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Ambulance Service Headquarters Renovated by Industrial Board

Posted
McKENZIE (October 27) — Hospital Drive in McKenzie no longer includes a hospital, but there are still medical facilities, a new high-tech company, and a newly renovated headquarters for Carroll County Emergency Medical Services (EMS). 
 
Along with Spivey Eye Center, Rejuvenate, and Hometown Health Clinic is Cachengo, a McKenzie-based high-tech company producing data storage devices, writing software and firmware, and developing security systems of transit authorities in New Jersey and New York. Cachengo purchased the former hospital building in early 2022 from the McKenzie Industrial Board.
 
The adjacent ambulance station, was in need of significant repairs, so, the new owner, McKenzie Industrial spent $130,000 to renovate and double the size of the living quarters, add storage space, and two new truck bays, separated from the living quarters. All new heating and cooling systems were added, a new TV room was added along with a new kitchen. All building supplies were purchased locally and Patrick Little was the contractor.
 
Jonathan Gaskins, a paramedic with Baptist EMS, said he and his fellow crew members appreciate the renovations made by the McKenzie IDC. He noted the McKenzie station accommodates four on-duty crew members, who are ready to respond to emergency calls on a 24-hour basis. Each crew member has his or her own bedroom. 
 
McKenzie IDC upgraded the facilities to assure McKenzie retains its excellent EMS services. Priority Ambulance Service operates the EMS for Baptist Hospital -Carroll County and has two base stations - McKenzie and Huntingdon. 
 
The industrial board also owns the heliport used for medical helicopters. It is adjacent to the EMS headquarters. 
 
Ricky Stafford, a paramedic, is the director of Baptist EMS in Carroll County.