Okmulgee County's EMSAT Expands Lifesaving Services

Emergency medical provider upgrades fleet, invests in staff training to meet growing demand

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:31am

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Okmulgee County's sole emergency medical provider, Emergency Medical Service, A Trust (EMSAT), is taking steps to strengthen its lifesaving mission. The agency has received a new ambulance, rebranded with a modernized look, and is investing in its staff by sending nine employees to paramedic school with another six approved to begin training soon.

Why it matters

EMSAT's initiatives come at a critical time, as the nation faces a shortage of paramedics. By expanding its pool of advanced service providers, the agency aims to improve pre-hospital care and emergency response for the citizens of Okmulgee County.

The details

The new ambulance represents the beginning of a rebranding effort to honor EMSAT's history while looking ahead to the future. The service has been known as 'Okmulgee County EMS' for many years, and the new design pays tribute to its origins. EMSAT Chief James Nichols says the rebranding 'reminds our community where we started, while showing them where we're headed.'

  • EMSAT received a new ambulance in mid-2025.
  • Nine EMSAT employees are currently attending paramedic school, with expected graduation in January 2026.
  • Another six EMSAT employees have been approved to begin paramedic training in early 2026, with graduation anticipated in 2027.

The players

Emergency Medical Service, A Trust (EMSAT)

Okmulgee County's sole emergency medical provider, established in 1974 and delivering dedicated service across the county for more than five decades.

James Nichols

Chief of EMSAT, who explained the agency's rebranding efforts and investment in staff training.

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What they’re saying

“Rebranding is a new, fresh look to the great things happening within the company. It reminds our community where we started, while showing them where we're headed.”

— James Nichols, Chief

“This is a huge win for Okmulgee County. Putting more advanced service providers on the streets allows for better pre-hospital care and lifesaving support for the citizens we serve.”

— James Nichols, Chief

“These men and women do a phenomenal job. We're constantly working to improve response times, pre-hospital care and outcomes for the citizens we serve.”

— James Nichols, Chief

What’s next

EMSAT expects the nine employees currently attending paramedic school to graduate in January 2026, and the six additional employees approved for training to graduate in 2027.

The takeaway

EMSAT's investment in new equipment and staff training demonstrates its commitment to providing the highest level of pre-hospital care for the residents of Okmulgee County, even as the nation faces a shortage of paramedics.