Pafford: Hope-Based EMS Poised to Acquire Baptist Ambulance Service

In Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Pafford Medical Services is set to acquire the ambulance service from Baptist Health, despite social media outcry for keeping the service local. Headquartered in Hope, Arkansas, and serving four Midwest states and several Southwest Arkansas counties with a substantial fleet and workforce, Pafford plans to introduce new ambulances outfitted with advanced equipment while offering employees of Baptist an opportunity to continue under Pafford. Baptist's decision, made official just before informing its medics, has sparked concerns around potential job losses or reduced wages amongst the existing ambulance crew. In addition, Pafford highlights prior issues with health service fines have been rectified, with every staff cleared with the Office of Inspector General. Meanwhile, criticism has erupted due to Valor EMS being overlooked and Baptist's secretive dealings through the transition. Clark County does not currently have a dedicated contract for ambulance services, leaving this transition crucial for maintaining emergency medical services. Interestingly, this deal was expected to be outlined officially in a meeting with Baptist medics and administrative officials.