For the next five years, if you fall and can’t get up you’re
guaranteed that American Medical Response will be on its way to the
rescue.
For the next five years, if you fall and can’t get up you’re guaranteed that American Medical Response will be on its way to the rescue.
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to extend the local American Medical Response (AMR) unit’s contract for five more years at its meeting Tuesday.
The contract, which will go into effect July 1, also includes an additional five year option, for a total of 10 more years in which the company will provide the county with emergency ambulance service, according to Matt Edwards, AMR public relations officer.
“We were very pleased the board extended the agreement based on our long-standing service to the community,” Edwards said.
AMR responds to approximately 2,000 calls per year in the county, with a base rate of $699, Edwards said.
“That’s one of the lowest rates in the state of California,” he said. “Other surrounding areas charge double or triple that. Keeping it that low is a great benefit to San Benito County.”
The low rate was the overriding factor for Supervisor Reb Monaco’s decision to approve the contract, he said.
“It’s vitally important we have this service,” Monaco said. “I think we’re getting a fair deal out of it, and we’ve dealt with them for awhile and there’s something to be said for that.”
AMR took over emergency services for its predecessor company Stephens & Poletti 10 years ago, according to Mike Esslinger, AMR Director of Operations for San Benito County.
The organization has two 24-hour ambulances and one part-time unit for additional weekend work, and employs 12 full-time paramedics and emergency medicine technicians Esslinger said.
“We’ve been great partners with local fire services and law enforcement,” Esslinger said. “We really provide premiere emergency care.”
Hollister Fire Chief Bill Garringer has worked with AMR for most of his career, and has never had any complaints with its service, he said.
“We have a good working relationship and they do a great job,” Garringer said. “I’m happy to see they’re staying.”
Erin Musgrave can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 336 or at
