FAQ - Wolfeboro Fire-Based Emergency Ambulance Transport

The Town of Wolfeboro is 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 Select Board-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.

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 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 that the Fire-Rescue 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.

What are the warrant articles on the ballot? [At the time of this posting, we do not have the warrant article numbers.]

• The first article is the cost of year 2...purchasing a new ambulance and adding the additional

  staffing.

• Another is the cost of the last year of the Stewarts contract. Stewarts will provide one ambulance while the Fire-Rescue Department operates the other during 2026. At the end of 2026 Fire-Rescue will operate both.

• The third is the cost of the collective bargaining agreement, which reflects the staff upgrading their EMS certifications.

• Another creates a revolving fund that would allow a portion of the ambulance revenue to offset future costs of replacement ambulances and equipment, saving taxpayers’ money. The rest would be returned to the General Fund to offset taxes.

All four warrants are important to the smooth implementation of the program, with no reduction in

service.

What happens in 2026?

If the warrant articles are 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 begin transport service with two ambulances at the end of 2026.

How is this less costly than what we are doing today?

Once the start-up is complete, the town can expect the ambulance billing revenue, when

compared to the ambulance expenses, to result in a net cost that is less than the cost of the

contract with a private vendor.

Is grant funding available for any of this project?

Fire-Rescue has applied for two federal grants to cover the costs associated with the project. If

these grants are successful, it would significantly reduce the cost to taxpayers. The department

will continue to apply for any grants that become available.

And beyond?

Starting in 2027 Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue will 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.

Benefits:

• Continuity of care provided by Fire-Rescue staff from scene to hospital

• Management of training, certification, quality assurance, and staffing

• Ambulance revenue helps offset investment

• After initial investment, the net cost is less than that of private companies

• Avoids risk of short-notice closure by private ambulance companies

• Enhanced collaboration with Huggins Hospital

• Optimal pre-hospital care for the citizens and visitors of Wolfeboro

• Improved resources and safety across all services

• Greater financial value

For more information, contact Fire-Rescue Chief Tom Zotti, Deputy Chief of EMS Brian Evangelista, or Deputy Chief of Operations Nate Nichols at 603-569-1400.

2026 Fire-Rescue Ambulance Project backup data.pdf

Download PDF • 4.75MB