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Patients of Air Ambulance Services Need Coverage When it Counts

- (2/11/2019)

While many private insurers do right by their clients and cover air medical transportation at a fair rate, many pay far below the cost of the services by claiming the transport wasn’t medically necessary.

Global Medical Response Announces Organizational Change

- (4/25/2019)

Company aligns air, ground, membership and fire operations.

California Dispatcher Honored by IAED

- (4/26/2019)

Dispatcher of the Year Award recognizes Katerine McNulty for service during 2017 wildfires.

Global Medical Response Announces Chief Human Resources Officer

- (10/7/2019)

Lisa Jacoba joins GMR's senior leadership team as company plans to integrate air and ground operations during 2020.

As Fires Rage, California Refines an Important Skill: Evacuating

- (10/30/2019)

Eighty-six patients were moved, many within a few hours, with ambulances rapidly shuttling the majority of patients and a few helicopters transporting the most serious.

Rural Metro Fire Captain Wins 2019 Top First Responder Award

- (11/22/2019)

Rural Metro Fire Department's Captain Martin Mendez says he knew this was his calling from the first time he shadowed a firefighter as a teenager.

AMR Assists West Point Fire

- (5/29/2020)

The West Point, GA, Fire Department and American Medical Response in LaGrange have formed a partnership to ensure the medical needs of Troup County residents are met.

Fire Agencies Urging Extreme Caution During Heat Wave

- (8/17/2020)

Rural Metro Fire's Division Chief Austin Prince says parts of the country are in "extreme" fire danger. Precautions should include no debris burning, no smoking in areas with dry vegetation, no fireworks and campfires only at designated locations.

'Air Medical Transport is Definitely a Life Saver’: Air Ambulances Help Decrease Rising Hospital Rates

- (11/12/2020)

Air ambulance companies are assisting hospitals as they struggle with the increase of hospital rates. With hospitalization rates rising, air ambulance companies are helping out by transferring patients.

Longtime TN Firefighter Dies from COVID-19

- (1/8/2021)

John Howell Clift, a firefighter with Knoxville's Rural Metro Fire Department for more than 40 years, died Saturday after he was hospitalized with the virus in early December.

Rural Metro: Don't Drive Over Fire Hoses

- (2/15/2021)

Avoid driving over fire hoses, parts under your car can get hot and damage the hose and impede firefighting.

GMR's Rural/Metro Fire Operations Completes Asset Purchase of Capstone Fire & Safety Management Operations

- (3/8/2021)

Agreement will Enhance GMR’s Portfolio of Wildland, Industrial and Technical Fire Services.

AMR Assists in GA Tornado Response

- (4/8/2021)

Last week, there was an F4 tornado that hit the areas of Coweta County, Georgia, and the City of Newnan. Coweta County Fire called for assistance, and American Medical Response (AMR) sprung into action to assist them by immediately dispatching emergency and quick response vehicles from Troup and DeKalb Counties.

Sonoma Life Support and Gold Ridge Fire Protection District Announce Partnership

- (4/14/2021)

Sonoma Life Support, operated by AMR, will begin stationing an Advanced Life Support ambulance at Gold Ridge Fire Protection District Station 2 24-hours a day starting this month.  

Focusing on Today 

- (4/16/2021)

Cancer patient Charlie Moore was in the fight of his life. An emergency and a call to 911 had a profound impact on him. He credits the team at Rural Metro Fire and their quick response to helping give him another chance to focus on today. 

Jerry Harnish: Rural Metro’s Quiet Chief

- (4/26/2021)

It’s not every day that you meet someone like Jerry Harnish. Since he was 22 and straight out of Emory & Henry University, his life’s passion and profession have been community fire protection and emergency service.

Rural Metro Fire Opens New Station

- (5/17/2021)

Rural Metro Fire, Knox County relocated its Corryton station in Northeast Knox County to a new, larger facility and held a grand opening event Friday.

EMTs for AMR Honored During NTT INDYCAR GMR Grand Prix Race

- (5/21/2021)

GMR is celebrating EMS Week by highlighting the work of two very special New Haven EMTs.

Pay Contributing to EMT shortage

- (6/1/2021)

So, why not bump up the pay to get more people interested in the field? Medicare and Medicaid rates don't cover even the cost of a call despite the need for readiness, that is really what this industry is all about.

Fire Agencies Prepared and Ready for Increases in Wildfires

- (6/24/2021)

Eight fire agencies including Rural Metro Fire, Medford Fire & Rescue, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and more addressed concerns of how they will handle the increases in wildfires during the 2021 Fire Season.

Crews Push 45% Containment on 6-acre Redwood Fire

- (7/24/2021)

Crews working on the 6-acre Redwood Highway Fire, first reported around 6:30 pm last night, managed to increase containment to 45% overnight.

Save Rates for Cardiac Arrest Down Nationally, More Bystander CPR Needed

- (7/26/2021)

While save rates for cardiac arrest have decreased by 4% on a national level, they’re increasing steadily on a local level in Rochester.

Arizona Governor Ducey Orders Flags At Half-Staff To Honor EMT Jacob Dindinger

- (7/30/2021)

Governor Doug Ducey today ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, July 31, 2021, to honor Tucson Emergency Medical Technician Jacob Dindinger, who last night died from his injuries from a shooting earlier this month as he was responding to a house fire.

Rural Metro Fire Dept. Provides Tips for Homeowners

- (8/2/2021)

Rural Metro Fire Department wants you to be prepared to defend your property this fire season. It suggests cleaning gutters, sub-flooring, and attic vents of pine needles and other outdoor debris.

Global Medical Response Announces EMT Training & Hiring Program in Long Island

- (8/31/2021)

Earn While You Learn Class Aims to Boost NY Economy, Address EMT Shortage

Fire Chief Kevin Hoban Reflects on Time Volunteering at Ground Zero

- (9/11/2021)

It began like an ordinary Tuesday morning for Hoban who, at the time, was a paramedic for American Medical Response. The radio alarm clock went off. It was tuned to KLYT-FM out of Albuquerque.

Rural Metro Fire Department Provide Safety Advice for Your Family

- (9/29/2021)

Rural Metro Fire offers tips on safety as we approach the fire season.

Stars of Life

Every year, GMR honors EMS professionals who demonstrate the next level of patient care. Take a look at GMR's previous Stars of Life honorees.

Robert Galvin

Air Evac Lifeteam's Robert Galvin used his experice in the Army to prepare him for COVID-19 deployment in New York City.

Scott Kerchner

After 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Scott Kerchner calls REACH home.

World Save a Life

Help save a life before first responders arrives. We've partnered with ACEP & IAFC to offer CPR classes, plus wound packing, tourniquet application and more.

News

Find out what people are saying about GMR in the news and what the company itself has curated for immediate media release.

Fire Pit Safety

Rural Metro Yuma Firefighters Build Wheelchair Ramp for Local Resident

- (10/27/2021)

The materials for the construction of the ramp were generously donated by Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Company.

What's Included in a Rural Metro Fire Department Membership?

- (11/2/2021)

Rural/Metro Fire provides emergency medical and fire-protection services for approximately 80% of Knox County.

Bryan McKeon

Bryan McKeon is being honored as a Star of Life for his actions while off duty that resulted in saving a cardiac arrest victim@s life. He <b>wa</b>s at his local gym when a patient in their 70s collapsed. It <b>wa</b>s a lucky day for that patient as Bryan and an off duty San Jose Fire Department medic were close at hand. Together, they began CPR and delivered a...

Ismael Esparza

Ismael Esparza is being honored as a Star of Life for putting his own life at risk while off duty and pulling a victim from a burning car on the side of a mountain. Late one October evening, Ismael <b>wa</b>s driving down a mountain road when he saw that a car had gone off the road, flipped down the embankment on its roof, and burst into flames. He could ...

Kayla Stack

Kayla Stack is being honored as a Star of Life for her actions that saved the life of a cardiac arrest victim the week before Christmas last year. She and her partner arrived on the scene and found the patient to be pulseless and apneic. While Kayla went through the standard cardiac arrest protocols, it soon became apparent that this <b>wa</b>sn@t a stand...

Kyle Hilb

Kyle Hilb is being honored as a Star of Life for his actions that saved a 13-year-old boy who had collapsed on his middle school@s track. Kyle and his partner, Devin Schofield, were first on the scene that day, finding a school staff member performing CPR on the young patient. Kyle stepped in immediately and took over chest compressions. He began C...

Sean Luce

Sean Luce is being honored as a Star of Life for his leadership and his actions in saving the life of a fall and cardiac arrest victim. Sean serves as part of RMF@s Airport Rescue Firefighting unit at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. He <b>wa</b>s the primary EMS provider during a routine response when he and his crew were dispatched to a hangar...

Aaron Fajardo

Facing down fire is nothing new for Aaron Fajardo, a firefighter/EMT with more than a decade of experience. But facing down gunfire is, quite fortunately, a rarer occasion. @ Last July, Aaron <b>wa</b>s part of a three-man engine crew dispatched to a collision involving two vehicles. Within minutes of the engine@s arrival on scene, one of the motorists ...

Elizabeth “Beth” Yancey

Beth Yancey has a unique ability to see the silver lining behind every dark cloud. Beth spent three years as a Mesa Fire Department Connector program volunteer, but a heart condition kept her from entering the fire service on a full-time basis. Beth poured her passion into EMS instead. Just a few years into her career, a serious car wreck sidelined...

Katie Smith

Katie Smith has been a paramedic at AMR for eight years and serves as a supervisor, field training officer and part-time fire medic. But last Thanksgiving, her skills and management abilities were put to the test. @ The day started out normally. Katie spent time with her family and delivered a holiday meal for on-duty team members. But then a mul...

Michael Sanchez

If there were a @Mr. Greenville, Texas@ contest, Michael Sanchez would be an odds-on favorite to win it. @ Last year, Michael@s co-workers and local first responders picked him as Hunt County Fire Association@s EMT of the Year. He@s received this honor and mentorship a<b>wa</b>rd several times during his 17 years at AMR-Hunt County EMS. Michael helps or...

Rebecca Hartman

Rebecca Hartman has grown up in the emergency medical services industry. She@s been part of the team at Abbott for the past decade, but first became involved in EMS when she <b>wa</b>s 16 years old. As lead field training officer, Becca oversees trainers, conducts case reviews and helps mentor team members @ all while continuing to work in the field. @ ...

Andrea Strongman

American Medical Response Santa Rosa, California If you are lucky enough to be partnered with Andrea your chances of having a slow shift tend to be limited since she has a reputation of being dispatched whenever a big event or rough call occurs. This reputation <b>wa</b>s solidified on October 8, 2017, when a devastating fire hit the Sonoma Valley regio...

Bruce Hagen

American Medical Response Napa, California Bruce@s distinguished 35-year career in EMS and countless certifications, including mountain and wilderness rescue, are exactly the traits you <b>wa</b>nt in an individual coordinating EMS response during one of the nation@s worst firestorms. On the evening of, October 8, 2017, Bruce, operating a 4-wheel drive ...

Overview

Leadership

Golf Tournament

Rural Metro Fire Appoints First Female Fire Chief In 75-year History

- (1/27/2022)

Melissa Hilpert has been named Chief for Rural Metro Fire Yuma Operations.

GMR Deploys First Responders to Connecticut, Louisiana to Support Communities Overwhelmed by COVID-19

- (2/3/2022)

The Company’s ground division, AMR, and sub-contracted network providers are now responding to requests for aid from the Federal Government in nine states.

AMR and Seattle Fire Announce New Emergency Healthcare Program

- (2/9/2022)

The Seattle Fire Department Nurse Navigation Program will provide Seattle residents access to customized care options to meet their specific medical needs.

Manchester Deputy Fire Chief Celebrates First EWYL Graduating Class

- (2/24/2022)

The city's deputy fire chief in New Hampshire joined AMR on congratulating the first class of EMTs that trained through AMR’s Earn While You Learn program.

Board Member

Jaime Pozo, a native of South Florida, joined the GMR Foundation for Research and Education Board in March 2020. In 2010, Pozo joined the law firm of Martha Pozo-Diaz, which <b>wa</b>s established by his sister in 1991. The firm, which later reorganized as Pozo- Diaz @ Pozo, P.A., also saw Pozo diversifying the office@s transactional practice while suppor...

AMR, Troup County Fire Department Honor Several

- (4/18/2022)

AMR Georgia and the Troup County Fire Department honored a class of 18 students who earned their EMT-B certifications.

Partners in Hope

- (4/21/2022)

GMR, in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology, built a neonatal ambulance to address Honduras' infant mortality rate.

Oregon Rural Metro Firefighter to be Honored at Annual Stars Of Life Awards Ceremony

- (4/29/2022)

Daniel MacDowell of Grants Pass was nominated for his heroic actions during a medical call involving a child experiencing an allergic reaction.

Eagle Scout Helps Local Fire Department Get Helipad

- (6/1/2022)

A fire department in Northeast Alabama welcomed a new helipad thanks to the dedication of Eagle Scout Thomas Miller

Three Structures Destroyed in Rum Creek Fire in Oregon

- (8/31/2022)

Rural Metro Fire of Josephine County says a residence in the hills above Almeda County Park was also completely ruined by the wildfire.

Cost Issues Lead AMR to Shut Down Non-Emergency Ambulance Division in LA County

- (9/13/2022)

The closure will take place over the next 180 days. AMR will redirect these non-emergency resources to support core emergency operations.

Sonoma County Fire District Adds REACH Multi-Role Helicopter for Fire and Medevac Services

- (10/25/2022)

The Airbus H135 helicopter, known as Sonoma County 1, launched in October.

AMR to Halt Some Rides in Southern Calif. Due to Low Medicaid Rates

- (10/27/2022)

AMR is ending non-emergency transportation for 12 hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange counties, citing low state reimbursement rates.

Air Evac Lifeteam Pilot Honored as Pilot of the Year by National EMS Pilots Association

- (11/8/2022)

Pilot Richard Wyckoff, based out of Licking County, Ohio, was nominated for the award by his coworkers for his dedication and spirit of excellence in his service.

Reach and Sonoma County Fire District Partner

- (11/28/2022)

The fire district is using Sonoma County 1, a Reach Air Medical Services aircraft, as part of the partnership.

75 Years of Service, Rural Metro Fire Celebrates Major Milestone

- (2/2/2023)

The fire service was founded in 1948 by Lou Witzeman, after he watched a neighbor’s home in Scottsdale, Arizona burn down with no response from the local fire department.

Rural Metro Fire Releases App to Help Customers Quickly Contact Fire Department

- (2/7/2023)

The "Rural Metro Fire — Knox Co. TN" app is available on both iPhone and Android.

Rural Metro Fire Selects Steve Nelson as Fire Chief

- (3/27/2023)

Assistant Chief Steve Nelson will be promoted to Fire Chief in Josephine County.

GMR and Covenant Health Announce First Graduates of Community Paramedic Program

- (4/12/2023)

The "Earn While You Learn" Academy prepares community paramedics to staff Covenant Health’s Advanced Care at Home Program.

Rural Metro Fire Debuts Wildfire Fighting Team in Knox Co., TN

- (5/19/2023)

A new team and equipment that specializes in fighting wildfires were unveiled by Rural Metro Fire in Knox County, Tennessee.

AMR South Mississippi Promotes CPR Safety with AED Donation

- (7/21/2023)

AMR South Mississippi donates automatic external defibrillator (AED) to Harrison County youth court in effort to increase cardiac survival rates.

Fire Safety Plan

NM Lawmakers Ask Congress to Limit VA’s Ability to Change Ambulance Rates

- (10/3/2023)

Some New Mexico lawmakers are worried an upcoming Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rule change could force local vets to foot more of their medical transportation bills.

AMR Marks Third Year of DeKalb County 911 Nurse Navigation Program

- (11/7/2023)

The program in Georgia has provided residents access to a wider variety of care options, successfully reducing non-critical burdens on local emergency rooms.

Zach Dayton

Zach Dayton provided immediate medical intervention for a woman and her stillborn baby, who <b>wa</b>s born in a car at a parking lot, ultimately saving the baby@s life. It happened on an afternoon in late April 2022, when Zach <b>wa</b>s <b>wa</b>lking his gurney out to the ambulance bay in Mesa. That@s when he noticed a frantic woman pounding on the glass doors of th...

Riley Wolfe

A critical thinker who knows how to act fast, Riley Wolfe@s intuition and EMS skills saved multiple lives while on a late-night shift when he and his crew came upon a traffic collision on the free<b>wa</b>y. The crash involved a driver who <b>wa</b>s trapped and unconscious in a car that <b>wa</b>s on fire and rapidly spreading. Riley, his student and his partner quick...

Rick Fikes

Rick Fikes, Abilene, Texas, In early October 2022, Rick Fikes and his partner responded to a call that a person at a group home <b>wa</b>s choking while eating a meal. Upon arriving at the scene, a firefighter with the local fire department <b>wa</b>s already visualizing the patient@s air<b>wa</b>y. The firefighter told Rick the patient@s air<b>wa</b>y <b>wa</b>s full of pasta and t...

Jay Shintaku

During a mountain rescue call, Jay Shintaku responded to an emergency where a person had been thrown from a horse and suffered a severe, uncontrolled head bleed after hitting a rock. Upon arriving at the scene via the sheriff@s department@s helicopter, Jay quickly began administering treatment and realized the severity of the patient@s condition. H...

Ian Carroll

Ian Carroll is being celebrated for his bravery and skill in two separate situations @ one involving a patient whose vehicle went off into a river and another, involving a patient injured in a mining truck accident.@ The first incident happened when Ian <b>wa</b>s off duty, sitting in his car at an intersection. That@s when he saw another vehicle run thr...

Hiram Sanchez

Hiram Sanchez demonstrated extraordinary courage and skill during a routine call that turned out to be anything but, on a night in mid-December 2022. While en route during a patient transfer, Hiram came upon a traffic collision involving three cars; no other emergency vehicles were on scene. Hiram quickly identified four patients, one who <b>wa</b>s uncon...

Bill Weber

On an evening in late November 2022, Bill Weber and his partner made a discovery that would eventually result in Bill rescuing multiple people from a fire. It happened when the two EMS professionals were returning from a long-distance transfer. That@s when they noticed a strong orange glow around the community of Desert Hills. When the two went to ...

Lauri Wempen

Lauri Wempen is being honored as a Star of Life for her leadership and service to her community and to clinicians throughout her state. Lauri has been with Guardian Flight Wyoming for the past six years and has been working in EMS in communities throughout Wyoming for the past 35 years. Among her many achievements, Lauri served as the EMS Director ...

Kyle Brule

Kyle Brule valiantly pulled a woman to safety from a burning vehicle. It happened while he <b>wa</b>s driving home from work on an interstate. That@s when Kyle noticed traffic coming to a stop and drivers pulling off on the shoulder. Kyle then approached the incident and noticed an overturned van that <b>wa</b>s engulfed in flames. As he approached the vehicle, ...

Kimberly Hiner

Kimberly Hiner is being honored for her tireless and selfless work on special assignments during the pandemic. Kimberly served alongside the AMR/REMSA@s SOS Team that worked with Specialized Nursing Facilities to train their staff on how to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the first stages of the pandemic when these facilities were at sig...

Eric Bradshaw

Eric Bradshaw saved a patient who had suffered multiple wounds. Eric and his engine company responded to a motor vehicle accident in which a patient suffered multiple and serious injuries that threatened her survival. The patient <b>wa</b>s also at risk of having her leg amputated near her hip. By providing fast, life-saving interventions, Eric managed to...

Daniel MacDowell

Daniel MacDowell demonstrates a spirit of service for others and an impeccable work ethic. One situation where that @impeccable work ethic@ <b>wa</b>s clear <b>wa</b>s a call that involved a boy who had an allergic reaction from an insect bite. At first, everyone at the scene, including the boy@s family, thought the reaction <b>wa</b>s mild and didn@t require an emerge...

Cassandra Moreno

Cassandra is being honored for her bravery which <b>wa</b>s proven when she and her partner were shot at while responding to a call. Cassandra had been working as an EMT for only nine months when a shooter approached her and her partner, Jacob Dindinger, as they were preparing for a medical call. The man opened fire into the cab of the ambulance, shooting...

Bryanna Johnson

Bryanna Johnson is being honored for her role in extinguishing a fire in an aircraft, pre-flight. Although she suffered burns to her hands because of the fire, her heroic act helped save a patient and a paramedic. The incident happened as the aircraft <b>wa</b>s preparing to lift from a hospital. That@s when Bryanna realized her partner@s flight suit had ...

Holly Griswold

Holly Griswold started her career in the EMS industry in May 2010. She accepted a position as a Para-transit driver with Arizona Ambulance Transport. During this role she attended the EMT program. After completion and successfully passing, she <b>wa</b>sted no time in branching out into other areas of Arizona Ambulance to gain experience within the operat...

AMR Director of Operations Discusses Improved Response Times in Knox County

- (7/30/2024)

Jerry Harnish talks about AMR's June data that shows on-time response rates of more than 90% in two of the three districts it covers in Knox County in Tennessee.

Global Medical Response and Brindlee Fire Services Announce Purchase of Rural Metro Fire

- (10/29/2024)

Rural Metro Fire and Valley Fire Services, previously Global Medical Response companies, will join and be operated by Brindlee Fire Services under the Rural Metro Fire brand.

Brindlee Fire Services Completes Acqusition of Rural Metro Fire from Global Medical Response

- (12/16/2024)

This marks a transformative milestone for both companies and will continue to support Rural Metro Fire as a leader in private fire services across the U.S.

AMR Hartford Among the Few Providing Whole Blood Transfusion

- (2/3/2025)

AMR's new policy saved 70-year-old Clifton Brandon of Connecticut, who reunited with the paramedics who gave him the critical prehospital blood transfusion.

Jason Henry

Captain Jason Henry personifies the terms leadership and honor, words he tries to exemplify to the crews he leads. Those fundamental life values were demonstrated one day in March 2023, when he, along with his crew, saved a patient, who, while suffering cardiac arrest, drove erratically to<b>wa</b>rds Captain Henry@s engine in the oncoming lane of a rural...

Alyssa Meier

Alyssa Meier demonstrated immense courage and dedication when she put her welfare aside to care for a patient who <b>wa</b>s trapped in a burning vehicle as a result of a fiery car crash. The accident, which happened in May 2024, involved Alyssa and her partner, Eli Melamed. Once on scene, they both helped extricate the patient, who <b>wa</b>s on fire, from the ...

Eli Melamed

Eli Melamed went above and beyond when he put his own safety at risk to care for a patient who <b>wa</b>s trapped in a burning vehicle as a result of a fiery car crash. The accident, which happened in May 2024, involved Eli and his partner, Alyssa Meier. Once on scene, they both helped extricate the patient, who <b>wa</b>s on fire, from the driver@s side of the ...

Andrew Varela

Andrew Varela is being recognized for his overall dedication to the EMS industry as exemplified in two specific emergency responses in 2023. First, Andrew@s unit responded to a young boy who <b>wa</b>s riding his scooter and had a sudden cardiac event causing him to go into arrest. He and his partner quickly took over CPR from the responding fire departme...

Evansville, IN AMR Cardiac Survival Rates Higher Than National Average

- (3/25/2025)

Through a program called Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival or CARES, AMR Evansville is saving more lives than ever before.

AMR Topeka: Cardiac Arrest Survival Rate Higher Than National Average

- (5/21/2025)

According to data from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), AMR Topeka's survival rate was nearly twice the national average.

Josephine County Cardiac Arrest Survival Rate Surpasses National Average

- (5/27/2025)

According to the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), the Oregon county's survival rate is more than 40% higher than the national average.