The Selma Times-Journal

As of midnight Thursday, Care Ambulance became the sole emergency health care transport provider in Selma and Dallas County.

Emergystat, which was the primary ambulance service for the area, had an issue with liability insurance that could not be immediately resolved, according to Kim Ballard, probate judge and chairman of the Dallas County Commission.

An advantage of Care is that they were already licensed to work in Dallas County, Ballard said. Care Ambulance has been in the Selma-Dallas County area for more than five years. Ballard said he met with Care officials to discuss adding additional vehicles and emergency medical technicians to ensure adequate coverage for Dallas County.

Care Ambulance had five vehicles available for use Thursday afternoon. Dennis Poole, Care manager for Selma, said there were seven vehicles for use earlier Thursday. Poole said there was room for possible greater expansion depending on call volumes. &8220;We&8217;ll adapt to the needs of the community,&8221; Poole said.

The company has signed a contract stating it will provide at least 3 ambulances that will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there will be a spare vehicle in case of emergency repairs on the other ambulances.