Upper Providence Cuts Ties With Freedom Valley Medical Rescue

Upper Providence Township is ending its emergency services contract with Freedom Valley Medical Rescue, with the board authorizing its solicitor to issue a 30-day termination notice at the May 18 supervisors meeting.

The decision stems from a shift in regional ambulance coverage. Friendship Ambulance of Royersford recently entered into an agreement with Trappe Borough to station ambulances at Trappe Fire Company. Beginning June 1, that unit will operate around the clock — meeting the township's 24/7 coverage requirement for the first time.

Why the Township Is Ending the Contract

Upper Providence has historically relied on three ambulance providers: Freedom Valley Medical Rescue, Lower Providence EMS, and Friendship Ambulance of Royersford, operating out of stations in Upper Providence and Spring City.

Freedom Valley, stationed at the Limerick Fire Department on West Ridge Pike, had been the designated provider for the township's northern "panhandle" — the area roughly between Township Line Road and East Linfield-Trappe Road, from Pope John Paul II High School north to Wartman Road.

With Friendship now operating out of Trappe Fire Company, Upper Providence Fire Chief Mike Risell told the board the provider will be significantly closer to that area than Freedom Valley, meaning the overlap in coverage no longer justifies maintaining the Freedom Valley contract.

How Ambulance Coverage Will Change

The termination is expected to take effect on July 1. At that point, Upper Providence will consolidate to two ambulance providers: Lower Providence Ambulance, covering the Oaks area in the township’s southeast section, and Friendship Ambulance, covering the remainder of the township.

The approximately $26,000 per year currently paid to Freedom Valley is expected to be redirected toward Friendship. The termination is timed to align with a bi-annual payment cycle.

The board approved the motion unanimously.

This article was generated with AI assistance. All content was reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by John McGuire.