Martha’s Vineyard Association of EMTs held its annual meeting June 26, and honored EMT of the year Kristina West.

As the summer season gains momentum, Vineyard emergency medical crews are working overtime and drawing from off-Island resources in order to meet an increased demand for service. Fewer paramedics are available this summer for ambulance calls, leading to increased cross-town efforts.

In the summer, there is no such thing as a slow night for the Tisbury ambulance association.

Acting over strong objections from the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital emergency room director, Chilmark selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Paul (Zeke) Wilkins as permanent chief of the Tri-Town Ambulance Service on Tuesday night.

Dr. Jeffrey Zack, director of the hospital ER, said he had reservations about whether the new chief had enough paramedic experience to be able to lead the squad that serves Chilmark, Aquinnah and West Tisbury.

“This is about providing quality care,” Dr. Zack told the selectmen.