A large ambulance and helicopter parked on the side of a road.

Who We Are

Holyoke Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) covers a vast area of eastern Phillips County, including the towns of Holyoke, Paoli, and Amherst, among others. HEMS offers comprehensive 9-1-1 emergency medical care around the clock, every day of the week, utilizing the latest equipment and techniques in the field. Our team, comprising both full-time and part-time professionals such as emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, registered nurses (RN), and first responders, is extensively trained in prehospital trauma and medical care, ready to assist our citizens when they need it most. Our providers are committed to the community, specializing in delivering empathetic care and ensuring the safety and comfort of our patients throughout their care.

A dragon with wings and a star of life

Call 911

Holyoke EMS serves as the prehospital division of eastern Phillips County's healthcare system, operating as part of Melissa Memorial Hospital and an extension of the Emergency Department (ED). The care our patients receive is equivalent to the initial treatment provided in the emergency room. To access this prehospital care, citizens and visitors must dial 911.

When 911 is called, the caller will be connected to the Phillips County Communications Center. The dispatcher will alert the necessary emergency services. Callers should be prepared to provide detailed information to the dispatch operator about the emergency's nature, the individuals involved, and the precise location. Residents whose addresses are not clearly marked must also provide directions. The absence of clear address identification can delay our swift response by hindering our location-finding ability.

Three people standing in front of a fire truck.
A van is parked in the parking lot.

When EMS Arrives

Upon arrival at the scene, our team will inquire extensively. The goal is to evaluate the circumstances and fully grasp the emergency's specifics. Concurrently, our crew will begin providing essential, life-saving treatment. We recognize the importance of time in such situations, and you can be confident that our committed and skilled professionals are administering care.

Recent Projects/Activities

  • We will soon have Critical Care Paramedics. An advanced certificate that allows our paramedics to provide additional care through an extended scope of practice.

  • Annual Holyoke EMS Golf Tournament fundraising for community projects.

  • More exciting events are coming soon!

    Questions or Comments: Contact (970) 854-2241