The new Arnold ambulance service is up and running after getting its operating license from the state on Friday.
Service officials said in recent days that they expected to assume operations this week. Officials didn't want to comment publicly until they had the license in hand.
The nonprofit service, Arnold Fire-EMS, is run by Arnold No. 1 fire company and replaces the for-profit Arnold Volunteer Ambulance Service, which went out of business in July.
Ambulances will be housed at the fire department at the bottom of Drey Street. The service currently has one ambulance stationed there.
Pennsylvania Department of Health spokesman Richard McGarvey confirmed that a license was issued and said the service eventually will run a second ambulance, which needs minor repairs and an inspection before it begins service.
Ambulance service offices are located in the old firemen's club along Fifth Avenue.
Alle-Kiski Medical Center spokesman Phil Grove said the service went live at 3 p.m. yesterday. AKMC employs the service's full-time staff: four EMTs and two paramedics, Grove said.
Six part-time EMTs and paramedics are employed by the fire company, he said.
Grove said the service will run around-the-clock.
Mayor John Campbell said the service will be the city's primary responder. The city agreed more than a month ago that the service would be designated as the city's primary responder once it had its license.
"I think it's wonderful to have the ambulance company up and running," Campbell said. "It's been sorely missed. It's an asset to the city.
"New Kensington and the surrounding communities have done a good job of helping us out," the mayor added.
Campbell said the fire company will operate the ambulance service without financial support from the city. The ambulance will be dispatched through Westmoreland County's 911 system.
Grove said that as of last night the service had responded to one call.
Service official Dave Madeja said Arnold Fire-EMS would serve as backup for surrounding communities and currently is working on mutual-aid agreements.
"Whoever needs us, we'll back them up," Madeja said.
Madeja said the service will support itself from revenue generated from responding to calls. The service will bill insurance companies, he said, and will offer a subscription plan.
Cost figures for a subscription were unavailable yesterday.
Madeja said the service will honor subscriptions from the former ambulance service in Arnold as long as residents have proof of payment.
Staff writer Chuck Biedka contributed to this report.
