NEW MADRID AMBULANCE USERS SHOULD CALL 911

NEW MADRID - There has been some confusion as to what number to call for an ambulance in New Madrid County since the inception of the new E911 system.

Ralph Barnwell, county coordinator for New Madrid County Ambulance District said people who need an ambulance should use the new emergency number - 911- rather than calling the ambulance number or the sheriff's office as they did in the past.

"We consider every ambulance call an emergency until determined otherwise," Barnwell said.

He added that by calling the Sheriff's office, Portageville Police Department or the New Madrid Police Department, there could be a delay when transferring calls.

"I would urge everyone needing an ambulance to call 911," said Barnwell. "When the 911 number is activated from home the residents' information appears on the computer screen and if for any reason there is a disconnection, the dispatchers have the address and phone to call right back and get help on the way."

Anyone interested in learning more about the 911 system and how it affects the dispatching of an emergency vehicle and personnel can do so by calling 643-2319 or 748-5572 to have a program arranged.