Central EMS gives city of Augusta a 2023 recap

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been nine months since Central EMS took over emergency services in Augusta.

Since then, we have reported a few issues including slow service with high call volumes and issues tracking response times because of the cyber attack last May.

On the first commission meeting of 2024, the ambulance service gave commissioners their update.

Central EMS took over unexpectedly in April when Gold Cross pulled out early. It’s come with a few scrapes along the way, but Central EMS wants people to know they have more than enough resources.

“I think when we came to town, we stated what we would do, I think we’ve done what we stated,” said President Gary Coker.

More than 20 ambulances are at the ready, almost 200 personnel are on staff, a new headquarters is operating on Wrightsboro Road and new health programs are coming soon for Augustans.

Without pay, they also provided standby ambulance service to more than 40 local high school football games this season.

Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight said: “For helping out during the football season, making sure there were ambulances there at games. Hats off to you on that, thank y’all.”

It’s growth but not without its bruises.

Central EMS openly admitted to having a number of lawsuits against them since starting.

Ambulance response times are available only starting back this past September, saying it follows their contracted guidelines for when penalties would start, but also saying they took a hit when the cyber attack that happened last May.

911 Emergency Services Director Daniel Dunlap said: “We’re continuing to work with Central and the Fire Department on some of these response plans in order to use these resources effectively.”

Back in November, we found through an open records request a few internal investigations, including struggles with tracking and keeping down response times, and issues with a spinal cord procedure.

“I think you have a much better ambulance service here than you had last year at this time,” said Coker.

They’re out of the fog for now, but still in their first year of service.

Central EMS noted that while ambulance and medical bills seem high, the actual paid cost shouldn’t exceed past $1,500 to compensate for a lack of insurance.

News 12 did ask Coker about our previous coverage, but he gave no comment.

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