Changes in Springfield’s Ambulance Service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Recent developments are shaping the ambulance service landscape in Springfield.
According to the Springfield Business Journal, America Ambulance Service has acquired Dispatch Medical Transport, a non-emergency transport service based in New Berlin.
Michelle Ownbey, Executive Editor, explained on the WTAX Morning Newswatch that the acquisition stemmed from a pre-existing relationship between the two companies. Susan Zappa, owner of America Ambulance, was approached by Dispatch’s owner about the potential acquisition, which was finalized earlier this month. Despite the acquisition, Dispatch Medical Transport will retain its name for its non-emergency services.
The base of operations for Dispatch will move to Springfield, allowing some of its employees to transition to the new location—a more favorable outcome than another recent situation involving ambulances in the area.
Ownbey noted that ambulances have been a hot topic lately, particularly with Lifestar’s announcement of their exit from the local market due to being suspended from the regional emergency medical network. In a recent press conference, city officials also introduced BEACON, a new rescue vehicle designed to assist with overdoses and medical emergencies.
In related news, Air Evac Lifeteam closed its base at the Decatur Airport, having incurred a loss of $1 million over the past year. However, they will continue to provide helicopter ambulance services around Decatur, alongside maintaining bases in Mattoon and Effingham.
