MOBILE — The Mobile City Council is considering allowing services for a new ambulance service, but not everyone is on board.
During the regular council meeting on Tuesday, a public hearing was held on bringing the Louisiana-based Acadian Ambulance Service to the city.
Mobile already uses the services of Newman's Emergency Medical Service and Medevac Alabama to supplement Mobile Fire-Rescue.
During a public hearing, representatives from Newman's told the council that it does not support a third ambulance service.
Mike Sandell, Newman's business development manager, said the family-owned business has been operating in Mobile for 86 years. He said resources are not available despite the business' workforce development programs.
"Simply put, Mobile cannot sustain a third ambulance provider without jeopardizing the quality and reliability," Sandell said.
Those speaking against the measure said Acadian could potentially hire away EMS workers, adding to the challenges already faced by companies operating in Mobile.
However, Acadian's leadership said hospitals in the area have concerns about shortages of EMS workers in local ambulance services. They provided three letters of support from local hospitals. They said they want to work with local colleges on workforce development to train new workers. The result, they say, would be reducing patient wait times, which have been reported to be as long as four hours.
Porter Taylor, director of operations with Acadian, asked the council to approve the certificate of public convenience and necessity.
"Our intention is to bring a very comprehensive pre-hospital training program and also a transportation program," Taylor explained.
The council will vote on the measure next week.
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