Perry, Perry Twp. now have new ambulance provider
Residents living in and around Perryopolis now have a new ambulance provider. Officials from the borough and Perry Township appointed EMS Southwest as the primary ambulance provider for both municipalities at separate meetings Monday. The contract with the Waynesburg-based company is for one year.
EMS Southwest replaces Perryopolis Area Ambulance and was one of three companies to submit proposals to Perryopolis and Perry Township officials.
Fayette EMS and Rostraver EMS also submitted proposals.
Supervisor A.J. Boni said EMS Southwest was the only company to offer a pair of 12-hour daytime basic life support units Monday through Friday.
Boni said the basic life support units are in addition to the advanced life support offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“No one else was able to offer that to us,” he said.
Southwest EMS was the only for-profit company to apply.
Boni said residents can rest assured knowing that Southwest EMS is on hand to provide emergency medical care. Residents should not notice a big difference, he said, noting that subscription rates will remain the same.
“We expect our EMS to be a professional outfit, and we know EMS Southwest will do a professional job,” he said.
Boni thanked Fayette EMS for being supportive of the township’s decision.
“We want what’s best for our residents. The decision was in our best interest at this time,” Boni said.
Southwest EMS will be headquartered where Perryopolis Area Ambulance was located, in the basement of the Perryopolis Borough Building.
According to contract, the borough will rent three office and three garages to Southwest EMS for $1,200 a month.
Council President Charles Johnson said the decision to pick EMS Southwest was “strictly for the best of the community.”
Perryopolis Area Ambulance closed its doors in December 2007.
Jerry DeAngelis, president of the former ambulance provider, said Perryopolis Area Ambulance was forced to close because of financial reasons.
Anyone in need of emergency medical care is instructed to call 911. For non-emergencies, Southwest EMS can be reached at 724-736-8100.