Verona, Va. – On April 23, 2024, the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department (NHVFD) made the decision to drop its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) first responder licensure. This recent decision by NHVFD may raise concerns about the continuity of EMS in the New Hope area. Augusta County Fire-Rescue (ACFR) assures the community that ambulance services will continue to operate from the New Hope station.

Ambulance response times will remain unaffected unless the ACFR ambulance is on a call. Under those circumstances, the arrival of EMS-trained personnel may be delayed. 

ACFR Chief Greg Schacht stated, "While we acknowledge the potential impact of New Hope's decision to eliminate first responder services, our commitment to the safety and well-being of the residents of New Hope is unwavering. ACFR staff are prepared to continue to provide quality ambulance services from the New Hope station." 

Augusta County Fire-Rescue has operated out of the New Hope station since 2015 and has been the primary ambulance provider for EMS services. NHVFD will continue to respond with CPR-trained members to assist with respiratory and cardiac incidents. 

Residents can rest assured that in case of any medical emergency, they should continue to dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.