Richmond County EMS recognized for performance in busiest year yet

He also noted that his department only called for mutual aid 20 times last year, down from 48 times in 2021. Paulette said that is a direct representation of adding a second emergency vehicle on a 24-hour basis, and it’s a big improvement.

Now, when Richmond County calls for mutual aid, it’s because there are three or more calls working at one time, he explained. Meanwhile, Richmond County was called to provide mutual aid to other counties 25 times last year. Paulette said having the second 24-hour vehicle helps keep the numbers of mutual aid provided versus received from looking quite so lop-sided. “We’re not leaning on them any more than they’re leaning on us,” he said.

A round of recognition

“I can’t be prouder of you,” Paulette told members of his crew who were in attendance to be recognized for accomplishments within the department.

Richmond County EMS aren’t classified as essential workers for nothing, chief Paulette revealed as he recognized 10 members of his staff for life saves over the past year.

Those providers include:     

Lieutenant Willilam Hinson, EMT-Intermediate

Philip Shahan, Jr., Paramedic

Layla McCann, EMT

Cameron Sanders, EMT

Brittany Hall, EMT

Holden Oliff, EMT-Paramedic

Nikolas Houmis, Paramedic

Garnet Sanders, EMT-Intermediate

Travis Diggs, EMT

James Hall, Paramedic

The care that they provided during a cardiac arrest preserved a life that, otherwise, would have expired if not for their actions, Paulette noted. In a pre-hospital setting in a rural area, it’s a pretty big deal to get a life save out in the field, he added.

In addition to the life saves, lieutenant Erin Koller and captain Tammy McDaniel were recognized for 10 years of service.

Every single day these people do an outstanding job for the community, said Paulette. “We couldn’t be luckier to have them here as well as all of our providers who are out working today. I don’t have enough good to say about them. These are the people who make me look good,” the EMS chief said.

County administrator Morgan Quicke called attention to the contribution of leadership. “Mitch runs a great department for us,” he said. “I do believe that we have the best rural EMS system in the state. I really do. I would put our guys up against any county that’s got a population of less than 25,000 in a heartbeat.”

Quicke also noted that a lot of it has to do with help from the Board of Supervisors. “The Board has really supported this mission over the last couple of years, between our staffing, the amounts we’re able to pay our people these days, our equipment, our facilities, and our people. And it starts with Chief Paulette,” he said.

Chairman Lee Sanders said Richmond County providers not only make the chief look good but they make the board look good. “So keep up the good work,” he told them.