DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – Dougherty County Emergency Services is still facing a staffing shortage, despite efforts to attract more personnel by offering increased salaries, expanded benefits and large hiring bonuses.

“There is a nationwide EMS staffing shortage. It is a supply and demand issue. There is not enough supply of medics to meet the demand of call volumes across the nation,” said James Gibney, Dougherty County Interim EMS Director.

The department currently employs 40 full-time and 13 part-time workers. Due to the staffing shortfall, EMS has shifted from a four-day rotation to a three-day schedule. Medics will now work 24 hours on, followed by 48 hours off — a change from the previous 24-on, 72-off model, which often required off-duty staff to fill gaps.

“It’s going to allow us to staff more ambulances every day, be more ready for responses, especially if we have a mass casualty incident or something. Now, we will have more trucks on the road. And it’s going to relatively reduce the car volume per unit, so we are reducing the burnout on our staff,” continued Gibney.

Assistant County Administrator Barry Brooks said the county is currently working on enhancing their EMS services beyond just the typical 911 calls. Brooks said this new undisclosed project would be one of first of its kind in the state.

“It will probably attract more paramedics because of us offering it, at least that is the theory on it. We are looking forward to it. We have some more details to work on, but when we roll it out, we will share it publicly,” said Barry Brooks.

Dougherty County EMS will officially be switching to a three-day staffing rotation on Monday, June 30. Director James Gibney assures the public that despite staffing shortages, all emergency calls are being property tended to.

Previous Coverage:

• Dougherty County appoints interim EMS Director following Sam Allen’s decision to retire

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