Belvidere now providing ambulance service

COURTESY PHOTO Belvidere Republican
On Feb. 6, the Belvidere City Council approved a five-year agreement with Metro Paramedic Services, Inc., to provide the staffing, ambulances and related equipment pending legal review. Legal review was completed and the final agreement was authorized by the Council for signature on March 6.

The following is a release from the Belvidere Fire Department:

On May 1, the City of Belvidere [began] providing ambulance service to its citizens. We will be providing the service with two (2) Advanced Life Support Ambulances stationed at 1560 N. State St., Belvidere. Both ambulances will be staffed with 1 EMT-Paramedic, and 1 EMT-Basic.

The service will be operating 24/7/365. The ambulances will be staffed by Metro Paramedic Services, Inc., with staff who are assigned to the Belvidere Fire Department (FD) and operating under the Mission of the BFD.

At the end of October of 2022, OSF Lifeline terminated its contract with the City of Belvidere that was due to expire on April 30, 2023. At the same time, Elite Medical Transport purchased OSF Lifeline, and agreed to provide the service to the citizens of Belvidere until April 30, 2023.

On Nov. 14, 2022, Belvidere City Council reviewed the Request for Proposal (RFP) of Ambulance Services prepared by the City Attorney, and authorized it to be published on Nov. 21, 2022, with a due date of Jan. 6, 2023.

Three companies responded to the RSP, and Chief Schradle also presented the costs of hiring additional members to the Belvidere Fire Department and purchasing ambulances. On Jan. 23, 2023, Chief Schradle presented to City Council all of the choices for providing ambulance service and the pro and cons of each option.

On Feb. 6, the City Council approved a five-year agreement with Metro Paramedic Services, Inc., to provide the staffing, ambulances and related equipment pending legal review. Legal review was completed and the final agreement was authorized by Council for signature on March 6.

On March 13, Chief Schradle presented to Council ambulance billing rates and a proposed billing rates ordinance.

It is our mission to serve the community by providing emergency rescue and fire protection services that exceed expectations; to be there for the community at their greatest times of need. Providing two ALS ambulances to the community along with strong relationships with area providers, will allow us to ensure that we are there when you need us.

Note: Patients who qualify for financial assistance with the receiving hospital for treatment received immediately following the emergency transport can provide the corresponding award letter to the department or billing agency. The Department shall apply the same discount to any remaining balances.