Ambulance Calls Up in County During January

The number of ambulance calls in Effingham County was much higher than the month before.

Officials from Rural Med EMS said they answered 756 calls for service in January, compared to 412 calls in December..

The big increase in calls did not correspond to the number of 911 calls during the month. While that number also increased, 911 calls only increased from 359 in December to 431 in January.

The figures were shared during Tuesday's meeting of the County Board Ambulance Oversight Committee. 

Rural Med officials said they are keeping four ALS rigs in Effingham County "almost every day" due to the large increase in calls. 

The service also reported that they have added one EMT and one paramedic. 

Hirings appear to be the exception, rather than the rule, when Rural Med is compared to other ambulance services. The indication is that getting mutual aid from other agencies "is as tough as it's ever been."