Perry County Ambulance Service honored during EMS Week

PERRYVILLE, MO – The first patient transports in Perry County were largely provided by local funeral homes until the mid-70’s. Development of the modern Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system began in Perry County approximately 44 years ago. Initially, EMS was supported by the county and then later Perry County Health System (PCHS) acquired the  operations and maintenance of this service.  PCHS continues to provide this service to the community today.

 

In 1979, the first paramedic was hired and Advanced Life Support care was administered. At this time, calls were received right in the paramedic’s home and they responded from there. Due to the delay in response time, the need for a full-time crew was evident. By 1981, the first full-time crew was established. Call volume continued to increase with the public’s knowledge and need for an ambulance. Due to this, by 1996 a second crew was added.

 

Today, Perry County Ambulance Service (PCAS) is comprised of two full-time crews that care for the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including every holiday. The EMS call volume for 2022 was 3,113 calls. PCAS consists of two onsite Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and two additional ALS ambulances that are staffed by off duty, volunteer crews, as needed. 

 

PCAS is here for the community in all types of situations and weather conditions as well; rain, sleet, snow, extreme heat or bitter cold, and all climates that arise or disasters that may strike. 

Emergency Medical Services Week is celebrated May 21-27. EMS week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety while honoring the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.” If you see an EMS worker this week, please stop and THANK them for the selfless job they perform each and every day. 

 

About Perry County Health System

Perry County Health System (PCHS), dba Perry County Memorial Hospital (PCMH), is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, critical access hospital located in Perryville, Missouri.  Perry County Health System includes Perry County Memorial Hospital, the physician practices found on the PCMH Campus, PFCC West, Perry County Counseling Center, Perry County Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service, Prescriptions Plus Pharmacy, Equipment Plus Home Services, and more.  For more information, visit www.pchmo.org or follow PCMH on Facebook and Instagram.