Campbell Co., VA - Emergency calls are up in our area and the strain on EMS crews is showing. Lately Campbell County has had to rely more on Lynchburg crews for help, when their own workers can't get there in time.

An official says it's just one more example of why the county needs more volunteers and more paid workers.

The call from Cyrus Road near Rustburg came in at 6:23 Monday morning. Dispatchers tried to send volunteers and a paid crew but they weren't immediately available.

So dispatchers called in a Lynchburg crew as desperate relatives performed CPR themselves. 40 minutes later- at 7:03 a.m.- a Campbell volunteer crew arrived on the scene.

Jason Stroud, with Campbell County EMS, said, "Our goal is to be able to provide 15 minutes or less 90 percent of the time. We are not meeting that goal and it is of great concern to me."

Lynchburg says they will send help if and when one is available, even deep into the county.

Dep. Chief Walt Bailey, with the Lynchburg Fire EMS, said, "When we can take a call, we definitely want to work with the neighboring counties and send a unit as soon as possible."

But sometime it's not. "Our system is burdened constantly. Our call volume is up to 50, 60 calls per day," Bailey said.

"Lynchburg certainly should not be responsible for Campbell County residents," Stroud said.

Volunteers often have numerous commitments that is why Jason Stroud says the county could use more of them. He says more paid EMS workers would also ease the burden.

"The citizens are entitled to efficient 24/7 emergency medical services and we need to provide that to them," Stroud said.

EMS Director Jason Stroud was planning to bring up his concerns at a county EMS advisory meeting Monday. At last check the woman from this morning's call was listed in critical condition. We'll let you know what happens.

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