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By Paula Pyzik Scott

Bluffton EMS Chief Noah Babcock notified council on Monday that the Village Emergency Medical Services will transition to 24/7 in-station staffing on Thursday, May 1.

In November 2024 Bluffton voters approved a municipal income tax for the purpose of funding safety services, including the creation of a full-time EMS staff and full-time EMS chief.

EMS staffing
Babcock started as the new full-time EMS Chief in February 2025. He has since hired four full-time employees and will hire a fifth. Babcock is a paramedic and fills in on service runs when needed. His regular schedule is Monday-Friday.

His assistant chief is Jan Basinger, the former EMS chief who has 20 years of experience on the Bluffton EMS crew and operates the Village waste water plant. Babcock explains that Basinger is assisting with the transition to full-time staffing and providing cohesion during this phase.

Full time EMS employees started in early April 2025, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:00 p.m., improving call response times. Previously crews would drive to the station after being paged. Now daytime crews have a goal of being out the door in 120 seconds during the day.

EMS station remodeling
Remodeling of the Bluffton EMS station at 115 E Washington St. is being done in phases. It now has two new bedrooms and existing shower facilities. A final quote for the installation of a kitchen is expected shortly.

New ambulance
A new Braun ambulance was delivered in April. The red vehicle will stand out among the white vehicles in the fleet. The new color was selected because studies show drivers are more likely to pull over for a red vehicle. It will provide a smoother ride and be more comfortable for patients that experience pain on bumpy roads. The ambulance box is made of steel, providing more protection for occupants.

Community and volunteer support
As a new first responder in Bluffton, Babcock observes that the community and elected officials have shown “amazing support for first responders.” The Village income tax was created with an over 72% approval margin.

He also emphasizes that the EMS volunteer base has provided exceptional service levels. In 2024, Bluffton EMS had some 825 calls and required outside coverage on just 30 of those calls. “They did something that is truly special,” he notes.

About the new chief
After growing up in Bascom, Ohio and attending Hopewell-Loudon Schools, Babcock became an entrepreneur and moved to Ottawa, where he also served as a paramedic. He has been defensive line coach for the Bluffton University football team for five years. By the time this story posts, he hopes to also be a new Bluffton resident.

Babcock notes that he became an EMT because he experienced a house fire when he was a kid, and he wanted to give back to the community. He became a full time paramedic in Putnam County, starting at the time of the Covid pandemic.

Another role for Babcock is throwing coach for the Van Buren High School track and field team. He says he’s grateful to be called coach and that the kids make his life better, keeping him "on his toes and up to date."