With the closure of the New Boston Volunteer Ambulance Service, Mercer County is facing an ambulance shortage.
The New Boston Volunteer Ambulance Service officially ended its operations earlier this week due to a lack of staff. That area is now covered by Elite EMS, which dispatches one ambulance out of Aledo. In addition to the New Boston-Eliza Fire Protection District, Elite EMS also covers the Aledo, Joy, and Seaton Fire Protection Districts, as well as the City of Keithsburg.
Mercer County Sheriff Dusty Terrill spoke with WRMJ, saying response times are a concern for the county. He is also advising the public to try to save requesting an ambulance for an emergency because if you’re able to have a family member drive you to the hospital, you’ll likely get there quicker.
Viola receives ambulance services from the Coal Valley Fire Protection District.
Terrill told WRMJ that during a three-vehicle crash near Viola last week, the helicopter from Medforce beat the ambulance to the scene.