Pafford Medical Services began its contract with Benton County, Cave Springs, Decatur, Gentry, and Highfill on Friday, January 27, 2023.
Pafford Medical Services has begun its four-year contract with Benton County and four cities — Cave Springs, Decatur, Gentry and Highfill — to provide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to much of the western portion of the county. The agreement calls for at least three ambulances to be on duty at all times. Additionally, the financial terms of the agreement provide for coverage of out-of-pocket costs for emergency ambulance service. Medicare, Medicaid and third-party insurers would continue to be billed for service. The out-of-pocket coverage is an additional benefit for the citizens of Western Benton County, potentially saving hundreds of dollars or more for those who use the service.
“Pafford Medical Services has committed to providing affordable and quality care to Benton County residents during their most vulnerable moments,” said Benton County Judge Barry Moehring. “We are fortunate to have an Arkansas-based EMS provider that knows the needs of our residents. We look forward to developing a long-standing partnership with Pafford Medical Services.”
“We have procured 5 new Advanced Life Support Ambulances for Benton County, bringing our total number of ambulances stationed within the County to 14,” said Clay Hobbs, COO of Pafford EMS. “The opportunity to work with the fire departments and hospitals within the County has allowed us to develop a unified approach to caring for area residents. Pafford ambulances are on station and ready to respond to 9-1-1 calls.”
“We are confident that Pafford Medical Services will provide excellent care to the residents of Benton County. Their decades of expertise in the EMS field ensures our residents’ safety and well-being is in good hands,” said Administrator of Public Safety Robert McGowen.
The annual amount for the subsidy to Pafford EMS will total $1,512,000 per year for four years with the amount being split proportionally between the county and the cities. The agreement was reached after a Request for Qualification process was initiated in the summer of 2022 and concluded with the approved agreement between Pafford EMS, County Judge Barry Moehring, and the mayors of Cave Springs, Decatur, Gentry and Highfill.