EMA Hires Leader to Boost School Emergency Planning
Derek Woolbright has been hired as the Assistant Director of Education Safety for the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency. Putnam County Emergency Management Agency Director Brandon Smith announced the appointment for the new shared role that splits responsibilities between Tennessee Tech and the Putnam County Schools. The position aims to assist both organizations in preparing […]
Woolbright Concludes 17-Year Career With Jackson EMS/911
Derek Woolbright worked his last full-time shift at Jackson County EMS/911 Wednesday, concluding a 17-year tenure with the department. Woolbright began his career at the agency in 2009 as an 18-year-old student seeking part-time employment. He described his time at the station on North Murray Street as a period where he grew up both personally […]
Jackson EMS Receives New Child Restraints For Safety
The Jackson County EMS Department has received three new child restraint systems from Erlanger Children’s Hospital. Jackson County EMS Public Information Officer Derek Woolbright said the harness-like devices secure a patient to a stretcher while they are being transported in an ambulance. Woolbright said the child restraints are a major upgrade compared to the built-in […]
Expert: Firework Injuries, Heat Illnesses Common This Week
With a full week of Independence Day activities and fireworks ahead, a local EMA Officer said it will be important to remain diligent to stay safe. Jackson County EMA Public Information Officer Derek Woolbright said heat related illness and dehydration are common this time of year. Woolbright said fireworks injuries are also common, especially if […]
Neighboring EMS Agencies Helping Cover Clay County Emergencies
Jackson County EMS one of several agencies that will help cover emergencies in Celina after its ambulance service resigned. PIO Derek Woolbright said that as of noon Monday, they have already had one unit respond to Clay County. “It certainly going to increase the workload for our on-shift employees,” Woolbright said. “But I do want […]
Jackson Co. Flood Hazard Maps See New Major Changes From FEMA
Jackson County’s flood hazard maps saw no major changes after receiving the latest updates from FEMA. EMA Spokesperson Derek Woolbright said the last time the county received new maps was around 2010. He said the map points out areas in the county most likely to have flood hazards. “Those kinds of maps allow us to […]
Exercise Caution When Navigating Icy Walkways
Freezing rain and icy conditions Tuesday could create dangerous conditions, especially for porches and walkways. Clay County EMA Director Kyle Haney said when these conditions occur, the department tends to see an uptick in orthopedic injuries from individuals falling and hurt themselves. He said this is most common with the older population. Haney said these […]
Jackson Co. Emergency Management Gauging Interest In Training
Jackson County Emergency Management gauging interest in EMT and EMR training. Spokesperson Derek Woolbright said EMT is a higher level of licensure that allows one to work in an ambulance. He said EMRs are typically what people consider first responders. “We like most everyone in the state, especially in the Upper Cumberland are kind of […]
Jackson 911 Looking For More Dispatchers
Jackson County’s 911 is looking to hire new dispatchers. Jackson 911 PIO Derek Woolbright said that their county is currently has a critical need for more personnel. He said that dispatchers make the calls for all emergency departments in the county and they’re being spread thin. “I would say they need the ability to multi-task, […]
