Floyd Medical Center will begin Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations in Polk County on Friday, July 17.

On July 1, Redmond Medical Center assumed operation of EMS services after being awarded

a contract by the Polk County Board of Commissioners. However, Polk retained ownership of the county’s zone, which allows for more than one EMS provider.

M. L. “Bud” Owens, director of Floyd EMS, said two fully equipped ambulances will be placed in Rockmart to provide 24 hour emergency and non emergency services for local residents.

One of the vehicles will be placed on property near Wal-Mart, Highway 278, and the other will be located on property owned by Dan Forsyth, West Elm Street, Rockmart.

“Any resident of Polk can dial 911 and request a Floyd ambulance,” Owens said. “It is that simple. We hope to offer ambulance service at a much lower cost than our competition (Redmond EMS).”

He emphasized that Floyd Medical competes with Redmond in Floyd County and that both handle it very well.

“Polk has been the sole provider for EMS service in this county for years, but competition is here now,” he said.

Owens said that Floyd EMS will not be chasing ambulances down the road and will not respond to a call unless it is requested.

“There will never be an argument or nonprofessional encounter with our competition,” he said. “That is not why we are here. It is simply business and competition can be very good for Polk County.

It assures that you have good service.”

Owens said Floyd Medical Center is devoted to Rockmart and Polk County to provide

exceptional care, which is already in place through urgent care facilities, primary care centers, rehabilitation services and now EMS operations.

There are almost 300 Polk residents that work at Floyd Medical Center, according to Owens. About half of that number are from the Rockmart area.

“Our Rockmart EMS operation will employ experienced, local paramedics and EMTs that reside or have worked in Rockmart,” he said.

Owens, during a presentation to the Rockmart Mayor and Council, said Floyd wants to be a good corporate citizen of the community and become involved in church, civic, school and other local functions.

He pledged to work with Rockmart Fire & Emergency Services and lauded Chief Todd Queen and Randall Chupp, deputy chief, for their professional and welcoming attitude.

“During our conversations, we have offered to assist them with any medical equipment needs they may have as well as providing EMS training at no extra cost,” he said. “We have also made a commitment to them to provide two automatic defibulaturs for use at the fire department to enhance their current capabilities.”



Owens said Floyd EMS hopes to work out a mutual aid agreement with local officials so that, in the future, assistance can be provided to firefighters when a citizen dials 911 and requests a Floyd ambulance.

“We are bringing experience and expertise to the Rockmart community,” he said. “We are dedicated to what we do and don’t take our jobs lightly. We are not coming here to provide second rate service.”