National EMS, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies, is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of emergency medical service, clinical excellence, and trusted community partnerships across Georgia. Founded in 1976 by Pat and Mary Ellen Atkins, National EMS began operations in Kennesaw, Georgia, and has grown into one of the state’s longstanding emergency medical services providers, serving communities with 9-1-1 emergency response, advanced life support, basic life support, specialty care / critical care transport, event standby and interfacility ambulance transportation.
From its earliest years, National EMS built a reputation for innovation, quality, and patient-centered care. The company secured the 9-1-1 EMS contract for Rockdale County in 1983 and related operations to Conyers, later expanding emergency medical service to Morgan County in 1988 and to Athens-Clarke, and Oconee Counties in 2009. Over the years, National EMS continued to advance EMS delivery in Georgia, including early adoption of cellular telephones, pulse oximetry and cardiac pacing units on ambulances, as well as service for major events including the 1996 Olympic equestrian venue in Rockdale County and Super Bowl XXIV activities at the Georgia Dome.
A defining achievement in National EMS’ history came in 1993, when the company became the first ambulance company in Georgia to receive national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). National EMS has proudly maintained CAAS accreditation continuously for more than 30 years, reflecting its commitment to nationally recognized standards for emergency medical care, patient safety, and operational excellence.
Today, National EMS continues to serve Rockdale, Morgan, Oconee, and Athens-Clarke counties as a contracted 9-1-1 emergency ambulance provider and remains committed to delivering safe, efficient, and compassionate medical transportation. The company also supports the University of Georgia Athletic Association as its preferred ambulance provider and maintains partnerships with regional hospitals and healthcare organizations.
Since joining the Priority Ambulance family of companies in 2018, National EMS has strengthened its capabilities and expanded its reach while continuing to uphold the local legacy established by its founders and carried forward by generations of EMS professionals.
“Reaching 50 years of service is an extraordinary achievement, and it speaks to the strength, resilience, and dedication of everyone who has been part of National EMS’ history,” said Sharon Schwarz, Regional President. “This milestone honors the vision of National EMS’ founders, the trust of the communities we serve and, most importantly, the EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, fleet teams, leaders, and support staff who continue this legacy every day. I am incredibly grateful to our employees for the compassion, professionalism, and commitment they bring to every patient, every call, and every community we serve.”
“When our parents, Pat and Mary Ellen Atkins, founded National EMS, they built this company on family values, service to others, and a commitment to providing quality care to every patient,” said Robby Atkins, Joy Peppers, and Benny Atkins, members of the National EMS family owners group. “Fifty years later, that legacy continues through the dedicated EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, fleet teams, leaders, and support staff who show up every day for our communities. We are incredibly proud of what National EMS has accomplished and deeply grateful to every employee, past and present, who has helped carry this company forward.”
As National EMS celebrates 50 years, the company recognizes the employees past and present, healthcare partners, public safety agencies, and community leaders who have helped shape its history. This anniversary marks both a celebration of the past and a renewed commitment to the future of emergency medical services in Georgia.
