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Chillicothe hires AMT for EMS
PJSTAR.com recently published an article highlighting the transition of emergency medical services (EMS) in Chillicothe, as Rescue 33 Volunteer Ambulance Corp. has been suspended, and Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) has stepped in as the new provider.
The Rescue 33 garage was unusually quiet on Tuesday as the ambulance service prepared to contest its permanent suspension by the Peoria Area EMS. The squad had made a few emergency calls overnight before the official suspension took effect at 6 a.m. They now have 15 days to formally challenge the decision.
Chillicothe Fire Chief John Myers confirmed that AMT will cover the same area previously served by Rescue 33, dispelling any rumors of alternative providers stepping in. An AMT ambulance was seen parked at Chillicothe Fire Station No. 1 on Tuesday. Myers explained that local fire chiefs are responsible for determining which EMS unit responds to emergencies, and he was notified late Thursday, leaving little time to act.
Rescue 33 historically covered a large portion of the city and surrounding areas, potentially reaching around 15,000 people. Both Rescue 33 and the local fire departments also serve parts of Marshall County. AMT, a non-profit organization, operates 32 advanced life support ambulances across Peoria, Pekin, Streator, Mercer County, and Dubuque, Iowa.
According to Myers, if AMT is responding, an ambulance will be relocated within the coverage area, possibly from Rome or Mossville. Rescue 33, founded in the 1960s, has always provided free services to the community. Initially staffed entirely by volunteers with basic EMT licenses, the group began hiring part-time EMTs in recent years, significantly increasing operating costs.
Rescue 33 President Ron Hedden mentioned that transitioning to full-time paid staff could cost between $300,000 and $400,000. The organization relies heavily on donations and fundraising events. The annual Bailey’s Labor Day Breakfast raised over $19,000 so far, and the group continues to seek support.
“We appreciate everyone’s help, and we’ll keep the community updated as soon as we have more information,†said Hedden. Meanwhile, residents have rallied behind the cause, with the Facebook group “SOA – Save Our Ambulance†gaining traction. Volunteers collected petition signatures at the breakfast, showing strong public support for keeping Rescue 33 operational.
The full article can be read HERE.