Growing cities may outsource ambulance care
Source: By SARAH LEMAGIE, Star Tribune (MN), July 18, 2008
Apple Valley, Lakeville and Farmington are considering replacing their current ambulance service because of growth in the communities, leaving local paramedics worried that they may lose their jobs. With the number of medical emergencies steadily rising, leaders of the cities' cooperative ambulance service say it may be time to hire a contractor. ALF (for Apple Valley, Lakeville and Farmington) Ambulance has invited outside providers to submit proposals by Aug. 5 to take over the job starting in January, though the plan aims to retain current workers.
....... "This came as a big surprise to us," said Sturz, who found out about the plan last month. His union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), had gotten no prior indication that there were problems, and paramedic supervisors said just a few months ago that they weren't concerned about the 24-hour shifts, he said. The union hopes to find a way to keep the current service running, he said.