Non-Emergency Ambulance Service Starts Sept. 1

Plainfield residents who need non-911 ambulance transportation to health care facilities in the west and southwest suburbs can use a new service provided by Edward Hospital.

Edward Ambulance Services also will transfer patients from the to Edward Hospital in Naperville and other area hospitals.

The new service begins Sept. 1. Edward officials say the joint venture with Community Emergency Medical Service Inc. of Southfield, Mich. - that is, between a health care provider and ambulance service - is the first of its kind in the Chicago area, according to a hospital media release.

"We see Edward as a perfect addition to our mission of facilitating medical and non-medical logistics for healthcare delivery systems nationally," said Jamey Baker, executive vice president of Community EMS and CEO of the joint venture.

The goal is to be at a patient's bedside in 30 minutes or less, the media release said. Patients, their families and caregivers can arrange for transportation between Edward and area rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and assisted living centers.

More than 25 EMTs and paramedics will be hired for the new service and trained by Edward. (Illinois-licensed EMTs and paramedics who are interested in applying should visit www.edwardambulance.org.)

Edward Ambulance Services also will purchase four new ambulances, each with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.