Nottoway County Emergency Services addresses staffing and budget challenges

The May 8, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting in Nottoway County, Virginia, focused heavily on the challenges facing the county's emergency medical services (EMS), particularly regarding staffing and funding. The meeting began with discussions about the current operational costs associated with maintaining ambulances and the staffing levels required to ensure adequate coverage for the community.

One of the primary concerns raised was the financial burden of staffing ambulances. It was noted that each ambulance station requires a minimum of eight to nine full-time providers to operate effectively on a 24/7 basis. The estimated cost to staff each station is approximately $750,000, which includes salaries and operational expenses. The discussion highlighted that while the county receives some fuel assistance from Blackstone, the majority of operational costs are borne by the county itself.

The meeting also addressed the staffing shortages that have become increasingly problematic. With only 31 employees currently available, the county struggles to maintain adequate coverage, often relying on part-time staff to fill gaps. The conversation revealed that part-time employees do not guarantee consistent availability, which complicates scheduling and response times. The need for a more robust full-time workforce was emphasized, as the current staffing model is insufficient to meet the demands of the community, especially during peak call times.

Concerns were raised about the public's perception of EMS services, with some citizens expressing confusion over the number of ambulances available at any given time. It was clarified that while there may be multiple ambulances in the county, only one is staffed at certain times due to the limited number of full-time employees. This has led to instances where residents have had to transport themselves to medical facilities, raising questions about the reliability of EMS services.

The board discussed potential solutions, including the possibility of hiring additional full-time staff and exploring partnerships with private EMS providers. However, financial constraints remain a significant barrier, with the county needing to ensure that any funding requests are directly tied to staffing needs. The board acknowledged the importance of transparency in financial matters, particularly regarding how taxpayer dollars are allocated to support EMS operations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for improved staffing and funding for Nottoway County's EMS. As the board continues to explore options for enhancing service delivery, the community's expectations and understanding of the challenges faced by EMS providers will be crucial in shaping future discussions and decisions. The board plans to revisit these issues in upcoming meetings, with a focus on developing a sustainable strategy to meet the county's emergency medical needs.