Rochester NY, March 17, 2016 — Three local ambulance agencies — Chili Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc. (CVAS), Henrietta Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc. (HVA) and the Village of Scottsville Rescue Squad have announced plans to merge into one agency. The governing Boards of each agency have individually voted to move forward with the merger proceedings. The process is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2016. Through the merger, each agency will retain their individual operating identity but will function under a newly formed entity. The ambulance agencies have been in talks since early 2014 to discuss the potential for a successful merger.
There is a national trend with regard to combining emergency medical resources within communities. As the healthcare and public safety landscapes continue to evolve, the three agencies saw a clear opportunity to combine resources and fortify them into one. The new company — which has yet to be formally named — will ensure the long-term viability of a community-based ambulance service well into the future. The process that has been undertaken can serve as a model for other emergency services to combine resources and stabilize costs.
The agencies evaluated a number of areas and have identified the following benefits:
Response Time & Resource Placement – With a larger geographic area covered by one agency, response vehicles can be strategically placed and moved dynamically based on areas of need. The end result will be a faster response time to 911 calls within each town.
Personnel & Recruitment – By leveraging volunteers from each agency along with both Chili’s and Henrietta’s career personnel 24/7, the new company will allow for greater opportunities for its members while offering greater volunteer opportunities for the public.
Purchasing & Buying Power – The combined company will allow for more cost-effective purchasing including medical equipment and vehicles.
Reduced Overhead Costs – With three agencies merging into one, the day-to-day overhead cost to operate will stabilize.
Improved Community Outreach – The residents of each town will benefit from greater outreach and community programs under the new company.
A number of public information meetings have been scheduled. Residents from any town are welcome to attend any meeting of their choosing. All meetings are open to the general public.
- Wednesday April 20, 2016, 7:00 P.M. – CHS Healthcare, 280 Calkins Road, Rochester NY 14623
- Thursday April 21, 2016, 7:00 PM – Chili Town Hall, 3333 Chili Avenue, Rochester NY 14624
- Tuesday April 26, 2016, 7:00 PM – Scottsville EMS/Fire Facility, 385 Scottsville Mumford Road, Scottsville NY 14546
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Press Contact:
Chris Murtaugh, Public Information Officer, CHS Healthcare
(585) 317-3222 cell | (585) 334-8172 fax
cmurtaugh@chsmobilehealth.org | www.chsmobilehealth.org
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About Chili Ambulance
The Chili Ambulance has been serving the Town of Chili for nearly 70 years. In 2006, the Ambulance Service split from the fire department forming the Chili Volunteer Ambulance Service (CVAS). The agency currently has 48 members who responded to over 2,300 calls in 2015, covering 42 square miles. CVAS has volunteer members as well as full- and part-time staff that respond 24/7. The agency’s goal is to provide quality emergency medical services to the residents and visitors of the town. CPR/AED training classes are offered upon request. The agency offers complimentary blood pressure checks at their station located at 3320 Chili Avenue.
About CHS Healthcare
CHS Healthcare has provided emergency medical care to the residents of Henrietta, NY and surrounding communities since 1962. The agency responds 24 hours-per-day to over 5,900 requests for service each year with its fleet of 10 emergency vehicles and 62 career and volunteer members. CHS Healthcare is certified to provide the highest possible level of emergency care in the nation, which includes an advanced life support paramedic response to designated calls. In addition, the agency provides a number of services to the community including a free loan closet for residents (crutches, canes and wheelchairs), complementary blood pressure checks, community CPR classes, and AED training. To learn more about CHS Healthcare and the services it provides, visit www.chsmobilehealth.org, call (585) 334- 4190 or visit the headquarters at 280 Calkins Road in Henrietta.
About Scottsville Rescue Squad
From 1947 to 1992, ambulance response within the Village of Scottsville and parts of the towns of Wheatland and Chili was provided by the Scottsville Fire Department. In June of 1992, the Village of Scottsville created the Village of Scottsville Rescue Squad which continues to operate today. Ambulance operations are funded by the Village of Scottsville through Village taxes and monies received under contract by the Town of Wheatland and Town of Chili. Rescue Squad operations are overseen by the Village of Scottsville Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees are residents of the Village of Scottsville that are elected to four year terms. Trustee positions are part time. The Mayor of Scottsville chairs the Trustees. The Village appoints a liaison to Fire and EMS operations yearly. Today, the squad responds to nearly 400 calls per year with a 100% volunteer roster consisting of 10 members.