By Bill Carey
EMS1 Staff
AKRON, Ohio — American Medical Response is closing its facility in Akron and laying off staff after the company and city officials could not reach an agreement on AMR’s services in the future.
The closing is expected to be completed by Aug. 1 and will result in job losses for 25 EMTs, 20 paramedics, four supervisors and one mechanic, the Akron Beacon Journal reported.
The loss of AMR is expected to increase the Akron Fire Department’s patient transport volume by 142%.
AMR warned city officials late last year that the city would have to pay $3 million or the company would let its annual no-cost emergency transport contract expire on Aug. 1.
City officials said AMR wanted $11 million during the next five years. They asked AMR for an extension through the end of 2023 so the fire department could prepare to take over the operation. AMR wanted almost $2 million for the extension.
AMR said it needs more revenue to recruit and retain employees.