Salem EMS to resume service next week

SALEM, W.VA. (WBOY) — Nearly two months after the Salem City Council voted to cease operations of the city’s EMS service , Salem residents will once again be able to receive assistance from their local service starting next week.

During a Salem City Council meeting Tuesday night, members were briefed on the status of the service, which has been waiting for approval from the West Virginia Office of EMS (WVOEM) in order to reopen.

Salem EMS Assistant Director Danielle Corley told the council that the service’s facilities and trucks were inspected by the state last week and that both received an A+ rating. She also said the state will keep the agency licensed as ALS (Advanced Life Support), despite the service only running as BLS (Basic Life Support), because one of the agency’s goals is to get back to a point where it can function as an ALS service.

Corley also said the state didn’t charge Salem EMS for the inspection, which would normally cost about $200 per truck and about $500 for the building. Once back in service, Corley said Salem EMS will operate with two trucks, while awaiting repairs on a third.

Previous coverage

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Salem City Council votes in new member, opens direct donations for EMS service

Interim City Manager Lt. Colton Travis requested for the council to reinstate the service effective Monday, July 29, a motion that was approved unanimously.

Once reinstated, the service will run on a temporary 12-hour schedule from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Saturday. EMS officials said Sunday will be open for the agency’s part-time workers, and that the first goal of the agency is to reach a point where it can be available 24/7.

Also during the meeting, the council voted to accept the resignation of Councilmember Linda Stuart, who resigned last week and was not in attendance Tuesday night. She represented Ward One.

The vacant Ward Two spot left on the council by Brandie Garner’s appointment as Deputy Mayor remains unfilled as of Tuesday night. The council offered a chance for anyone from Ward Two to make a case for the position, but none did during the meeting.

Council members also elected to move the Salem Branch Library from its current location on Depot Street into the old Salem Armory building which they said will give the library staff more space as well as access to an outdoor area and a kitchen.

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