Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Mason County is taking a new path for its emergency medical services. HealthNet Aeromedical Services, based in Charleston, is now operating Mason County EMS.
An agreement between Mason County and HealthNet went into effect Aug. 1 and runs for two years. Under the contract, the county will pay HealthNet $250,000 annually for the service.
Mason County Commission President Rick Handley said the partnership offers several benefits for the county.
"Anytime we buy an ambulance, they buy in bulk. We buy from an individual company and have to take what their bid is going to be" Handley said. "Another thing would be the materials, the medicine and the different supplies we need. They buy in bulk, which will save us money there also."
According to the agreement, the Mason County EMS director will be employed by HealthNet, while paramedics will continue to be employed by the county and will keep their current benefits. The Mason County Commission will still retain authority over hiring and firing employees.
In addition, paramedics have transitioned to a 24/72 schedule, working a 24-hour shift followed by having 72 hours off.
It's a move aimed at reducing stress and burnout associated with the job.
"It is hard. I've taken a lot of traumatic calls and carried them with me. I still carry them with me. It's something I will carry for the rest of my life," Mason County paramedic Skyla King said.
With two major companies coming to Mason County, Handley said more EMS workers will be needed. He believes this partnership will help address that demand.
"We're on an equal level with the counties around us," Handley said.
Mason County is the fourth county in West Virginia to contract with HealthNet to operate its EMS service.
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/healthnet-aeromedical-services-operating-mason-county-ems-service
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Mason County is taking a new path for its emergency medical services. HealthNet Aeromedical Services, based in Charleston, is now operating Mason County EMS.
An agreement between Mason County and HealthNet went into effect Aug. 1 and runs for two years. Under the contract, the county will pay HealthNet $250,000 annually for the service.
Mason County Commission President Rick Handley said the partnership offers several benefits for the county.
"Anytime we buy an ambulance, they buy in bulk. We buy from an individual company and have to take what their bid is going to be" Handley said. "Another thing would be the materials, the medicine and the different supplies we need. They buy in bulk, which will save us money there also."
According to the agreement, the Mason County EMS director will be employed by HealthNet, while paramedics will continue to be employed by the county and will keep their current benefits. The Mason County Commission will still retain authority over hiring and firing employees.
In addition, paramedics have transitioned to a 24/72 schedule, working a 24-hour shift followed by having 72 hours off.
It's a move aimed at reducing stress and burnout associated with the job.
"It is hard. I've taken a lot of traumatic calls and carried them with me. I still carry them with me. It's something I will carry for the rest of my life," Mason County paramedic Skyla King said.
With two major companies coming to Mason County, Handley said more EMS workers will be needed. He believes this partnership will help address that demand.
"We're on an equal level with the counties around us," Handley said.
Mason County is the fourth county in West Virginia to contract with HealthNet to operate its EMS service.
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/healthnet-aeromedical-services-operating-mason-county-ems-service
_________________________________________
Follow WCHS on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston
Twitter: twitter.com/wchs8fox11
Instagram: instagram.com/wchs8fox11
For the latest local and national news, visit our website: wchstv.com
Sign up for our newsletter: wchstv.com/sign-up
