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Residents and EMTs warn board that EMS staffing is fragile as county debates EMS district
Summary
A county resident and certified EMT told the board that Nottoway County Emergency Services sometimes operates only one ambulance with inconsistent staffing levels; residents and chiefs urged the board to ensure funding would maintain advanced-level response.
The board also opened a hearing on establishing a countywide emergency service district, a legal prerequisite to imposing a levy for EMS. Multiple speakers raised concerns about current service levels and whether funding requests would secure reliable advanced life support coverage across the county.
Cristy Romano, who identified herself as a Nottoway County resident and certified advanced EMT, told the board she watched a meeting on April 14 and said that "presently, NCES operates only 1 ... designated ambulance for the entire county. The level of care provided by that unit varies ... sometimes basic level, sometimes advanced, and occasionally the paramedic level." Romano asked whether funding being requested was meant to improve 911 coverage or to sustain the current deployment model and asked the board to consider the human cost of unreliable service.
Board members acknowledged the concerns and agreed to present options at a work session, including a possible presentation from Emergency Services Solutions to help the county explore staffing models. No levy amounts were set and the board did not adopt any ordinance at the meeting.
