Putnam County EMS
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I pay my bill?
Pay your bill HERE.
Where can I pay my bill?
For medical records request, email requests to recordsrequest@mcabilling.com or fax requests to 1(304) 521-1561).
Where can I obtain EMT training?
Putnam County EMS offers EMT courses throughout the year. Check our training calendar HERE. If our course schedule is not good with your schedule, go to emswv.com to find a course at other training institutes that will meet your needs.
Does PCEMS do non-emergency transports?
No, we do not routinely provide non-emergency transport services.
Is Putnam County EMS bound by HIPAA?
Yes. In compliance with federal guidelines to protect patient privacy, we are limited in what information we can provide and to whom we can provide it. Please see our Detailed Notice of Privacy Practices for more information.
How do I commend, complain, or provide feedback?
Please let us know how we are doing. We value your input and want to make sure we are performing at a high level. Below you will find a form where you can submit feedback to the management of Putnam County EMS.
When I call 911 for an ambulance, What information should I be prepared to give?
- The location of the emergency, including street address
- The phone number you are calling from
- The nature of the emergency
- Details about the emergency such as description of injuries or symptoms being experienced
For more information visit Putnam County E-911.
Will calling an ambulance get me seen at the hospital faster?
Calling an ambulance does NOT get you seen faster in the emergency room. The hospital will triage you like other patients, and you will be seen in the order the emergency room can assist you based on the needs of other patients. EMS does not make the decision as to the order you will be seen or the treatment or testing you will be provided in the hospital.
If I call for an ambulance, can I request to be taken to a specific hospital?
Patients are usually offered a choice of hospitals unless their condition warrants a specialized facility. One of the main considerations for the choice of hospital is the injury you sustained or the medical condition you experienced. Based on assessment by EMS, recommendations will be made as to the most appropriate facility to treat you. The ultimate decision as to destination is determined by the medical command system when EMS gives a report on your condition.
Why did the EMS personnel not bring the stretcher into my house?
In most private residences we won’t bring the stretcher in immediately until we have assessed the patient and treated any immediate life-threatening conditions. After this, we will assess the layout of the structure and determine the best tool to remove the patient.
Why don’t the medics run into the scene?
- Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. We need to think clearly and act deliberately, decisively, expeditiously, and smoothly. It takes mental discipline to restrain our own excitement and concern to work professionally and unemotionally in scary situations and adding significant physical exertion to an already stressful situation is not helpful.
- Running to a patient prevents us from spotting hazards on the way in. Remember, we’re walking into an unknown. We must carefully observe and assess for danger. On the walk in, we’ll notice the downed power lines, the room full of people passed out from a gas leak, the dog protecting its injured owner, the hoarder’s junk on the floor when we round the corner, the attacker who assaulted the victim, the weapon lying next to the bystander, etc.
- Running is risky. If we trip, fall, or get hurt — now there are two patients.
Questions?