Middlesex Health to take over EMS duties in Durham beginning Jan. 3

Photo | Contributed Middlesex Health's flagship facility, Middlesex Hospital in Middletown.

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By Robert Storace

Middlesex Health, the health system that owns Middlesex Hospital, announced Monday that it will become the basic life support ambulance provider for the town of Durham effective Jan. 3.

The new arrangement means that Middlesex Health will be responsible for all 911 ambulance coverage in Durham, according to town and health system officials.

Middlesex Health Emergency Medical Services will now be stationed in Durham around the clock. Assets of the Durham Volunteer Ambulance Association will be transferred to Middlesex.

Durham First Selectman Laura Francis said the new arrangement is in the best interest of the town.

“In recent years, our town and Durham Volunteer Ambulance Corps Inc. have faced significant challenges with providing 24/7 ambulance service,” Francis said. “We approached Middlesex for help, and have the utmost confidence in the health system’s ability to care for our residents.”

Middlesex Health already provides paramedic-level service to Durham. The health system applied earlier this year to expand its coverage into basic life support services, with the backing of the town and the Durham Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and will take on the new responsibilities under a memorandum of understanding until the state Department of Public Health formally reviews the new arrangement.

Officials said the town will not incur ongoing costs associated with the new agreement. Further financial details were not immediately available.

Middlesex Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.