PJSTAR.com reports that AMT (Advanced Medical Transport) has officially become the new emergency medical services (EMS) provider for Chillicothe, taking over from the suspended Rescue 33 Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The transition marks a significant shift in local emergency response, leaving many residents concerned about the future of their community’s ambulance service.
The Rescue 33 garage was unusually quiet on Tuesday as the volunteer squad prepared to contest its permanent suspension by the Peoria Area EMS. Although the service made a few emergency calls overnight, its official suspension began at 6 a.m. Tuesday. The group now has 15 days to formally challenge the decision, though time is running short.
Chillicothe Fire Chief John Myers confirmed that AMT will cover all the areas previously served by Rescue 33, putting an end to rumors that other providers might step in. An AMT ambulance was seen parked at Chillicothe Fire Station No. 1 on Tuesday, signaling the transition. According to Myers, the decision on which ambulance responds to an emergency is typically made by the local fire chief, and he received the notice just hours before the suspension took effect.
Rescue 33 historically covered a large area, including parts of both the city and community fire departments, potentially serving around 15,000 people. The new provider, AMT, is a not-for-profit organization with 32 advanced life support ambulances operating across several regions, including Peoria, Pekin, Streator, Mercer County, and Dubuque, Iowa.
Myers explained that if AMT is responding to a call, an ambulance will be dispatched from within the coverage area—possibly from Rome or Mossville. This could mean longer response times for some residents, raising concerns among locals.
Rescue 33 has been a staple in the community since the 1960s, offering free emergency care to those in need. Initially staffed entirely by volunteers with basic EMT licenses, the squad gradually started hiring part-time paid EMTs in recent years, leading to increased operational costs. Rescue 33 President Ron Hedden estimated that transitioning to full-time paid positions could cost between $300,000 and $400,000 annually.
The organization relies heavily on donations and fundraising events. One such event, Bailey’s Labor Day Breakfast, raised over $19,000 so far. “We appreciate everyone’s support, and we’ll keep the community updated as soon as we have more information,†Hedden said.
Residents are also rallying behind Rescue 33, with a Facebook group called “Save Our Ambulance†gaining traction. Volunteers collected signatures for petitions during the breakfast, showing strong public backing for the long-standing service.
The situation highlights the growing challenges faced by volunteer ambulance services in maintaining quality care while managing rising costs. As the community waits for further updates, many are hoping for a resolution that preserves local emergency care.
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