Clay EMS Having Successful Transition From City To County

A busy week, but working through the issues. That’s the word from Clay County after roughly a week with the county in control of the ambulance service,

Director Andy Hall said just an hour after the county took over, they had to fly out a patient after crews responded to the emergency. He said he and his team are especially appreciative of the support from the community and the county commission.

“The public has really, really come forward, we get blows and waves when we drive by in the ambulance and stuff like that, several people have stopped by the ambulance to say they’re really glad we’re back, we’re glad that Dr. Pressley is back as our medical director,” Hall said. “It’s just been a really humbling experience for everybody to know that people really cared about us that much.”

Hall said they recently completed the initial interview with the state and passed with flying colors. He said they still need to fix some lettering on the vehicles and tie up other loose ends.

Hall said one of the larger tasks at hand is to fix the billing numbers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He said until that is switched and adjusted, the county will have to foot those bills.

“So it’s going to be a burden right now,” Hall said. “But hopefully it should smooth over pretty quick.”

Hall said each of his team members is optimistic about what the future holds for the department. He said they are all happy to be back at work at happy to be serving the citizens of Clay County.

As for the city, Hall said he has not spoken with Mayor Luke Collins while Collins is on vacation. Hall said EMS personnel will miss the other team members they worked with inside the city.