Starting Jan. 1, the Prescott Ambulance Service will be consolidated with the River Falls Emergency Medical Services.

"By combining the strengths of both organizations, we can offer a higher level of service to Prescott and surrounding communities," said Joe Rohl, Prescott Fire and EMS Association president. "While Prescott EMS has been an exceptional partner to our communities, we felt now was the time to expand on our services. Consolidating with River Falls (EMS) will allow us to provide additional services to the region."

The Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board licenses Prescott as an Advanced EMT ambulance service.

Under its consolidation with River Falls, River Falls EMS will assume the ambulance license, upgrade the license to Critical Care Paramedic and perform all operational duties and be accountable to the Prescott Area Fire and EMS Association.

"We are honored and excited to be the EMS partner for the city of Prescott," said Jeff Rixmann, River Falls EMS Director. "In many ways, EMS providers are on the front line when it comes to public health.

“We are committed to providing the tools, talents, and technology to enhance the exceptional care your communities already receive."

"We look positively towards teaming with Prescott to jointly provide the best patient care to the residents going forward."

To ensure continuity of service, River Falls will hire the Prescott (EMS) employees who wish to work for River Falls EMS.

The Emergency Medical Services will continue to operate out of the existing Prescott Facility, with additional support coming from River Falls.

River Falls EMS provides Critical Care Paramedic level services for the residents in the city of River Falls and Prescott, and towns of Clifton, Oak Grove, and River Falls in Pierce County, and towns of Pleasant Valley, Kinnickinnic, Troy and Warren in St. Croix County.

River Falls EMS serves some 45,000 people and has a rural service coverage area of 220 square miles.

Source:  River Falls Journal