FAQ: Wolfeboro Fire-Based Emergency Ambulance Transport

The Town of Wolfeboro is considering transitioning to a Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue Department-

based emergency ambulance transport system. The contracted private ambulance service model

has changed significantly with costs rising. The Board of Selectmen-appointed Ad-Hoc

Ambulance Service Evaluation Committee and external consulting firm, Municipal Resources,

Inc. (MRI) spent much of 2024 examining a transition to a fire-based system.

Below are frequently asked questions and answers on the many issues for short and long-term

ambulance service for Wolfeboro. More detailed information can be found at

https://www.wolfeboronh.us/board-selectmen/pages/ambulance-evaluation-information .

Why do the Ad-Hoc Committee and MRI feel we need to change what we are doing?

Both groups have reviewed the current situation and options available. Both believe the

transition to Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue-based emergency ambulance transport is the best option for

the town for many reasons. Those reasons include consistency and continuity of patient care,

management control of the staff, ability to control the level of certifications and training of staff,

and cost effectiveness in the long run. Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue...and the Wolfeboro Rescue Squad

before it...have provided high-quality non-transport emergency medical care to residents and

visitors for many decades.

Why is Stewarts Ambulance Service leaving us?

Stewarts is not “leaving” us. Stewarts’ management feels the time has come for Wolfeboro Fire-

Rescue to assume emergency ambulance transport responsibilities in Wolfeboro and is assisting

us in this endeavor. Stewarts will maintain their base of operations in Wolfeboro for patient

transfers from Huggins Hospital to other facilities. Stewarts will also be available for large-scale

calls when multiple ambulances are needed. Stewarts will continue to provide 9-1-1 transport

services to other towns in the Lakes Region.

Why not stay with a private provider?

Around New Hampshire many private emergency transport providers have incurred financial

challenges for a variety of reasons. Some have stopped service to communities on short notice;

others have requested large increases in fees to towns to continue service. To avoid these

problems, the Ad-Hoc Committee and MRI both concur the Fire-Recue Department is the best

provider of the service going forward. Based on the quotes in a previous request for proposals,

Fire-Rescue based emergency transport is more cost effective for the town after the initial

investment in staffing and capital equipment in the first two years.

Why are there two warrant articles on the ballot?

The first article is a non-binding referendum. The intent is to gauge the level of support for the

concept of Wolfeboro Fire-Recue based emergency ambulance transport. It lays out the intent of

the program and the expected costs over the next two years in an effort to be as transparent as

possible. The second article, if approved, actually raises the funds for year one of the project.

If the warrant articles are approved at Town Meeting, what will happen?

If the articles are approved, the town will add staff to begin the transition to fire-based transport.

Fire-Rescue will also purchase a used ambulance meeting State of NH Bureau of Emergency

Medical Services standards and get it licensed for transport. Our 2025 goal is to begin transport

service in late fall as the “second” ambulance behind Stewarts. Our current contract with

Stewarts --which runs through 2026-- allows us to negotiate the fee the town pays Stewarts

downward once Fire-Rescue begins transporting patients.

What happens in 2026?

If approved at town meeting in 2026, Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue will purchase a new ambulance.

The town will also add the rest of the staff needed to operate both ambulances. Fire-Rescue will

then prepare to begin transport service with two ambulances at the end of 2026.

Is grant funding available for any of this project?

Currently there are some federal grants that are relevant to this effort. Fire-Rescue has applied

for a grant to cover the cost of the new ambulance and equipment. If this grant application is

successful it would significantly reduce the cost to taxpayers. The department will continue to

apply for any grants that become available.

What are the risks?

The primary risk to this plan as identified by the Ad-Hoc Committee is the staffing aspect. The

job market for firefighters is tight. However, Wolfeboro has many things going for it as a place to

work. The Town has the new Public Safety Building, and Fire-Rescue has top-flight apparatus

and equipment. Agreements between the town and union have made wages competitive.

Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue is an attractive place to work and can continue to hire talented, dedicated,

quality staff.

And beyond?

Starting in 2027 Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue would operate two ambulances with a minimum of five

firefighter/emergency medical service providers on duty around the clock. This additional staff

also provides a more robust immediate response to fire-related emergencies. Ambulance revenue

generated by billing for transport would be used to help offset the cost of the program to

taxpayers. The Ad-Hoc Committee estimates the town would see approximately $350,000 in

revenue during 2027.

For more information contact Ad-Hoc Committee Chair Dr. Ray Stolarski at 513-479-1359 or

Fire-Rescue Chief Tom Zotti at 603-569-1400.