All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

New ambulance boosts Upshur County EMS services

Chair of the Upshur EMS Board of Directors Dirk Burnside and Upshur EMS Director Gloria Burr pose for a photo beside the new ambulance. / Photo by Lily Hicks

BUCKHANNON – Upshur County EMS is proud to announce the acquisition of a new ambulance that promises to enhance patient care and the efficiency of emergency services. The new vehicle, made by Atlantic Emergency Solutions, represents a significant step forward for the organization.

“This vehicle was funded through the reimbursement of the services that we provide to the public. The public helps us pay for the equipment that we use to provide them services,” Dirk Burnside, the chair of the Upshur EMS Board of Directors, explained. “This underscores the vital role the community plays in supporting their local emergency services.”

The new ambulance offers several unique features that distinguish it from its predecessors.

“We have replaced the van-type units with this box-type ambulance that gives us a better ride for our patients and allows us to carry more equipment in a more organized manner,” Burnside said.

Burnside also noted that while technology hasn’t changed significantly, Upshur County EMS has always aimed to provide top-notch equipment and personnel.

“Your county emergency medical service has strived to provide the best equipment and personnel to take care of the people in the county,” he said.

The new ambulance acquisition is a testament to their commitment to maintaining high standards and being prepared for the future.

Regarding the benefits for the community, Burnside emphasized Upshur EMS’s stringent maintenance schedule and record program, which helps them determine the mechanical lifetime of their vehicles.

“When we have a vehicle that has some age and some mileage on it, we need to improve and update the reliability, and that’s what this vehicle does for us,” he added. “It helps us provide reliable service to our patients.”

With enhanced features, a commitment to excellence, and a focus on reliability, Upshur County EMS thinks that this acquisition promises to strengthen its ability to serve the community during times of need.

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