Wade Huntsinger has been appointed the interim director of Mitchell Medics, following the departure of Bryant Reid from the leadership position. Huntsinger, who has served as a paramedic with Mitchell Medics for two years, was previously a firefighter for over 20 years, and more recently a pastor of Warrensville Baptist Church.
This leadership change comes after a period of substantial transitions within the county’s EMS framework over the last few years. Mitchell County began a contract in 2021 with Watauga Medics, known as Mitchell Medics locally.
Speaking on his new role, Huntsinger emphasized a forward-looking approach to leadership.
“It’s literally out with the old and in with the new. Our goal is to continue providing professional, compassionate care to Mitchell County residents and to reestablish positive relationships with our first responders, law enforcement, and neighboring counties,” he said.
Under Huntsinger’s guidance, Mitchell Medics is focusing on three primary areas: enhancing service delivery, nurturing positive base culture, and improving communication and cooperation with other emergency services. Huntsinger highlighted the importance of a supportive and professional environment for the EMS team, stating, “This is a professional building, but it’s also a home to our staff who are here for 24 hours at a time. So, we’ve got to balance business hours with training, relaxation, and recovery.”
The organization is undergoing structural changes, including the appointment of a clinical director to oversee all clinical matters and provide an additional avenue of communication with stakeholders.
Addressing staffing challenges, Huntsinger remains optimistic. Despite currently operating with a paramedic and an advanced EMT on each unit, he said that the quality of patient care has not diminished.
“There is no truck that leaves without a paramedic on it. We do our best to provide dual-paramedics, as that is what is in our county contract. We were doing that until about six months ago. We have recently had several paramedics leave to surrounding counties for various reasons.”
Huntsinger said that they intend to hire three more paramedics in the next 90 days. He confirmed that Mitchell Medics still has plans to reduce the reliance on opioids in emergency care, a directive led by medical director Dr. Gabriel Cade.
“We’re exploring alternative pain management strategies to ensure opioids are not the first line of treatment. Our aim is to offer suitable options for each patient’s needs,” Huntsinger said. He dispelled their intention to use Penthrox, also known as the “Green Whistle” as it is not FDA approved.
“There are other avenues of pain management besides opioids. We have them on the truck, and we will continue to have them on the truck. The goal is for them not to be the first line. But they are on the truck if we need them,” Huntsinger said. “Every patient is different.”
Looking ahead, Huntsinger is committed to healing and strengthening the bond between Mitchell Medics and the community.
Photo: Wade Huntsinger takes the reins as interim director of Mitchell Medics. Sarah Quintas/MNJ.