EMSKY Spotlight: Harrison County EMS
November 1st, 2025
Serving with Purpose
We are proud to spotlight Harrison County EMS, a service whose commitment to innovation, education, and community partnership continues to raise the bar for excellence in prehospital care. Through its transition to a hospital-based model with Harrison Memorial Hospital (HMH), the agency has strengthened operations, deepened collaboration, and built a foundation for long-term success.
Before the transition, the team already shared a strong working relationship with HMH. Becoming hospital-based accelerated growth across every area, from clinical quality to staff engagement. Today, EMS leadership serves on hospital committees shaping patient care, providing real-time data and feedback to improve outcomes through a collaborative, team-based approach.
Close coordination with Emergency Department physicians and nursing leadership has led to advancements in equipment, treatment practices, and protocol development. A nurse ride-along program invites Emergency Department nurses and students to experience prehospital medicine firsthand, fostering stronger interdisciplinary understanding.
Internally, Harrison County EMS established committees focused on Education, Recruitment and Retention, Employee Engagement, and Community Relations. These groups have driven improvements such as new medications, upgraded technology, and the addition of STEMI transmitting capabilities.
“Being part of a larger organizational mission has allowed us to align every decision with improved patient outcomes,” the leadership team shared. “The future of this partnership is incredibly promising.”
Education and Training Advancements
Education remains at the heart of Harrison County EMS’s success. Achieving Level III Teaching and Educational Institution (TEI) status is a milestone years in the making, built on a culture that values continuous learning and professional growth.
As a TEI, the agency expands its reach beyond employees, offering training for first responders, law enforcement, and the broader community. Through HMH sponsorship, the team has hosted free educational symposiums that deliver high-quality instruction and continuing education for providers across the region.
The department is also nearing completion of its first Citizens EMS Academy, designed to help residents better understand the EMS system and develop lifesaving skills. Covering EMS history, medical and trauma recognition, disaster preparedness, and certification pathways, the academy builds community readiness and confidence. Future sessions are planned for schools, churches, and civic groups throughout the county.
Work-Life Balance and Shift Innovation
When leadership noticed signs of fatigue and declining morale, they acted quickly. After staff feedback and careful planning, the department transitioned to 12-hour shifts. The result was immediate improvement in morale, engagement, and patient care, especially during overnight hours.
“Providing balance helps our people deliver their best,” said one committee member. “We’ve seen renewed enthusiasm for the work, and it shows in the quality of care.”
By prioritizing wellness and work-life balance, the agency has strengthened both recruitment and retention. More EMS professionals are seeking agencies that support their well-being, and Harrison County EMS continues to lead by example.
Mentorship and Career Development
A structured mentorship program ensures every new team member receives strong support from day one. Through the agency’s Education Committee, orientation has evolved into a guided process focused on preparedness, confidence, and growth.
Each new hire is paired with a dedicated preceptor who provides consistent feedback, coaching, and skill evaluation. Orientation includes hands-on practice with documentation, driving, equipment operation, and policy familiarization. A comprehensive binder tracks required competencies, and extensions are offered when additional training is needed.
This methodical, people-first approach has enhanced retention, built clinical confidence, and helped maintain the enthusiasm that new EMS professionals bring to the field.
Hospital Partnership and Service Advancement
As a hospital-based service, Harrison County EMS plays a key role in improving care across the full continuum, from the 911 call through hospital discharge. Close collaboration with hospital leadership allows for shared data review and faster response to community health trends.
This partnership has also led to the creation of the Care-A-Van program, which removes transportation barriers for scheduled appointments, procedures, and discharges. Serving seven counties, the program supports mobility access and helps reduce unnecessary ambulance usage and emergency department visits.
Shared initiatives between EMS and HMH include:
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AutoPulse devices deployed across ambulances, the Emergency Department, and Cath Lab
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Tidal-volume-controlled BVM implementation for consistent ventilation quality
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A localized stroke checklist to guide destination selection
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STEMI transmission alerts for faster Cath Lab activation
The team continues to analyze cardiac, stroke, and trauma data to strengthen training and outcomes. Their next focus is improving early recognition and management of sepsis, an area with great potential to impact patient survival and recovery.
Looking Ahead: MIH and Community Paramedicine
Harrison County EMS is now planning the next phase of its evolution with the development of a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) and Community Paramedicine program. The initiative aims to bridge care gaps for high-risk and underserved patients through home visits, chronic disease support, and post-discharge follow-up.
Working alongside primary care providers and peer support specialists, paramedics will help manage post-procedure care, review medications, provide education, and conduct safety assessments. The program’s goal is to prevent avoidable readmissions while improving continuity of care.
Set to launch in 2026, the program will operate in a non-emergency capacity and serve qualifying patients across the HMH service area.
“Being part of Harrison Memorial Hospital has transformed how we deliver care,” leadership noted. “Through innovation, collaboration, and a shared mission, we are ensuring every patient receives the right care at the right time.”
EMSKY’s Closing Note
At EMSKY, we celebrate the vision and progress of Harrison County EMS as they continue raising the standard for integrated, community-focused care. Their leadership demonstrates how partnership, education, and wellness combine to create lasting impact across Kentucky’s EMS system.