By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle is one step closer to finding a long-term solution to its ambulance woes.
The city council has approved a contract with County EMS. County was the only company responding to a request for proposals to provide services in the city.
County will become the licensed provider for both emergency and non-emergency calls. In the terms of their contract, they will keep two ambulances in the city.
The city is currently served by Lifecare Ambulance. Lifecare did not submit a proposal to the city. Tankersley said they had several statewide contracts that limited them from keeping an ambulance in the city at all times.
The city’s new contract also requires an EMT to serve as ambulance driver and each vehicle be staffed with a paramedic.
In the event County’s vehicles are on a call, the city can call on services from outlying areas. The city’s agreement with County is for two years with a one year probation period.