EMS kicked off with training
in Wetzel County in 1973. A chosen few started training citizens that
had the desire to be volunteer EMT’s and Drivers. After organizing and opening EMS stations, the first run was taken in 1974. Volunteerism ran throughout our county at a
feverish pace. To get on the schedule to work on the ambulance, one had to sign
up weeks ahead of time. Ten years later
the leaders of each EMS station created the Ambulance Authority Board in 1983.
Volunteerism declined
throughout the nation, and Wetzel Co. EMS felt the effects of it bad enough in
1997 that they decided to hire people. Less state funding and more training
regulations caused those who volunteered to have less time to devote to EMS.
Wetzel County is now an organization that employs both career and
volunteer to work on our ambulances. Our
standards are high and our people are well trained. We are dedicated to caring for our
communities.
