Pickens County has declared an emergency after the local ambulance provider, NorthStar EMS, ceased operations due to financial challenges.
NorthStar’s Operations Director, Edgar Calloway, told CBS 42 that the lack of 911 call volume and the county’s decision not to renew their subsidy contract left them no choice but to close.
In response, Lamar County has stepped in to provide 24-hour ambulance services under an emergency license granted by the state.
Vernon Mayor Glenn Crawford explained that a unit has been stationed at the Carrollton Police Department since Sunday morning and will remain there for the duration of the emergency.
Mayor Crawford assured residents that the ambulance is staffed with a licensed paramedic and will operate around the clock to maintain reliable emergency response services.
Carrollton Mayor Mickey Walker confirmed this arrangement is temporary, lasting at least 120 days, while the county works with the state on a long-term solution.
