The Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services will host a public forum in Paintsville at the Community Center on Preston Street at 1 p.m. Friday.

One topic that's sure to be brought up is Life Star ambulance, which serves residents of Lawrence, Pike, Martin, Floyd and Johnson counties.

Officials from Louisa and Lawrence County have recently received complaints of Life Star's slow response time and unreasonable charges for services.

``I think it's a good time for us to express our opinions," said Lawrence County 911 Coordinator Jeff Pack. ``We just want to speak up for the community. You can walk down the street and nearly every one will have something bad to say about Life Star."

Louisa City Councilman Clyde Welch said he will attend Friday's meeting because he wants to voice his opinion of Life Star.

``I think if we all stick together and show that we want something done, we will get a positive response," Welch said. ``The important thing is that city and county officials make their voices heard."

Last month, Louisa Mayor Michael Sullivan sent a letter to the EMS board asking for an investigation of Life Star, a privately owned company which serves Lawrence, Pike, Martin, Floyd and Johnson counties.

Brian Bishop, executive director of the board, said he could not confirm if any complaints have been filed against Life Star.

Created last year by House Bill 405, the EMS board oversees the licensing and regulation of ambulance services, as well as the certification and licensing of emergency medical personnel. These duties had been previously handled by the Cabinet for Health Services.

Bishop said Friday's meeting is the last of four regional forums held across the state.

``We are really looking forward to hearing what the public has to say — that's what these forums are all about," Bishop said. ``I think it is a good way to address any concerns people may have."

Bishop said Friday will be the first time the EMS board has met with members of the general public in Eastern Kentucky.