The New Hope Volunteer Fire Department decided Tuesday to drop its Emergency Medical Services, or EMS, first responder licensure.
New Hope residents will continue to have EMS services through Augusta County Fire Rescue.
ACFR provides ambulance services from the New Hope Station, but if the ambulance is on another call, response times for EMS-trained personnel could be delayed.
“While we acknowledge the potential impact of New Hope’s decision to eliminate first responder services, our commitment to the safety and well-being of the residents of New Hope is unwavering,” said Greg Schacht, ACFR chief. “ACFR staff are prepared to continue to provide quality ambulance services from the New Hope station.”
Augusta County Fire-Rescue has operated out of the New Hope station since 2015 and has been the primary ambulance provider for EMS services.
NHVFD will continue to respond to 911 calls with CPR-trained members to assist with respiratory and cardiac incidents.