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Supervisors direct staff to study options after southern Accomack EMS partner says it will not renew license
Summary
After a local EMS partner signaled it will not renew its license, the Accomack County Board directed staff to study options for maintaining ambulance coverage in the county's southern end and to return with recommendations; board members said there will be no lapse in service.
A supervisor moved and the Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 18 to direct staff to study options for emergency medical services in the county's southern district after a local EMS partner informed the county it will not renew its EMS license in October 2025.
Staff presented the situation to the board and described the long-standing arrangement that placed ambulance units at the Painter fire station to reduce response times for the county's southern communities. An on-site presenter said the Painter station has two ambulances and that the arrangement with the partner organization was “vital” to coverage in the area. The presenter told the board, “There will be no lapse in service.”
Why it matters: The Painter station and its ambulances were placed there after county data showed response times in the southern end missed benchmarks. Board members emphasized the history of volunteer organizations stepping in to fill gaps and urged staff to find a sustainable option that preserves coverage.
Board action and next steps: A supervisor moved that staff work with the partner organizations and Painter Volunteer Fire Company to explore acquisition or funding options and to return to the board with a recommendation. The motion passed by voice vote; the board did not adopt immediate operational changes. County staff committed to bringing back a recommended plan.
What officials said: The county administrator and a public-safety presenter outlined why the partner’s decision requires planning but said they do not expect an immediate gap in coverage. Multiple supervisors praised the volunteer organizations and urged county support to maintain ambulance service.
Context and constraints: In the presentation staff said the partner organization had informed the county and Painter that it would not renew its EMS license in October 2025. Staff said upgrades, replacement ambulances and staffing costs are drivers of the partner’s decision. The county administrator said staff will work with Painter and the partner organization and will return with options; no timetable beyond that follow-up was set during the meeting.
The board’s instruction was to study and report back; no ordinance, budget appropriation or formal contract change was approved at the Dec. 18 meeting.
