KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Since its acquisition of Rural/Metro’s EMS service in Knox County, AMR made a big investment to improve the service in the area.
“This is one of the largest investments that I’m aware of nationwide,” said Chris Blach, Rural/Metro’s vice president of operations, as he announced AMR’s investment of $1 million in Knox County.
Five new ambulances were put into service last week, costing more than $100,000 each, WATE reported.
AMR also invested in new recruits, paying for more than 40 students’ education and training in exchange for a one-year commitment to work at Rural/Metro in Knox County after their graduation.
Rural/Metro’s response times and performance have already improved since the acquisition. The latest compliance report for November shows almost every category with performance problems improved, and several categories show the best numbers since May.
Additionally, to recruit more employees, Rural/Metro is giving $7,500 and $15,000 signing bonuses to qualified EMTs and paramedics, respectively.
Current employees also received a raise. Entry-level EMTs went from making $10/hour to $12, and entry-level paramedics went from making $13/hour to $15.