Daviess County has signed a contract with a new ambulance company, but Owensboro Health will no longer provide backup service.
The new contract that goes into effect on July 1 is with American Medical Response, which also provides ambulance service for Evansville, Indiana.
Daviess County previously had a contract with Yellow Ambulance for 18 years.
The current issue of concern is the backup provider. Daviess County has had an agreement with the organization that is now Owensboro Health for backup ambulance service since 1978.
Judge Executive Al Mattingly said the county has never had to use the backup service from Owensboro Health.
“We don’t expect something to happen, but at the same time, you never expect there to be an earthquake, you never expect there to be a fire," said Mattingly. "So you always try to plan for the worst and hope for the best.”
Mattingly said he has been communicating with Owensboro Health and they’ve said they’re open to having a conversation about the future health care needs of the community. But so far, no such conversation has been scheduled.
As far as primary service, Daviess County’s contract with Yellow Ambulance expires June 30and a new contract with American Medical Response begins July 1.
Mattingly said that will be a seamless transition and local residents will not see any difference between the previous and new provider in the event they need an ambulance.
