Rowan County officials recently heard updates on emergency medical services in the community.
Homer Lewis, Rowan County EMS Director, reported so far 5,287 runs have been made over the course of this year and the number is expected to continue to slowly increase by the end of 2025.
“The runs per day has gone up. It’s not much; it’s went up from a point one to a point 98 which in the grande scheme of the year, if we keep status quote up, we’re going to end up with about 6,500 runs this year,” said Lewis.
That number will mark a record for the county’s emergency services. Lewis said transfers are slightly down, but emergency calls for service have made up the difference.
Additionally, new tools needed both in and on the EMS trucks have finally arrived.
“The new LUCAS Devices are actually in and on the trucks. All the trucks are back in service; the Ford is finally back with a new transmission,” said Lewis.
LUCAS Devices assist with automated chest compressions during patient transport. Additionally, new Stryker stretchers ordered in September have arrived and are in the bay, but not yet in service. The new power load systems are currently being installed and fitted on the trucks. UK St. Claire has also agreed to purchase a ventilator for EMS to use during transfers, something they do not currently have.