<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4RUnOe_190tyIDc00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4RUnOe_190tyIDc00" width="1200" height="600" >ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) - Anderson County EMS is working to improve response times as crews handle an increasing number of emergency calls across the county.EMS Director Nathan Sweet said crews answered 1,000 more calls for help last year compared to 2024. The increased demand has prompted Sweet to propose adding an extra 12-hour day ambulance station in Oak Ridge.“It is tough when we have those long responses because we would love to teleport and just be there,” Sweet said.The proposed Oak Ridge station would help crews in other parts of the county by reducing the need to pull ambulances from distant communities.“If we have a call in Oak Ridge and the Oak Ridge trucks are on a call, we’re pulling the Claxton truck or the Clinton truck or the Oliver Springs truck or whichever one is available and closest to the call. We’re pulling them from that community,” Sweet said.Molly Bookout, who lives in Oak Ridge, said any improvement would be welcome.“The faster they can answer calls, I think the better for everyone,” Bookout said.Sweet said EMS also plans to expand Claxton’s 12-hour day coverage to 24-hour service.“Which we know that there’s a need there as well, especially evening. They don’t have an ambulance that is stationed in Claxton,” Sweet said.Sweet added EMS needs funding approved for hiring and training staff for both areas. The department already has the ambulances for both locations, which could reduce costs.The budget committee will discuss the proposal next month. If approved by summer, hiring and training would begin before the ambulance service goes online.Sweet said the additional crew in Oak Ridge could cost more than $290,000 if approved.Bookout said knowing the county is working toward faster response times provides comfort.“Well, I’ve only had to call 911 one time for an elderly neighbor and it seems like they were there in a pretty decent amount of time, but the faster they can go, the better for everyone,” Bookout said.</div></body>

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ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) - Anderson County EMS is working to improve response times as crews handle an increasing number of emergency calls across the county. EMS Director Nathan Sweet said crews answered 1,000 more calls for help last year compared to 2024. The increased demand has prompted Sweet to...

Anderson County EMS seeks expanded ambulance coverage following increase in call volume

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ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) - Anderson County EMS is working to improve response times as crews handle an increasing number of emergency calls across the

Anderson County EMS seeks expanded ambulance coverage following increase in call volume

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