Paramedics in Walworth are scrambling to shut down round-the-clock emergency coverage after a surprise vote by the town board last week.
Western Wayne Ambulance says it will halt 24/7 operations starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 14. The move follows a November 6 vote by the Walworth Town Board to make the new, tax-funded Wayne County EMS the town’s primary ambulance provider — giving less than ten days’ notice.
The nonprofit has served Walworth for over 75 years and expanded to Marion in 2012. Its leaders say the sudden shift in coverage puts the entire organization in jeopardy.
“Losing primary response authority in Walworth eliminates our ability to continue current services,” said Cody Szatkowski, the agency’s president. He said the board never approached the ambulance service to discuss concerns before the vote.
Western Wayne operates on insurance reimbursements and donations, not tax dollars. The agency’s staff of EMTs, paramedics, and volunteers respond to about 1,500 emergency calls a year and cover 95% of them.
Now, just weeks before the holidays, the organization is helping employees transition to new jobs. Leaders are also exploring whether some limited or volunteer-based response could continue.
They’re urging local officials to reconsider.
“Had we been approached, even once, by this Town Board to meaningfully discuss solutions,” Szatkowski said, “we would have readily accepted the opportunity.”
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