SWAMPSCOTT — Despite the expired contract, Atlantic Ambulance continues to provide services while the town prepares to negotiate a new contract.
With more than 15,000 residents, Swampscott uses one ambulance from Atlantic Ambulance, a division of Cataldo Ambulance Service, to provide medical transportation during emergencies. The current contract between the town and Cataldo expired before the new one was signed.
“We are currently negotiating,” said Sean Fitzgerald, town administrator. “We have a history of a really successful relationship with Cataldo and we look forward to ongoing discussions.”
Despite no contract currently in place, Fire Chief Graham Archer said there is no lapse in emergency medical services. Cataldo continues to provide services on a daily basis, and all Swampscott firefighters are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) as well, Archer said.
“We need to sit down and discuss how the contract has been working so far, if any changes need to be made, and make sure that we are negotiating the best, most effective contract for the residents and taxpayers of Swampscott,” Archer said.
The town also plans to find a new location for the ambulance headquarters. Cataldo’s Atlantic Ambulance is currently located at 86 Burrill St., and it shares space with the Anchor Food Pantry. The town feels that the rest of the building should be used by another community organization rather than the ambulance service, Archer said.
Both Archer and Fitzgerald anticipate signing a new contract in the near future.
“Cataldo provides a wonderful and reliable service. It’s just a matter of making a fair business arrangement and getting the best value for the town,” said Archer.
Cataldo Ambulance Service was not able to provide commentary for this article before publication.
Alena Kuzub can be reached at [email protected].
