WESTSIDE -- Northwest Health will be showcasing its new EMS stations and ambulances in Gentry and Gravette from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 18-19.
In conjunction with February as American Heart Month, attendees will be able to learn hands-only CPR at each event, testing their skills on mannequins.
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies also will be held, with members of the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce, Gentry Chamber of Commerce and Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce participating.
On Feb. 18 in Gentry, since the EMS is stationed at the existing Fire Station at 521 W. Third Street, the ribbon-cutting will take place on one of the new ambulances now located there. In Gravette, since the EMS station itself is new, the ribbon-cutting will take place Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the building itself, located at 203 Main Street NE, in downtown Gravette.
Northwest Health EMS began providing 9-1-1 emergency services for the west side of Benton County on Jan. 1, following an agreement finalized in the fall between Benton County and the cities of Gentry and Decatur. The agreement placed three Advanced Life Support ambulances in the west side of Benton County while saving Benton County residents more than $195,000. The new contract encompasses EMS services for the fire districts in Sulphur Springs, Gravette, Maysville, Decatur, Gentry and Gallatin, including the cities of Gentry and Decatur. The city of Gravette will continue to provide EMS services within the city limits of Gravette and Sulphur Springs.
With the new contract, Northwest Health placed an ambulance in both Gentry and Gravette. Additionally, a Northwest Health ambulance currently stationed at Northwest Health's Siloam Springs Regional Hospital helps cover 9-1-1 calls, expanding EMS coverage throughout the region. In addition to increased ground ambulance support, Northwest Health provides air medical services through AirEvac, its air medical partner.
"We've been blessed to serve Benton County residents for many years with two hospitals and numerous clinics located in the county," said Park. "We continue to be excited about this new partnership with the county to expand emergency service capabilities for citizens in these communities," said Park. "To ensure the highest level of care and expand treatment options, we're proud to provide three advanced life support ambulances with placement designed to improve response times to the western corridor of Benton County. During a medical emergency, every second counts, so this results in enhancing the quality of health care for patients."
About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is one of the largest health networks in Northwest Arkansas with five hospitals: Northwest Medical Center -- Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center -- Springdale, Northwest Medical Center -- Willow Creek Women's Hospital, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital and Northwest Health Physicians' Specialty Hospital. The system has 487 beds, a combined active medical staff of more than 540 physicians and 2,200 employees working together to provide quality healthcare for the region. Northwest Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a select group of independent health systems that work closely with Mayo Clinic to improve the delivery of health care and better serve their patients and their communities.
Editorial on 02/13/2019