Bloomville, Ohio — The Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday to celebrate the opening of Seneca County EMS’s new Bloomville Station #4.
When EMS services began in 1978, first responders relied on a basic medical bag and hope to transport patients to hospitals quickly. “Paramedics were unheard of in rural areas at that time,” said Seneca County EMS Director Chris Hafley. “Now we respond to the side of a patient with a mini emergency room.”
The new station is part of a broader effort to enhance emergency medical services across the county. With new stations and improved collaboration, the joint EMS district aims to provide faster and more effective care, ultimately saving more lives.
During the ceremony, Seneca County Commissioner Anthony Paradiso acknowledged the contributions of numerous individuals in advancing EMS services. Paradiso was joined by Commissioners Bill Frankart and Tyler Shuff, as well as Seneca County Administrator Barb Patterson, who played a crucial role in developing the countywide system. “We commissioners support countywide EMS. We want a sustainable system,” Paradiso said. “We’re just beginning. Today is a monumental moment where we can celebrate all our hard work.”
Hafley expressed gratitude to the commissioners and Patterson for their “unwavering leadership and dedication” to enhancing EMS services.
Paradiso reflected on the challenges he faced when first elected county commissioner, recalling conversations with Frankart and former Green Springs mayor Adam Greenslade that fueled his commitment to improving EMS services.
