Update from Magoffin Co. Judge/ Executive Don McFarland on February 26, 2026:
Good afternoon Magoffin County
I am pleased to provide a positive update regarding the state of our ambulance situation in Magoffin County, Kentucky. As some of you might know, Patriot Ambulance Service pulled services from Magoffin County effective Monday February 23, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
Thankfully, our neighboring counties were gracious to our emergency situation and agreed through Mutual Aid Agreements to provide services until we could find an answer to our ambulance dilemma. So, thank you to Morgan, Johnson and Floyd Counties to your help in our time of need.
In order to maintain an ambulance company, it is necessary to have a state approved Certificate of Need. I have been working with the Kentucky Board of Medical Services in Frankfort, Kentucky. They have been reasonable in assessing our situation. However, according to Kentucky Administrative Regulation 202 KAR 7:555, Magoffin County only had 72 hours to have an emergency ambulance company in place or we would lose our Certificate of Need.
I and my staff met with different ambulance providers, but one really stepped up during our time of need. We met with Mr. Brian Bishop of Ameripro EMS of Kentucky. Mr. Bishop really came through and committed 30 days of free emergency ambulance services to our beloved county, until a permanent arrangement can be reached. By doing so, he allowed us to maintain our Certificate of Need.
I and Magoffin County will be forever grateful to Mr. Brian Bishop and Ameripro for acting so swiftly to see that our needs were and will be met. According to the regulations, we had until 8:00 a.m. today (Thursday) to have an ambulance service in place. After our conversation yesterday at 2:00 p.m., Ameripro agreed not only to provide the county with services, but also to get established by 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night, just six (6) hours after our conversation rather than waiting until 8:00 a.m. today. It is my understanding that Ameripro made two (2) runs last night that were successful and uneventful. Mr. Bishop got things done quickly and went above and beyond to see that Magoffin County and its residents were protected.
I am confident that we will be able to reach a long-term agreement with Ameripro to provide services for Magoffin County and I believe that we will have a contract signed within these 30 days regarding same.
I definitely want to thank Magoffin Economic Director Jimmy Salyer for all of his efforts in helping secure an ambulance service. I would also like to thank Salyersville Mayor Stanley Howard, Fire Chief Paul Howard, and Rescue Squad Chief Dewey Marshall for their work in helping secure a place for the ambulance company to be housed under such short notice. Good things happen when everyone, all branches of government, work together to solve a problem.
Regardless, I just wanted to inform Magoffin County and all the people that I love and cherish that we are protected by a quality ambulance provider and hopefully will be for the long term.
Sincerely and God Bless,
Donald Wayne McFarland
Magoffin County Judge/Executive
—————
MAGOFFIN COUNTY – The Magoffin County Fiscal Court released the following announcement on Sunday, confirming that Patriot EMS is still pulling out of Magoffin County, but joint agreements with multiple agencies will cover the county until a more permanent solution can be reached:
Magoffin County officials wish to provide a formal update regarding the current ambulance service transition. In light of Patriot EMS’s planned departure, county leadership has worked diligently to ensure that emergency medical coverage remains uninterrupted for all residents. Our priority is, and will continue to be, the safety and well being of the people of Magoffin County.
A temporary coverage plan has been established while long term solutions are evaluated. This interim structure will go into effect tomorrow, February 23, 2026:
• Johnson County EMS will provide coverage for the eastern portion of Magoffin County.
• Morgan County EMS will assume responsibility for the western portion of the county as well as the Mountain Parkway corridor.
• Lifeguard EMS of Floyd County will cover the southern area of the county, including Route 7.
We extend our appreciation to these partner agencies for their cooperation and commitment during this transition. Magoffin County will continue working toward a permanent EMS solution that meets the needs of our community and ensures reliable, timely emergency response.
County officials will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
Best Regards,
Judge/Executive Don McFarland
As the SI reported last week, Patriot EMS had to cut back its services in multiple areas due to over $5 million in outstanding accounts receivable, significantly impacting their cash flow and operational sustainability. Kentucky Medicaid, Anthem and Wellcare were each listed as “major payors that had not issued reimbursement in the appropriate time frames,” pushing Patriot EMS to have to consolidate their services and close their Magoffin County station, as well as stations in Mingo County, West Virginia, and in Floyd County.
The SI will continue to follow this issue as it unfolds.
