DISPATCH

MVRS calls are dispatched by the Amherst Communications Center located at the Amherst County Sheriffs Department. Amherst Communications is headed by the Department of Public Safety, Jack Ball. The EOC dispatches for police, fire and, rescue for Amherst County (AmCo) and the Town of Amherst. MVRS is dispatched on the 800 MHz trunked radio system by Ericksson. There is a backup system on the high band radio (154-2204 frequency). All members are issued a 16 channel 800 MHz radio.

With the new 800 MHz radio system, we are linked with the City of Lynchburg, Bedford City, and Bedford County. At the change of the channel you can communicate to any of the Emergency Operation Centers (EOC's) in these localities. The 800 MHz radio allows for agencies to communicate to each other on the same frequency, provides more channels if there are different incidents going on at the same time, and works well in mutual aid situations. If the need arises, each EOC will be able to monitor each agencies channel. The system allows for faster response times and has taken communication into the next century.

Picture of Amherst Console

To Call For Help:

DIAL 911 ***** 911 is now operational in AmCo *****

Stay calm and answer the dispatchers questions. Speak in plain English, don't use police jargon.
Give the dispatcher the exact location of the emergency.
State what your emergency is.
Give your name and a call back number.
Hang up only when the dispatcher says to or if they hang up first. They may need additional information. Do not put the dispatcher on hold.
If available give the patients past medical history and age.
Dispatchers prefer a road name, not a route number. Also the house number where the emergency is or a cross street. (Know the exact building number, street name, suite name or apartment number)

When To Call EMS For Help:

Only call for Rescue in an emergency. If you are not sure, please call us, its better to be safe than sorry. Emergencies should be reported immediately, Do Not Delay!
Emergencies include: Chest Pains, Difficulty Breathing, Motor Vehicle Crash With Injury, Seizures, Strokes, Person Not Breathing, Choking, Burns To Large Area, Miscarriage, Immediate Labor, Severe Bleeding, House Fires, Allergic Reactions, Vomiting or Coughing blood, Diabetic Reactions or Comas, Stab Wounds, Gunshot Wounds, Electrocution…...
Do not call the Emergency number for non-emergency transports. We only do non-emergency transports if they are set up 24 hours before hand or if we are able to get another crew other than the duty crew. Non-emergency transports can be set up by calling the business number 929-0908. Remember if you are not sure call the Emergency number.