CARMEL – Putnam County has switched Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance service provider mid-year after changing to a controversial new provider, Ambulnz, in January of 2022. Empress Ambulance Services will be the ALS ambulance provider beginning on July 16, 2023, according to Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne.
In January of 2022, Putnam County’s contract with Ambulnz to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance service went into effect despite objections from several fire departments in the county and the head doctor of the emergency department at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
Earlier this year Ambulnz requested a new contract be negotiated to provide ALS services for all of Putnam County after several first responders claimed that Ambulnz had significantly underbid its original contract. The County agreed to entertain a new proposal but made it clear that they would open the process to competing proposals as well.
Empress recently purchased Mobile Life Support Services, a longtime EMS provider in the Hudson Valley. They were selected to be the Putnam County service provider following a competitive selection committee process following an open RFP (Request for Proposal). The scope of the new agreement was developed by the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services, the County’s Purchasing Department, and individuals from the emergency services community, specifically members of the Emergency Services Safety Advisory Board (ESSAB) and EMS Council. Empress was chosen because they submitted the lowest responsible proposal, demonstrated an ability to implement services in a timely manner and have a direct knowledge of providing services in Putnam County.
“This new agreement is a significant improvement and a win for county residents,” said Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Bob Lipton. In contrast to the approach taken by then County Executive Maryellen O’Dell, emergency responders were included in the selection process. “The input we’ve received from those in the emergency services community was critical to this new contract, and we’re thankful for their input,” Lipton said, adding “There was a lot of collaboration to make this happen in such a timely manner.”
“We feel Empress Ambulance Services will be able to provide services to ensure the health and safety of our residents,” said Alex Roehner, Putnam County’s Director of Emergency Medical Services. “We will work with Empress and Ambulnz to allow for a smooth transition”.
Unlike numerous other programs implemented by county government, ALS services are not mandated for county governments by the state or federal government. Putnam County, unlike surrounding counties, has taken on this county-wide responsibility with the understanding that providing this service is a priority and is essential. County Executive Byrne said this method also provides substantial cost savings to local towns and villages.
The contract with Empress is for a minimum of three years at $8.3 million, with the potential for two additional years.
