HUNTSVILLE, AL – The board of directors of Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc. (HEMSI) has approved an agreement for the non-profit ambulance service to join the Huntsville Hospital Health System. The merger is effective January 1, 2024, according to a joint announcement from both entities.

Jeff Samz, CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, mentioned that a major outcome for the merger was the improve emergency medical transportation throughout North Alabama and, more specifically, Madison County. Another major goal with the partnership will be to increase medical access to rural areas within the county.

“The challenge in delivering ambulance services is increasing, and it’s critical that we improve coordination and communication among all of our EMS systems. With HEMSI joining our other Health System services, we can standardize vehicles and equipment and build a better system for all of our patients,” said Samz.

David Blair, President of HEMSI’s board of directors, mirrored much of Samz’s sympathies.

“We are excited at the opportunities ahead of us working as part of Huntsville Hospital Health System. We believe that we will be able to not only provide the current vital EMS to our community, but with this merger, we will have the opportunity to expand our EMS services to our community,” said Blair.

Blair and Samz stated that ambulance patients would continue to choose the hospital for their emergency care.

For more information, please visit www.hemsi.org.