Ambulance contract takes effect

YOUNGSTOWN -- Effective today, Rural Metro Ambulance of Youngstown will be the sole provider of ambulance service for the city.
Previously, the city had rotated calls between Rural Metro and Pellin Ambulance of Ellsworth Township.
City council in February approved a two-year contract with Rural Metro.
Under the contract, Rural Metro will be the only ambulance service the city uses and the company agrees to meet the city's goals on response times and other performance standards.
Fire Chief John O'Neill Jr. said the change will improve the department's ability to control customer service and quality of care.
If a 911 caller requests an ambulance company other than Rural Metro a dispatcher will attempt to honor the request.