HUNTSVILLE — In a move that is expect to improve rural ambulance service in North Alabama, the board of directors of Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc. (HEMSI) has approved an agreement to join the Huntsville Hospital Health System.

The merger is effective Jan. 1, according to a joint announcement Tuesday. 

,“Our new relationship with HEMSI will help improve emergency medical transportation throughout North Alabama, especially in rural areas,” said Jeff Samz, CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System. “By working together with our ambulance services in Limestone, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, Colbert and Franklin counties, we can make a difference in reducing ambulance response times for patients.” 

HEMSI Board President David Blair said the partnership provides expansion opportunities for the non-profit service.

“We are excited at the opportunities ahead of us working as part of Huntsville Hospital Health System.” he said. “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.”

Samz also said the partnership is a win-win for the hospital, HEMSI and patients.

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

Blair and Samz said ambulance patients would choose the hospital for their emergency care.