Rumors About W.Va. EMS Agency Folding Not True

March 15--GRANT TOWN -- Grant Town EMS wants people to know that they are here to stay.

According to Grant Town EMS chief Stacy Riley, rumors of the group leaving or selling out have been circulating, but those rumors are not true.

"We want the community to know we are still here. We are not going anywhere; we do not plan on going anywhere," Riley said. "Lot of people think we are selling out to someone. We are not selling out to anyone. ... As long as we can continue to have calls and income, we are not going anywhere."

Riley explained that one person worked from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The organization began to receive more calls, so four people were put on staff.

According to Grant Town EMS captain/supervisor Matt Smith, the additional personnel worked from 4 p.m. to midnight.

Grant Town EMS became busier and in 2012 became staffed 24/7.

According to Riley, it was difficult to keep volunteers on staff.

Grant Town EMS works in sections of both Marion and Monongalia counties. According to Riley, it takes the Marion County Rescue Squad approximately 20 minutes to drive to Grant Town, and it takes Monongalia County about 20 minutes for them to get into the western part of the county.

Riley explained that the difference in response time is critical.

"So we have five to 10 more minutes that we can provide care or to be in transport with a patient, versus (patients) having to wait," Riley said.

In Marion County, Grant Town EMS serves Route 19 past the county line of Monongalia County, Baxter, Grant Town, Fairview and the western end of Monongalia County.

"We are really fortunate to have really good relationships with the Marion County Rescue Squad and Mon County; we work very well together," Riley said. "Marion and Mon counties have loaned us ambulances and more."

The responders recently passed an inspection which gives them a four-year extension on Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support services, Riley said.

According to Smith, it took a team effort to put everything together for the inspection.

Grant Town EMS learned that it needed a lease agreement from the town during the inspection. Two representatives attended the Grant Town Council meeting to discuss this new need.

The roof that covers the shared building of the Grant Town Volunteer Fire Department and EMS is leaking. Riley explained that there are many options for replacing the roof, though the groups need to fundraise to replace it.

According to Smith, the department already holds fundraisers at different events throughout the year.

Both Riley and Smith listed many fundraisers, from gun raffles to sales to dinners.

According to Riley, Grant Town EMS is a 501c4 currently, though it is seeking to become a 501c3. Gaining a new tax status would allow the organization to receive grants and other sources of funding.

Grant Town EMS has 23 staff members: 13 EMTs, five drivers, four paramedics and one secretary. The organization responded to 69 calls with only one ambulance last month.

Riley explained that Grant Town EMS provides different services such as patient transports, emergency calls and standing by at fire scenes.

Smith teaches CPR at the beginning of the school year and first aid during the later part of the school year to North Marion High School freshmen.

Grant Town EMS is also looking toward doing a health/wellness fair on Aug. 22 at the Grant Town Community Building.

Email Richard Babich at rbabich@timeswv.com or follow him on Twitter @rbabichTWV

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