Sedona AZ (November 4, 2015) – The Hellsgate Fire District announced its intention to submit an application to the Arizona Department of Health Services for a Certificate of Necessity (CON) seeking approval to operate ambulances in the Rim Country.
In order to operate a ground based ambulance service in the State of Arizona, an organization must file a Certificate of Necessity (CON) application with the Department of Health Services. Currently, the ambulance service is provided by Payson Medical Transport which is owned by Envision Healthcare (American Medical Response). The Hellsgate Fire District will operate the ambulance service under the name of the Rim Country Fire and Medical Service.
“We feel that the ability of the Rim Country Fire and Medical Service to provide ambulance service to all of Rim Country will increase service levels, provide greater ambulance availability
and provide greater efficiency of resources, in addition to being cost effective over time,” said Fire Chief David Bathke. “We feel that we can positively collaborate with the private ambulance provider to provide elasticity and a stable and sustainable emergency medical transportation system.”
Submitting the application for the Certificate of Necessity is the first step in a long process. It can take 12 to 18 months for the Department of Health Services to review and approve the CON.
The Hellsgate Fire District, along with other local fire departments, provided Advanced Life Support Paramedic care to the residents and visitors of Rim Country for many years. The name change to add Rim Country Fire and Medical as a DBA of the Hellsgate Fire District reflects the role this service will provide to all of the Rim Country.
Gary Norem, chairman of the Hellsgate Fire District Board said, “By having a second provider, there’s another level of stability,” adding, “It gives us a level of local control in the event of increased call volume and not having to wait for additional ambulances to come up from the valley.”
This announcement is the culmination of a lengthy process that involved collaboration with the Hellsgate Fire District, and was proposed to the leadership of other local fire departments in the
Rim Country.
“We look forward to proceeding with the process and to working with the Arizona Department of Health Services as they review our application,” said Bathke.
The Hellsgate Fire District is being supported by EMS Advisors consulting group.
“EMS Advisors enable emergency service organizations to focus on providing impeccable patient care at every turn. While our experience inspires us to design the right systems, it’s our dedication to integrity and personal relationships that make it work,” said Jim Hayden, Founder/CEO of EMS Advisors.
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