You could say that a once-critically ill patient in Citrus County - emergency medical services - is now on the road to a full recovery.

Such was the optimism that was shown at Friday's dedication of the new Nature Coast Emergency Medical Services building off Homosassa Trail in Lecanto.

Citrus County Commissioner Gary Bartell summed it up in remarks to those attending the dedication ceremony.

"About a decade ago, because of the cost of providing emergency medical services, it was no longer feasible for the private sector to stay in the business," Bartell said. That meant that it was then up to the board of county commissioners to do something about it.

Originally, Bartell said, the county helped develop the idea of a not-for-profit service, and began subsidizing a $1 million budget for the fledgling service. "That has been reduced drastically," Bartell said, "even though the calls for service and the population have increased here in Citrus County." The ultimate goal when it comes to budget, Bartell said, is for the county to no longer have to subsidize the service.

Looking to the future

Standing tall now is a new $1.4 million, 8,500-square foot facility, also known as the Administration and Education Building, a consolidation of five locations that were used in the past. Construction, which was begun in June 2008, was completed ahead of schedule and within budget.

Michael Hall, CEO and President of Nature Coast EMS, is optimistic about the future, as well. "We're planning to achieve a very visible presence in the health care system in Citrus County," Hall said.

Not only will the facility be able to provide necessary training for other emergency responders, but the public will have access to training, as well. "Members of the general public will be offered CPR and first aid classes so that they may serve as a educated Good Samaritan to offer lifesaving care before our pre-hospital care EMS crews arrive at the scene of a medical emergency," he said.

Hall asked attendees at the dedication, "Who knows how many candles have been added to a cake, how many have lived to see a graduation, a wedding or waiting to see a toddler's first steps if it weren't for the men and women who serve Nature Coast EMS ambulances?"

Emery Hensley, Chairman of the Board for Nature Coast EMS, acknowledged the role the county commission has played in the success of the service. "I think the new facility shows a commitment and concern by the Board of County Commissioners," Hensley said.

And the EMS service has a service record to be proud of, Hensley said. "Nature Coast EMS has a cardiac success rate that is five times better than average. Seventy percent of Nature Coast EMS paramedics are educated to the level of Critical Care Paramedics - that's a specialized care that trains team members to care for the most critically ill and injured patients," he said.

The new facility also boasts a bevy of state-of-the-art medical devices, including a coming means of uploading a patient's data directly to a hospital.

The public views the future of emergency medical care
Large crowds showed up on Saturday in the wake of Friday's official dedication for a Grand Opening event. They saw firsthand the capabilities that will be offered though the facility, and an eager staff answered every question put to them while showing the actual equipment that would be used for medical emergencies.


The residents of Citrus County, Bartell said, should feel comfortable with the services provided, and added, "Today, the government is always being criticized ... but this is the type of business that government should be in."

• See more photos of the dedication and public Grand Opening at the Nature Coast EMS building here

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