Augusta, GA

Augusta leaders choose new ambulance service provider

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2023

Augusta leaders choose new ambulance service provider

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We be taught extra in regards to the Augusta ambulance service supplier determination, as leaders meet once more on Wednesday.

In line with officers, 3 proposals had been launched by AmeriMed, Gold Cross, and Central EMS throughout the assembly.

As of 1:17 p.m., Central EMS scored highest and shall be introduced for the advice on Monday.

AmeriMed proposed 10 ambulances a day, eight ambulances at evening, and three QRVs staffed and prepared 24/7 60-90 days till totally operational.

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Gold Cross claimed it is aware of what Augusta wants as a result of the supplier has been doing it for 17 years. Gold Cross said the proposal from 2013 doesn’t meet in the present day’s present atmosphere and can order all new ambulances.

Gold Cross believes it ought to’ve been awarded the RFB Formally protested the bid, as a result of if correctly scored it ought to’ve been awarded month to month, and doesn’t have an finish date. It proposed to supply eight devoted ambulances and plans to fluctuate if wanted. Gold Cross additionally claimed if it had been to obtain extra money, it is going to be capable of meet the zone’s wants.

Gold Cross was questioned about its response occasions and if no ambulance ever exhibits up, no clear reply was given by Gold Cross.

Many considerations with the present state of Gold Cross and the way it’s served the county previously. Some introduced up examples and wished clarification for issues in previous and solutions for the longer term.

Commissioner Bobby Williams calls out Gold Cross for being keen to work with whoever is chosen however desires higher for the residents.

Chief Steven Vincent says to take a look at name volumes in comparison with complaints.

Mayor Garnett Johnson says he’s embarrassed that the Division of Public Well being has to resolve, and that he helps Gold Cross however doesn’t have a favourite. He believes that a number of makes an attempt to bankrupt the corporate and desires extra time to personal the zone so the town is accountable not a specific firm.

Johnson additionally believes the county should pay for the supplier, not the state. He thinks the division ought to rent a marketing consultant. Johnson states they’ll meet again quickly as a result of this situation must be resolved. In any case, it’s a closely contested situation, and discovering an answer this fashion might not work.

Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle questions why Augusta has this situation and desires no response occasions within the contract. He desires an area firm and extra construction throughout the contract.

Central EMS began in 1983 and has served many cities all through GA, and it operates a 911 name middle in Forsyth County which is what Augusta is seeking to do.

Central EMS claims it has the identical space dynamic as Richmond County and has lower than 8-minute response occasions.

Central EMS official additionally said he can rely the variety of complaints on his fingers, of solely 9 and a half fingers, he was happy with it.

Central EMS states it may be trusted to produce and begin service in a single day if wanted. Central EMS additionally has its ambulance producer to expedite orders of eight, 24-hour automobiles, six peak-time automobiles, and three QRCS Proceed to coach workers workers by way of completely different colleges it has.

Central EMS calls the fee to provide cash and blames the fee for Gold Cross’s faults.

Central EMS additionally said it’s not if the fee isn’t wanting to provide a high quality service.

820 workers in Georgia admit the issue of the scarcity within the trade.

Central EMS lastly states it’s seeking to copy the system in Forsyth County right here and hold 911 ambulances separate from different ambulances. The supplier states, if chosen, Central EMS will present the very best service for residents.

Commissioner Brandon Garnett says he’s bored with coping with this for the final seven years and thinks there shall be repercussions for no determination as of but. He thinks the fee has failed the individuals, however on the finish of the day, they need to discover a answer to maneuver ahead.

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Augusta, GA

Local group holds supply giveaway after kids return to school

Published

3 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Now that kids are back in school after the holiday break, many organizations are giving supplies away for free.

On Saturday, Purvis Huggins Realty partnered with Greater Young Zion Brotherhood to give students the opportunity to restock.

They say by the time January rolls around, students are likely out of supplies.

“I spoke with someone about it a year ago. It was one of the teachers I know, and she was telling me that by the time the school season starts, they have a lot of materials. But by the time they get to the middle of the year, they’re out,” said Purvis Huggins, owner of Purvis Huggins Realty.

In each bag, students got paper, pencils, notebooks and other items based on their grade.

Students were also able to get a haircut and snack while at the event.

Huggins says they plan to do a supply giveaway twice a year.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta mayor set to deliver 2025 State of the City address

Published

11 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Press Room

Augusta mayor set to deliver 2025 State of the City address

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Tuesday, Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson will deliver the 2025 State of the City address.

It will be held at the Lee N. Beard Commission Chamber, located at 535 Telfair Street, at 12 p.m.

The address will be delivered prior to the Augusta Commission meeting.

Officials say it will highlight Augusta-Richmond County’s accomplishments from 2024 and will outline initiatives planned for 2025.

The address is free and will be open to the public. It will also be live streamed for those unable to attend in-person.

Officials say the Office of the Mayor is monitoring the possibility of inclement weather.

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Augusta, GA

Crews prepare highways as CSRA braces for winter weather — again

Published

19 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Press Room

Crews prepare highways as CSRA braces for winter weather — again

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Winter weather could be heading towards the CSRA again, and the Georgia Department of Transportation says they are preparing for it.

GDOT says they are actively preparing and coordinating brine operations, equipment and materials to respond to the pending threat by treating hundreds of interstate and state route lane miles across the state.

Officials with GDOT say, unlike last week’s winter storm, this one has the potential to impact central Georgia′s entire 27-county area.

Because of the large area that could be impacted, G-DOT says treatment plans are being driven by priority.

Prior to the weather system’s arrival, crews will apply brine solutions to interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses in anticipation of freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow.

Brine is a solution of salt and water used to decrease the probability of freezing under certain conditions.

GDOT crews are scheduled to begin brine operations on Sunday at 7 a.m. GDOT maintenance forces will begin by bringing I-20, I-520, and I-16. A GDOT contractor will focus on high-priority, multi-lane state routes.