New EMS service approved in Bay County

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – A new emergency medical transport service will be opening up shop here in Bay County.

County commissioners approved a certificate of need Tuesday for Medtrust Medical, based out of Charleston, South Carolina.

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Medtrust provides emergency medical services and basic life support transportation. The private company's primary role is to help facilitate local hospitals and nursing facilities.

Commissioners say this could not only save lives, but it could also create jobs in the area.

"We're a huge tourist destination. There's people always getting hurt, unfortunately. And so, we've got to make sure that we have adequate health care. We have a new hospital on the beach, and they're willing to come and invest in Bay County and be part of ours. We've got lots of young men and women who are training to be in the industry of health care, and it gives them job opportunities."

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Medtrust is just the latest private ambulance service in the local area. The Lifeguard was the first to arrive. First 2 Aid was here for a short time, then left. The county also approved AmeriPro in September of 2022.

Bay County Fire Rescue is the primary emergency ambulance service for the county. No word as to when Medtrust will begin services.