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Wayne County highlights EMS staffing strains during Emergency Medical Services Week proclamation
Summary
Commissioners adopted an EMS Week proclamation May 14 and county public-safety officials and commissioners warned of an EMS staffing crisis, noting that in 2025 EMS services were required on 11,000 of 19,000 calls.
Wayne County commissioners on May 14 adopted a proclamation recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week and heard officials describe staffing and coverage challenges for local emergency medical services.
Wayne County Public Safety Director Betsy Turner told commissioners it was encouraging to see representatives from Cottage Ambulance, Hamlin EMS, Northern Wayne EMS and other local services at the meeting and reported that in 2025 EMS services were required on 11,000 of 19,000 calls. Commissioners said the county is geographically large and faces an EMS staffing crisis: Commissioner Brian W. Smith said many responders are delaying retirement to keep services available, and Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer said much of the public is unaware of the gap until services are needed.
Commissioner Smith also offered a personal commendation of Public Safety Director Turner, calling her “the best 9-1-1 director in the world,” as recorded in the minutes.
The board adopted the EMS Week proclamation by unanimous motion; no formal policy changes or funding allocations were recorded in the minutes at this meeting.
