McDowell County EMS

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McDowell County EMS

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Agency Director: William Kehler
Deputy Director: Adrienne Rivera Jones

McDowell County Emergency Medical Service began its operation on July 1, 1977.

EMS began its operation with a total of 16 employees with 5 employees working each shift. In the early days of the organization the crew quarters were located in County Administration Building. In 1978 EMS moved into a new station located on South Garden Street where it served as the main station until June 2, 2022. In 1989 a second station was added in the Old Fort community. This station was located within the Rocket Building at Old Fort. In 2002 McDowell County Board of Commissioners approved the construction of a new Old Fort EMS Station on US 70 West in Old Fort. In October of 2010, EMS Station 3 located in the Nebo community was built through a joint project with the Nebo Volunteer Fire Department. EMS Station 4 located on US 221 North in Marion opened on March 16th. Emergency Services Headquarters, located at 129 Barnes Rd. in Marion was opened on June 2, 2022. Today McDowell County EMS paramedics remain on the cutting edge of Emergency Medicine with access to state of the art medical equipment, medical protocols that meet national standards in emergency medicine, and training programs that provide excellent opportunities for professional development. McDowell EMS is committed to being an active player within the community promoting injury prevention programs and public awareness on a variety of health related topics. In July of 2013 McDowell EMS implemented the first Community Care Paramedic Program in Western North Carolina. Today… just as it did 45 years ago, McDowell County EMS and its 63 professional employees take great pride in providing Emergency Medical Care to the citizens of McDowell County. We look forward to continue serving the citizens of this county and improving the level of service we provide.

31/10/2026

Our medics are getting into the Halloween spirit, and apparently we’ve got a few ghosts haunting the station! 👻😂

As you head out for some tricks and treats tonight, remember to slow down, watch for little ghosts and goblins crossing the streets, and keep those costumes visible!

Have a spooktacular Halloween from all of us at McDowell County Emergency Services! 🎃🧡

Stay spooky. Stay safe. 👻🚑

30/10/2026

BIG NEWS! Help us congratulate two of our own!

Paramedics Kelly Ballard and Chris Church successfully completed the UMBC Critical Care Paramedic Program and passed their certification exams today! Both are now officially credentialed as CCEMT-Ps!

This is no small feat! The UMBC program is demanding and clinically challenging, requiring an advanced understanding of complex, critically ill patients. It takes serious dedication, countless hours of studying, and a willingness to push well beyond the standard paramedic curriculum.

We’re incredibly proud of Kelly and Chris for taking on this challenge and bringing that advanced knowledge back to the patients we serve!

Outstanding work, Kelly and Chris! 👏🚑

30/10/2026

What an incredible day celebrating 28 years of service and leadership from William Kehler!

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who traveled, rearranged schedules, and took time out of their day to celebrate Will and his service to McDowell County, North Carolina, and across the country. The number of people who came together today speaks volumes about the impact he’s had throughout his career.

A special thank-you to our McDowell County Emergency Services team for the countless hours of planning, preparation, and hard work that went into making today’s celebration so special. This team always goes above and beyond, and today was no exception. A reflection of the culture Will has spent so many years building!

A huge thank-you to Nebo Crossing for the beautiful space, incredible staff, and wonderful hospitality today! And a special thank-you to Beam Celebration Center for their generosity and support during the planning process.

Thank you to Sarah Siak for capturing these beautiful photos and helping preserve the memories of such a special day!

Will has always reminded us that together we can accomplish what none of us can alone. Today was another beautiful example of that.

For 28 years, Will has inspired people, built lasting partnerships, and invested in a team and a community that will continue to benefit from his leadership for generations to come.

What an incredible legacy. Thank you, Will, for everything! ❤️

29/10/2026

Yesterday, we raised the American flag over Emergency Services Headquarters in honor of Director William Kehler and his 28 years of service to McDowell County.

This morning, as we prepared to lower and fold it to present to him at his retirement celebration, we were greeted with this incredible sunrise.

One of our paramedics said, “God is pulling out all the stops for Will’s retirement.” ❤️

During Hurricane Helene, in the middle of everything our community was facing, Will would proudly remind us, “Old Glory is still flying!”

And this morning, there she was, flying beneath a beautiful sunrise. A fitting start to a day honoring one of the best.

After 28 years of giving so much of himself to this community, I can’t think of a more fitting way to begin his retirement day.

We love you, Will. Thank you for everything. 🇺🇸

15/10/2026

💚 Happy Global Peer Support Day! 💚

Today, we’re celebrating two incredible members of our team, Mary Jo Silver and Jacqueline Fox, and the difference peer support is making in McDowell County.

For years, emergency responders have witnessed the same difficult cycle: an overdose, a trip to the emergency department, a return home, and another call for help. It’s heartbreaking for families, individuals, and the responders who want so badly to make a difference.

But what if we could do more than respond to the emergency? What if we could help change what happens next?

That’s where peer support comes in.

Peer Support Specialists use their lived experiences to build trust, offer hope, and connect people with treatment, recovery services, and resources they may not have known existed.

Through our Community Paramedicine program and opioid settlement-funded initiatives, our responders can now offer a warm handoff, sometimes right there on the scene, connecting someone in crisis with a real person and a pathway forward.

For our responders, this changes things too. Instead of wondering whether they’ll be back tomorrow, they have resources that can help break the cycle and create lasting change.

Mary Jo and Jacqueline remind us every day that recovery is possible, compassion matters, and everyone deserves an opportunity for a better tomorrow.

Saving a life matters. Helping someone build a life beyond the emergency matters, too. 💚

14/10/2026

Recently, several McDowell County Emergency Services team members completed Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training!

Our emergency services personnel regularly encounter difficult and emotionally challenging situations. This training helps strengthen our ability to recognize stress reactions, support one another, and provide peer support following critical incidents.

Taking care of those who take care of others. 💙

11/10/2026

McDowell County Storm Response Update | October 11, 2026

After a long night of heavy rainfall and flooding across McDowell County, our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will close at 9:00 AM today. The emergency shelter is now closed.

While conditions have improved this morning and streams are returning to their banks, our emergency responders had a busy night.

Overnight impacts and response included:

Widespread localized flooding throughout the county, including flooded roads, overwhelmed culverts, and streams overflowing their banks.

Five landslides concentrated along the NC 226 North corridor in the Woodlawn community.

A structure fire.

Voluntary evacuations in multiple areas of the county.

Despite a challenging night, we are thankful to report no known injuries or loss of life. We call that a success!

We want to sincerely thank all of our emergency response partners who worked tirelessly throughout the night to keep our residents safe. From our 911 telecommunicators coordinating resources behind the scenes to our responders in the field, public works crews, shelter personnel, and supporting agencies, this was truly a team effort.

Although the EOC is closing, emergency services will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate any outstanding needs through normal operations.

Please continue to use caution around damaged roads and areas impacted by flooding or landslides.

To everyone who answered the call last night, thank you for your dedication to McDowell County!

10/10/2026

A QUIET EVENING DOESN'T MEAN THE THREAT HAS PASSED.

The forecast hasn't changed. 8 PM–2 AM remains our greatest concern for heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

The Blue Ridge Escarpment remains our highest-risk area, but flooding is possible countywide.

If your home or access road has flooded before, please consider relocating NOW while roads are safe. Stay with friends or family if possible.

Our emergency shelter is OPEN ALL NIGHT.
McDowell County Senior Center
100 Spaulding Road, Marion (Upper Level)
Pets welcome!

Our EOC will remain staffed overnight, monitoring conditions closely.

If you live in an area that has flooded before or is at risk for landslides, now is the time to think ahead. Make a plan and get somewhere safe before conditions worsen.

Stay safe, McDowell County!

10/10/2026

McDOWELL COUNTY WEATHER UPDATE & EMERGENCY SHELTER INFORMATION
Saturday, October 10, 2026

McDowell County Emergency Services continues to monitor the threat of heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong winds, and possible landslides across our county. Our Emergency Operations Center is staffed, and emergency response agencies and community partners are prepared.

⏰ WHEN ARE THE GREATEST CONCERNS?

According to the National Weather Service:

8 AM–2 PM: Generally lighter rainfall, with rain expected to increase throughout the day.

2 PM–8 PM: Heavier rainfall is expected, increasing the potential for flash flooding.

Tonight into Sunday morning: Rain will continue, and flooding conditions may develop or persist.

⚠️ WHO SHOULD CONSIDER RELOCATING EARLY?

The National Weather Service has identified the Blue Ridge Escarpment as an area of heightened concern for heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and possible landslides.

However, flooding can occur ANYWHERE in McDowell County, not just along the escarpment.

We strongly encourage residents to consider temporarily relocating to a safer location if:

Your home or access road has flooded in the past.

You live near a river, creek, or stream that could rise during heavy rainfall.

You live in a low-lying or flood-prone area.

Your home is near or below a steep slope vulnerable to landslides.

If you need to relocate, please do so EARLY, while roads are safe. Staying with family or friends in a safer location is encouraged when possible.

🏠 EMERGENCY SHELTER — OPENS AT 12 PM TODAY

📍 McDowell County Senior Center
100 Spaulding Rd, Marion, NC 28752
Upper Level

🐾 PETS ARE WELCOME!

🚐 NEED TRANSPORTATION TO THE SHELTER?

Transportation assistance is available today from 12 PM to 6 PM by calling 828-652-3241.

PLEASE CALL EARLY! Our goal is to help residents reach a safe location before heavy rainfall and potential flooding make travel dangerous.

Transportation assistance may be extended depending on weather and road conditions, but please do not wait to make arrangements.

There is no countywide evacuation recommendation at this time. Residents outside flood-prone or landslide-prone areas should remain informed, prepare for possible power outages, and avoid flooded roads.

📱 STAY INFORMED
Text 28752 to 888777 to sign up for McDowell County Nixle emergency alerts.

We recognize that severe weather can bring concern, especially following Hurricane Helene. McDowell County Emergency Services and our response partners are working together to keep our community informed, prepared, and safe.

Please make decisions early. Don't wait until water begins rising or roads become unsafe.

Be prepared, not afraid. Stay safe, McDowell County! ❤️

09/10/2026

🌧️ McDowell County Weather Update | Hurricane Isaias

McDowell County Emergency Services continues to closely monitor the approaching storm. Our emergency response teams are prepared, resources are ready, and we are working closely with our local partners.

Our greatest concern is flash flooding along smaller creeks, streams, and low-lying areas, especially in western and northern McDowell County. The heaviest rainfall is expected Saturday evening into early Sunday.

⚠️ If you live in an area that has flooded before, PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!

Don’t wait for water to rise before leaving. If your home or access road is prone to flooding, consider leaving early and staying with friends or family in a safer location. Make those arrangements now, while roads are safe.

🏠 Emergency Shelters: Shelters are on standby but are NOT open at this time. We are prepared to open them if needed.

🚨 Emergency Operations Center: Our EOC is monitoring conditions overnight and will be open and staffed Saturday at 10 AM.

📱 Emergency Alerts: Text 28752 to 888777 to sign up for McDowell County Nixle alerts.

We know severe weather can bring anxiety, especially after Helene. Please know that McDowell County Emergency Services is prepared and ready to respond.

Be prepared, not afraid. Stay safe, McDowell County! ❤️

👇 The latest National Weather Service briefing is shared below.

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