Ohatchee, AL – At the Town of Ohatchee Council meeting on January 13, 2026, officials announced the arrival of a new medical Rapid Response Unit. Pat Brown, EMS Director for Piedmont Rescue, was invited to speak first and present the unit to the community.
“The Rapid Response Unit is the first of its kind in our area, and we believe it will serve Ohatchee well,” said Brown.
The Rapid Response Unit is an ALS (Advanced Life Support) vehicle and is equipped with the same emergency medical equipment as an ambulance, with the exception of a stretcher and patient transport capabilities. The vehicle is a Chevrolet Silverado that has been converted into a medical rescue unit and outfitted with multiple compartments for quick identification and access to necessary equipment. The vehicle and equipment was fully purchased by the Town of Ohatchee.
Brown explained that the Rapid Response Unit will be stationed in Ohatchee and will respond exclusively to medical and trauma emergencies within the jurisdictional limits and they will have an MOU with surrounding cities. He also informed the community that the unit will be staffed only by paramedics — not EMTs or Advanced EMTs — who are already employed by Piedmont Rescue. This staffing model allows paramedics to operate under the direction of Piedmont Rescue Medical Director Dr. Josh Williams, ensuring all training remains current and all licensing requirements are met.
Brown noted that the nearest transporting ambulance is currently stationed in Alexandria and in rare cases, could be responding from other areas of the county which could take 25 to 35 minutes to arrive at a medical emergency in Ohatchee. With the new system in place, when 911 is called for a medical emergency within the jurisdiction, the Rapid Response Unit will be dispatched simultaneously with the ambulance. This allows the responding paramedic to assess the patient and begin treatment immediately, preparing them for transport once the ambulance arrives.
Brown added that utilizing paramedics already familiar with Piedmont Rescue protocols is another advantage, as both responding units understand established operating procedures. This coordination allows ambulance crews to know what to expect upon arrival and helps ensure patients receive care within the “early crucial minutes”, significantly increasing their chances of a full recovery.
Brown then introduced Piedmont Rescue Medical Director Dr. Josh Williams, who addressed the council and audience. Dr. Williams explained that since becoming medical director, he has taken a “hands-on approach” to working with medical staff, emphasizing proper training and continuous education for all personnel involved in patient care. Dr. Williams also confirmed that he will remain the medical director for the paramedics staffing the Ohatchee Rapid Response Unit.
Alan Kelly, current Chief of Police and soon-to-be Public Safety Director, addressed the council, stating, “The need for emergency medical care has always been here. This Rapid Response Unit provides immediate medical attention while an ambulance is on the way. It also allows Piedmont Rescue ambulances to remain in service while our unit responds to non-transport calls such as lift assists, blood pressure checks, and minor medical complaints where patients often decline transport.”
Ohatchee Mayor Todd Eubanks said access to emergency medical services was a clear priority expressed by residents during his campaign. He stated, “The people of Ohatchee expressed the need for improved medical response during my campaign, and I wanted to deliver the best possible service we could provide. This unit allows us to respond to emergencies in minutes and deliver critical care when every minute counts.”
Ohatchee officials expect the Rapid Response Unit to be in service by February, though it could become operational sooner depending on the arrival of remaining supplies. It was also explained that the unit will not initially operate 24 hours per day; however, plans are already in motion to expand coverage as soon as possible. The Rapid Response Unit will be based at the Police Department/City Hall.
