Magoffin County’s license application to operate ambulance service moves forward

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WSAZ) - Lifeguard Ambulance withdrew its claim against Magoffin County who applied to start its ambulance service.

Magoffin County officials recognized the need for additional EMS crews and applied for a Certificate of Need license to start its service in January 2020. A hearing approval was set for June 2020 at the state Capitol, but wasn’t held due to the pandemic.

A WSAZ Investigation revealed that an ambulance wasn’t available within the county 13 times, according to Magoffin County Judge-Executive Matthew Wireman and the 911 logs from July 1 through August 2021, meaning anyone in Magoffin County needing help had to wait for an ambulance to come from a neighboring county.

WSAZ reached out on the county’s behalf several times since state officials said: “a hearing would be scheduled in the near future” two weeks ago.

In a statement issued to WSAZ, a spokesperson said,” The affected party opposing the Magoffin County Certificate of Need has withdrawn, so there will be no hearing. The administrative hearing officer will review the application and make a decision based on criteria laid out in associated statutes and regulations.”