Two new 2010 Ford F-350 ambulances are housed at 405 2nd Street in Paonia. This facility was completely remodeled after a devastating fire on August 6, 2009. The cause of the fire is thought to be linked to the electrical system in the then new 2008 GMC ambulance. The fire quickly spread to both ambulances and the building was fully engulfed within minutes. The Paonia Fire Dept was key in saving the building and those in the area. Our insurance coverage has replaced both ambulances, equipment and refurbished the building. Generous donations from the community and several service groups have taken up the slack between insurance coverage and actual loss to the NFAA. We received a grants from The El Pomar Foundation, The Colorado Grand Car Tour and a State of Colorado EMS & Truama Emergency Grant to help rebuild, and upgrade our facility and equipment as it was replaced.

The meeting room at the NFAA Ambulance station is used for Board meetings, Continuing Education and other training activities. Paonia is also the home of the Paonia Campus of the Delta Montrose Technical College where the EMT-B class is held each year as well as other EMS training sessions.

The Paonia crews respond to an average of 40 calls per month with a coverage area from the top of McClure Pass, the majority of this side of Kebler Pass, through the town of Paonia and surrounding mesas, including all of the coal mines, west to Midway and south to Fobare Road. They work with West Elk Search and Rescue, Delta County Search and Rescue, local law enforcement and fire departments when needed.

As the NFAA is a BLS Emergency Transport Agency our protocol is to transport patients to the nearest medical facility. The Paonia office of the North Fork Medical Clinic can be accessed for advanced patient care during normal business hours, otherwise patients are transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital, a State Approved Level 3 Trauma Center. Should Advance Life Support be needed the NFAA has a rendezvous agreement with Delta County Ambulance District from DCMH, and can also directly access CareFlight of Grand Junction and AAA Advance Air Ambulance of Montrose.

The NFAA has a fleet of five Ford Power Stroke Turbo Diesel Econoline Van ambulances between Hotchkiss, Paonia and Crawford. These powerful, yet relatively economical vehicles are more than capable of getting our EMTs to your emergency and getting you safely to the hospital and emergency care. Although some EMS services choose to utilize the larger 'box' ambulances, the NFAA chooses to operate utilizing the Econoline vans, due to their high safety ratings, and ability to maneuver in tight situations, which means safety and reliability for EMTs, drivers and patients alike! Feel free to contact us and let us know if you would like to learn more about Emergency Medical Services, volunteering with the NFAA, or if you just want to see one of our rigs up-close and personal without being a patient!

Paonia is in need of more EMTs and drivers to help shoulder the load of covering two 12-hour shifts each day, every day of the year. For more info see our Volunteer page!!