WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-Shoals area residents get new ambulance service
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Matt Cochran was a North Star employee for six and half years. He says he never thought he'd be switching teams.
"I never thought I'd be working for Keller in Colbert County. I never thought they'd be over in Lauderdale count one day," Cochran said.
Within a matter of weeks, nearly 60 North Star employees underwent orientation and new training.
Amy Chandler turned in her North Star uniform and started her first Lauderdale EMS shift at 7:00 a.m. Thursday. "We've been looking forward to this ever since we learned Keller got the contract," Chandler said.
A contract was given to paramedics who already knew the lay of the land.
"North star employees brought a knowledge base of the local area, the roads. Coming from Colbert county we wouldn't have," said EMS Director Bruce Carson.
One of the most noticeable differences you'll see driving down the road is the box type ambulance. When you open the doors, you'll see it allows the paramedic a 360 degree level of care for the patient.
It's a different name and new equipment, but the goal is still saving lives.
"I'm just getting started in this, and I hope to have a long life with this career and service," said Chandler.
Killen and Lexington are still operating their own services, but there are some discussions about mutual aid agreements between the ambulance services.
C'mon, play. You know you want to. The boss will never know.
