0883. Residents should be prepared to provide the patient’s demographic and insurance information to the dispatcher.
“The reception of this transition has been very cordial, especially from both hospitals, the nursing home, and the emergency agencies,” said Cole.
Covington County Hospital Ambulance Service is currently hiring part-time and full-time ambulance drivers, EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and paramedics. For more information and to apply online, visit covingtoncountyhospital.com/careers.
