Central EMS vehicles and personnel arrive in Savannah to begin the evacuation.
Central EMS personnel and vehicles were activated by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (EMA) on Thursday afternoon to assist in the evacuation of more than 80 patients from medical facilities in Southern Georgia.
Central EMS has deployed approximately 40 employees, as well as 15 ambulances, two stretcher vans, three quick response vehicles and a mobile intensive care vehicle. The high-acuity patients being evacuated from five medical facilities will be transported to accepting facilities throughout the state of Georgia that can meet the level of care needed. Georgia EMA is orchestrating the evacuation.
“Central EMS is in constant contact with Georgia EMA to assist in the smooth, safe evacuation of these patients,” said Central EMS Senior Vice President Bobby Peardon. “Central EMS also has established a command center and command structure in Brunswick and Savannah. Central EMS’ ambulances and manpower are dedicated as long as the resources are needed, and we are committed to returning these patients home when the danger has passed.”
Central EMS will continue to stand by and be available to respond as necessary to any areas affected by the storm as it passes.
Central EMS participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) disaster response network and commits vehicles, health care expertise and space needed to address an emergency situation. The company was a part of the long-range planning with the Georgia EMA for emergency response in the state of Georgia.
About Central EMS
Central EMS provides advanced life support, basic life support, critical care, nonemergency and emergency transport services from 13 stations throughout the state. Eight stations are located in the Atlanta metro area and its surrounding counties. Central EMS also serves Northeast Georgia from an Athens location; Central Georgia from Macon, Dublin and Newnan locations; and Southeast Georgia from a station in Savannah. Additionally, Central EMS provides air ambulance services national and internationally through Central Air Ambulance based in the Metro Atlanta area.
Central EMS transports approximately 50,000 patients annually with more than 100 emergency vehicles. The company specializes in ambulance transport service between hospitals and other health care facilities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and long distance transports, as well as contracts for 911 services and special event medical coverage. Central EMS currently employs more than 340 EMTs, paramedics, communication and billing specialists.