Parkside ambulance ending agreement with Crozer Health

Parkside Fire Co. is ending its ambulance agreement with Crozer Health, formerly known as Crozer Chester EMS, that provided paramedic service on its ambulance.

The fire company ambulance provides protection for the 2,500 residents in the borough with the 2003 Horton ambulance and an Emergency Medical Technician while Crozer Health provided a paramedic and the licensing.

The two sides were unable to come to an agreement on the amount the fire company paid Crozer its services after than 15 years working together. The fee was reportedly $30,000 per month, which was more than the fire company was able to recoup in Medicare and insurance reimbursements.

In addition to Parkside, Crozer Health EMS South division serves several Delaware County municipalities including Aston,

Bethel, Brookhaven, Chester, Eddystone, Glenolden, Norwood, Prospect Park, Ridley Park, Tinicum

and Upper Chichester.

One borough official said the borough was in discussions about the change.

“Apparently the forprofit company that bought Crozer increased the price,” the official said, declining to be identified.

“Crozer Health is committed to the Parkside community, and we’re making sure there will be continuous EMS coverage for its residents,” said Rich Leonowitz, director, communications and media relations at CrozerKeystone Health System.

Officials from Parkside Fire Co. were not available for comment.