CMT makes its pitch

NORWICH – Touting experience, highly trained paramedics and state-of-the-art equipment, Cooperstown Medical Transport (CMT) is in a “very strong position” to become the next commercial ambulance provider in Chenango County, a co-owner of the company told the county’s full Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

CMT is still awaiting approval from the state Department of Health to expand its operating license into the county, but co-owner and Chief Financial Officer Margaret McGown says the private ambulance is planning as if it will be granted full-time status in Chenango.

“I believe that CMT is in a very strong position to become the commercial ambulance service provider in Chenango County,” McGown said, addressing the board at its monthly meeting Tuesday. “We look forward to working with the EMS providers in this county, and hope that we will soon have certification from the New York state Department of Health to be allowed to start our permanent operation here.”



CMT is seeking a 60-day operating emergency certificate from the health department while it’s under review. That decision could come in next few days or weeks.

If permanently approved in Albany, which could take at least three months, CMT intends to operate at least one 24-hour crew in Chenango County to start. Once up and running, the company plans to increase ambulance numbers during daytime hours, McGown said.

County emergency officials expect CMT to pick-up the majority of the county’s hospital-to-hospital patient transports, which was Superior Ambulances role before it shut down its ambulances in Chenango last month. McGown claimed the company will take on whatever calls its dispatched to do, pointing out that 63 percent of CMT’s 375 calls per month in Delaware and Otsego counties are to 911 emergencies and the rest are for transports.

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Reader Response

3 comments on this story

odon11
November 14th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
The state Department of Health rules over emergency services for the entire state. They do this to protect us. Good luck trying to change that.
Becky0001
November 14th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Why on earth is the State involved? Unless they want to pay for and or provide the service, I say screw them, and let us, the people of Chenango County do what we feel is necessary to take care of our people. As long as the service is certified and insured to provide the service, what business of the state is this.
I mean, Spitzer in Albany does not know diddly squat about Chenango County and I am quite sure we are not very high on his list of things to do or worry about EVER!
It is about time we made some decisions about our destiny here, and to hell with the State, and the federal Government. They have done little if anything to help us deal with what is happening here and to be totally honest, they may have contributed more than their share to causing the problems to begin with.
issylu
November 14th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Will the state issue two CONs for paid services in this county? A few years ago they wouldn't.
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