Garrett County OEM / 911 Communications

09/24/2026

🚑 **Advancing EMS Care in Garrett County**

Garrett County Emergency Services is beginning the rollout of new **Sapphire medication infusion pumps** for our EMS system.

Today, we took delivery of our first unit, marking the beginning of a phased implementation that will continue over the coming weeks and months. EMS clinicians will begin hands-on training over the next several weeks to ensure personnel are familiar and comfortable with the new equipment before it is placed into regular service.

The new pumps will provide our clinicians with another important tool for the controlled administration of medications and infusions during patient care.

As additional units arrive and training is completed, the Sapphire pumps will gradually be deployed throughout the EMS system.

This investment is part of our continued effort to provide Garrett County's EMS clinicians with modern equipment and resources while maintaining a strong focus on high-quality patient care.

**One Team. One Mission. One Garrett County.**

09/24/2026

09/23/2026

09/22/2026

Garrett County Emergency Management is pleased to share a recent feature from the University of Maryland Global Campus highlighting an important partnership focused on improving flood preparedness and resilience in Garrett County.

Through UMGC’s Environmental Management master’s program, student teams worked with Garrett County partners to analyze local flood risks and develop practical resources, including GIS mapping, communications strategies, educational materials, and other tools that can support future emergency planning and community preparedness. (University of Maryland Global Campus)

This collaboration demonstrates the value of bringing together local knowledge, emergency management, academic expertise, and innovative thinking to address real-world challenges facing our communities.

We appreciate the work of the UMGC students and faculty, along with our Garrett County partners who helped make this project possible.

Read the full UMGC feature:
UMGC Students Strengthen Flood Resilience in Western Maryland

Garrett County Emergency Management
One Team. One Mission. One Garrett County.

A collaboration between UMGC graduate students and Garrett County produced data-driven resources designed to improve hazard awareness, emergency planning, and risk communications. The work was part of UMGC’s Master of Science in Environmental Management capstone project.

09/16/2026

Another GREAT training opportunity for our First Responder community. Please share with any department that may be interested in attending.

09/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Garrett County Emergency Management
September 15, 2026

Text-to-911 Helps Responders Rescue Injured Kayaker on Youghiogheny River

FRIENDSVILLE, Md. — An injured kayaker was safely extricated from the Youghiogheny River area near Friendsville and transported to Garrett Regional Medical Center after a text-to-911 message helped emergency responders locate the incident.

At approximately 2:40 p.m. today, Garrett County 911 received a text message reporting an injured kayaker on the Youghiogheny River in the area of White Rock Run. The individual requesting assistance was unable to place a voice call to 911 because of limited cellular service but was able to communicate by text.

Garrett County 911 Specialists were able to pinpoint the location of the individual sending the messages and direct emergency responders into the area. Text-to-911 provided a critical connection to emergency services when a voice call could not be completed.

A water release by Brookfield had occurred earlier in the day, with Class V rapids reported on the river.

Personnel from Northern Garrett Rescue Squad, Friendsville Fire Department, Deep Creek Fire Department, Garrett County Emergency Services, and Natural Resource Police responded to the incident. Maryland State Police Trooper 5 also responded to assist if a helicopter hoist became necessary.

Responders safely extricated the patient from the area using an all-terrain vehicle. The patient was then transported to Garrett Regional Medical Center by Northern Garrett Rescue Squad.

“This incident is a great example of our 911 Specialists, volunteers, and career staff working together toward a common goal—getting help to someone in need,” said Director Justin Orendorf. “Text-to-911 provided a critical connection when a voice call wasn’t possible. From identifying the location to safely extricating the patient and getting them to medical care, every part of this response depended on teamwork. I commend everyone involved for their dedication, professionalism, and coordination.”

Garrett County Emergency Management reminds the public: Call 911 when you can; text 911 when you cannot. When requesting help by text, provide your location, briefly describe the emergency, and follow the 911 Specialist’s instructions.

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

September is National Preparedness Month!

Garrett County Emergency Management encourages everyone to take simple steps now to be better prepared when an emergency occurs. Make sure you:

✅ Know the risks in your area
✅ Create and practice a family emergency plan
✅ Build or update your emergency supply kit
✅ Sign up for local emergency alerts
✅ Consider the needs of children, older adults, pets, and individuals with disabilities

Preparedness does not have to be complicated or expensive. A few small actions today can make a major difference when it matters most.

Learn how you can Stand Ready at:
https://www.ready.gov/stand-ready

09/14/2026

⚠️ STRONG THUNDERSTORM — NORTHWESTERN GARRETT COUNTY

9:35 p.m. EDT Update: A strong thunderstorm was located near Friendsville, moving southeast at 30 mph. Winds exceeding 40 mph are possible with this storm.

Areas that may be affected include Bittinger, Friendsville, Deer Park, Accident, Jennings, Keysers Ridge, Mineral Spring, McHenry, Selbysport, New Germany, McComas Beach, Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swallow Falls State Park, and Big Run State Park.

Travel impact: Interstate 68 between mile markers 1 and 17 is included in the affected area.

09/12/2026

⚠️ **FLASH FLOOD WARNING — WESTERN GARRETT COUNTY** ⚠️

The National Weather Service has issued a **Flash Flood Warning until 7:45 p.m. today, September 12**.

Flash flooding is **already occurring**, with flooding reported along **U.S. Route 50 near WV line**. The warning includes **Redhouse, Crellin, and surrounding areas**.

🚫 **Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around—don’t drown.**
🚧 Use alternate routes and avoid low-water crossings.
📱 Remain alert for additional warnings and emergency information.

Call 911 for emergencies.