SAUGUS — Armstrong Ambulance will take over the town’s ambulance service and first responders are hopeful that they will be better prepared for emergency situations.
The town has entered into an agreement for Arlington-based Armstrong Ambulance to be the town’s sole ambulance provider. The company has served as a secondary ambulance service since October 2016 and will assume the remainder of the five-year contract held by American Ambulance.
Ambulance providers are paid through billing services, not by the town, said Town Manager Scott Crabtree.
“Under our new agreement, Armstrong Ambulance will provide a number of services to the town of Saugus that were not previously available under our prior provider,” he said. “I think it’s a great benefit to the community, and the people that are coming in and out of Saugus, that Armstrong is going to provide even more services and resources than we had previously.”
The agreement with Armstrong includes up to 30 backup ambulances in the surrounding area and a CPR chest compression machine that initiates mechanical compressions and increases survivability of sudden cardiac arrest.
First responders will also be equipped with medication to treat cyanide poisoning, which can occur from exposure to smoke from a fire.
“It’s extremely exciting to incorporate new features and resources to the town’s emergency responders network,” said Saugus Police Chief Domenic DiMella. “With these cutting-edge services, we are able to provide a top-tier level of service to the residents and visitors of Saugus.”
Armstrong said it has a fleet of 90 vehicles equipped with the most advanced equipment and technology available, stationed at 10 locations.
It is the sole EMS response member of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, a consortium of police departments in Middlesex and Essex counties, and two county sheriff’s departments.
“Armstrong is happy to work with the Town of Saugus to provide the depth and breadth of resources necessary to service the residents and visitors of Saugus,” said Richard Raymond, CEO of Armstrong Ambulance, in a statement. “Our mission is to endure that exceptional emergency services are always available, any time they are needed.”
