CHARLESTON, W.VA. (WVDN) – HealthNet Aeromedical Services made its final preparations to launch Wayne County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), a new county-owned and operated ambulance service. The service began serving residents and visitors on Sunday, June 22, at 8 a.m.
Throughout the past several months, HealthNet Aeromedical Services has worked diligently with the Wayne County Commission to establish this vital new program, bringing its renowned commitment to high-quality emergency medical care to the communities of Wayne County. Following a successful recruitment campaign to attract candidates, more than 20 staff members have been hired and fully trained. Additionally, the new ambulances are outfitted with a comprehensive suite of advanced equipment to effectively manage medical emergencies in the field.
Wayne County Commission President Travis Thompson said, “This new program significantly improves emergency response in Wayne County, directly benefiting our residents and businesses.”
The new Wayne County EMS operation includes two ambulances providing 24-hour service, strategically positioned to maximize coverage in areas with traditionally long EMS response times. Temporary stations are located in Prichard Industrial Park and N&W Railroad Road in Genoa. Over the next year to 18 months, permanent stations will be designed and constructed. An additional third ambulance will be maintained as a spare, ensuring continuous service availability. These county-operated units will complement the ongoing emergency ambulance services provided by five dedicated volunteer fire departments across the county.
President and CEO of HealthNet Aeromedical Services Clinton Burley explained, “The Wayne County EMS team, under our management, is fully prepared to provide exceptional care and service to Wayne County. Our directive from the Wayne County Commission was clear: to develop and operate this program at an extremely high level.” Burley added, “We are delivering on our commitment to the Commission, residents experiencing medical emergencies, as well as their families and loved ones.”
This launch marks a significant step forward in enhancing emergency services for Wayne County, reflecting the community’s desire for improved emergency response, as expressed through their support of the recent county EMS levy.
About HealthNet Aeromedical Services
Headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, HealthNet Aeromedical Services is a not-for-profit critical care transport system cooperatively owned and operated by Marshall Health Network, Vandalia Health, and WVU Medicine. The organization serves Central Appalachia from eight helicopter bases across West Virginia. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the program has safely transported more than 120,000 patients since beginning operations in 1986. To learn more about HealthNet Aeromedical Services, visit www.hnmed.org.
