07/15/2026
Adair County Ambulance Service is proud to announce it has been awarded a Rural Health Transformation Crisis to Care: EMS Training Equipment Grant in the amount of $438,418.00. This significant investment will strengthen emergency medical education in south-central Kentucky and position the service to become a regional leader in EMS training.
The grant will fund the purchase of advanced EMS training equipment, including high-fidelity patient simulators (mannequins) and high-fidelity patient simulation technology. These systems provide realistic, immersive training experiences that allow EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to practice complex medical emergencies in a safe learning environment before responding to actual patients.
Director Chad Wheet said the award represents more than an investment in equipment—it is an investment in the future of rural healthcare.
"This grant gives us the opportunity to build something that will benefit not only Adair County but our entire region," said Wheet. "Our vision is to establish Adair County Ambulance Service as a regional EMS training site where first responders and healthcare providers can receive advanced, realistic simulation training close to home. Rural agencies often face challenges accessing this level of education, and we want to help bridge that gap."
Wheet also credited the dedication of the agency's employees for helping make the grant award possible.
"This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of some truly outstanding employees," Wheet said. "Their willingness to invest countless hours in planning, developing ideas, and supporting the grant application demonstrates their commitment to improving emergency medical care throughout our region. This is a team accomplishment, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved together."
The new simulation equipment will allow providers to train for a wide variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, trauma, pediatric emergencies, respiratory failure, obstetrical complications, mass casualty incidents, and other high-acuity events. By recreating realistic patient scenarios, providers can improve clinical decision-making, communication, leadership, and teamwork in an environment that mirrors real-world emergencies.
Looking ahead, Adair County Ambulance Service plans to pursue additional grant opportunities to expand the program even further.
"Our long-term goal is to develop a mobile simulation training program," Wheet added. "By bringing this technology directly to EMS agencies, fire departments, hospitals, and healthcare organizations across rural Kentucky, we can eliminate travel barriers and make high-quality training more accessible. We believe every first responder, regardless of where they serve, should have access to the same advanced educational opportunities."
The grant represents a major step toward building a sustainable regional training program that will improve provider readiness, strengthen partnerships among emergency services, and ultimately enhance patient care throughout the Commonwealth.
Adair County Ambulance Service remains committed to innovation, professional development, and delivering exceptional emergency medical services. Through strategic investments in education and collaboration, the agency continues to advance its mission of providing the highest standard of care to the communities it serves while helping shape the future of rural EMS education in Kentucky.
