PIMA — The Town of Pima has pledged its support to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for the hospital’s effort to start its own ambulance service.
The Pima Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to offer a letter of support for MGRMC to obtain a Certificate of Necessity from Arizona Department of Health Services, which will allow the hospital to operate an ambulance service.
During his presentation to the Town Council, Danny Smith, vice president and chief Marketing officer for the hospital, said the current ambulance provider has obtained modifications to the Certificate of Necessity to allow for longer response times and lower the level of care provided.
“We need three ambulances serviceable, ready to go at any time, on call and ready. That additional ambulance service, we think, would cover the county greatly,” Smith said, adding that DHS could either give the hospital the Certificate of Necessity or an overlay, which would allow both ambulance services to operate at the same time.
He said the hospital is in the process of determining costs, which will include building a station with EMT/paramedic quarters.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
To obtain a Certificate of Necessity, applicants must show support from the community. Smith said he is in talks with Safford and Graham County to obtain letters of support, while Thatcher has previously provided a letter.
Life Line Ambulance, which operates out of Tucson, currently serves the Gila Valley. Life Line is owned by AMR, which is based in Lewisville, Texas.
