By Jordon Carleo-Evangelist
The Times Union
COLONIE, N.Y. — While town paramedics may soon stop staffing State Police helicopter rescue missions, the area’s largest private ambulance provider says it is willing and ready to take their place.
Mohawk Ambulance Service has paramedics trained to staff the Lifeguard Air Rescue Program and has alerted the State Police to the company’s interest, said Mohawk spokesman Christopher Bombardier.
Earlier this month, Colonie notified the State Police of its intent to withdraw from the 15-year partnership, which teams town paramedics with State Police flight crews to rescue, treat and transport critically injured people in a 75-mile radius of Albany.
Town Supervisor Paula Mahan cited the costs of the program and the risk involved — arguments panned as hollow by the union that represents the EMS department.
Large crowds, including EMS workers and former patients, have petitioned the town to keep the partnership beyond Sept. 1, and a public hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 14. Others have urged the town to stand by its decision, alleging waste in the department.
Either way, State Police have stressed that there will be no lapse in service but declined to specify who might replace Colonie.
“Mohawk serves the largest cities in the Capital District and operates a neo-natal intensive care unit that travels hundreds of miles to bring patients to Albany Med,” Bombardier said in a statement. “Air Rescue is a natural extension of their care.”
“Mohawk is willing to provide experienced paramedics to continue the great service Colonie has given the Lifeguard Air Rescue program,” he said.
Bombardier declined to get into what specific discussions the company has had with State Police.
Colonie’s memorandum of understanding with the state involved no exchange of money, just an exchange of services.
In return for riding aboard the helicopters based at Albany International Airport, Colonie medics bill patients for their services — an arrangement the EMS department says makes the town about $150,000 a year.
Mahan has questioned whether the program actually makes money and said, given Colonie’s fiscal problems, the EMS department should refocus its efforts inside town.
One suggested solution has been for the town to raise its billing rates.