Armstrong Ambulance Receiving Assistance from Mass. National Guard

PRESS RELEASE

ARLINGTON, MA—Armstrong Ambulance will be supported by four Massachusetts National Guard personnel during the coming months, assisting in providing nonemergency medical transportation.

Armstrong Ambulance is one of 12 ambulance providers in the state receiving National Guard support, based on staffing levels and nonemergency call frequency. The state Department of Public Health’s Office of EMS coordinated the assignment of personnel, in recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic and a resulting shortage of EMS responders.

Guard personnel began training Dec. 28. After receiving driving, medical and onboarding training, the soldiers will assist EMTs and paramedics with transporting patients during nonemergency calls, such as trips between long-term care facilities and hospitals or doctor’s offices.

“Thank you to Governor Baker and his administration, the Massachusetts National Guard and state Department of Public Health for offering this assistance,” Armstrong CEO Richard Raymond said. “The COVID-19 pandemic, and now the Omicron variant, have placed a significant strain on our resources. With help from Guard personnel, we will be able to increase the medical transportation assets to our healthcare partners and patients.”