The City of Sand Springs is considering a change of providers for ambulance service for city water customers and others within the service area of the Sand Springs Fire Department. The Sand Springs City Council is set to review and potentially approve the contract with Mercy Regional EMS at their regular meeting on October 28, 2024. City staff will provide a detailed timeline for the transition from EMSA to Mercy during this meeting and answer questions of the Council and the public about the new service. If approved by the City Council, it is anticipated that Mercy would start operations in Sand Springs in mid-January of 2025.
City Manager Mike Carter stated, “we have enjoyed the service of EMSA for many years, but in order to keep the highest levels of care for our citizens, we want to contract with a provider that can dedicate at least three full time ambulances to our community. We also want to make sure that all of those ambulances are staffed at the paramedic level to provide quick access to advanced life support capabilities”.
The City wants to reassure all citizens of Sand Springs and the surrounding areas currently served by EMSA that there will be no disruption in service during this transition. The City is working closely with EMSA and Mercy to make sure the transition is smooth if the Council approves the change. Billing will continue through Sand Springs utility bills, and services like EMSA Total Care will be maintained under a different name through the new service starting in 2025.
Sand Springs Fire Chief Jeremy Wade stated, “EMSA has been a cornerstone of our community since 1985, serving Sand Springs for nearly 39 years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to EMSA for their unwavering support and dedication to the safety and well-being of our residents. As neighboring cities, Sand Springs and Tulsa will continue to foster a strong collaborative relationship with EMSA moving forward”.
The City is committed to keeping the community informed throughout this transition. We encourage residents to stay updated and engage with us by visiting www.SandSpringsOK.org/ems for more information and future opportunities for questions.
Together, we look forward to enhancing emergency medical services in our community.