Melrose Sounds Alarm On New Ambulance Service

MELROSE, MA — Fire Chief John White announced Wednesday that the city is contracting Armstrong Ambulance as a third-party emergency medical services provider.

Armstrong is also contracted by Arlington, Medford, Saugus, Stoneham, and Waltham. White and Mayor Jen Grigoraitis attributed the change due to a shortage of available employees within the city, and having to pay a considerable amount of overtime pay to keep the position filled the necessary amount of time. The contract with Armstrong provides at least one ambulance available 24 hours a day, seven days a week stationed at the Melrose Fire Station on 576 Main St. White said that Armstrong’s services came highly recommended from his peers in other communities.

“In light of the City’s budget limitations and challenges in filling ambulance shifts and overtime, shifting to a contract which will ensure 24/7 and 365 ambulance coverage is the right move for our residents and our firefighters at this time,” Grigoraitis said.

According to the city, Armstrong provides benefits such as free training and certification for fire department staff and real-time GPS tracking for ambulances.