KEENE, N.H.- (MyKeeneNow) The National Association of Counties (NACo) has honored Cheshire County with a 2024 Achievement Awards for launching the first county-run EMS Program in New England.
These awards, according to a news release from the organization, commend innovative and effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.
Faced with a crisis in its EMS system that threatened the health and safety of its residents, Cheshire County utilized funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to establish Cheshire County EMS. This funding facilitated the construction of a home base in Swanzey and the acquisition of two ambulances to launch the program. Over the next two years, additional ambulances were procured, bringing the fleet to seven, with an aim to have eight by 2025.
The EMS service, now operational for nearly two years, has established relationships with every municipality in the county. These relationships encompass a variety of services, including 9-1-1 contracts, backup services, paramedic intercepts, interfacility transfers and wheelchair transport in partnership with SMART Ride. The staff of more than 50 includes EMTs, AEMTs, paramedics, captains, two deputy chiefs, and the chief.
NACo’s Achievement Awards, launched in 1970, celebrate outstanding county government programs in 18 categories, including children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement, and more. Each program is judged on its merits, not against other applications.
