Emergency medical services across the Finger Lakes could soon operate under one nonprofit system.
Mercy Flight, Inc., based in Buffalo, announced it has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Finger Lakes Ambulance EMS, a long-established provider serving communities throughout the region.
The acquisition remains contingent on approvals from the Finger Lakes and Monroe-Livingston Regional EMS Councils and the New York State Department of Health. If approved, the move would combine the two agencies under Mercy Flight’s nonprofit EMS structure.
A unified EMS model
Mercy Flight and Finger Lakes Ambulance have worked closely for the past five years to improve coordination, clinical alignment, and shared priorities. Leaders from both organizations said those conversations led to a shared conclusion that a unified model could better address staffing shortages, rising call volumes, and increasing operational costs.
“This opportunity allows us to offer access to safe, reliable, and compassionate ground medical transport services through our not-for-profit ground/air integration model,” said Margaret Ferrentino, president of Mercy Flight. “By integrating Finger Lakes Ambulance’s experienced teams and established operations into our nonprofit system, we can ensure continuity of care while furthering our commitment to clinical excellence and community partnerships in rural communities.”
No job losses expected
All Finger Lakes Ambulance employees, including EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and support staff, will be welcomed into Mercy Flight’s nonprofit mission. Officials said operations will continue without interruption during the transition.
“We are proud to join an organization whose values so closely align with our own,” said Al Kalfass, executive director of Finger Lakes Ambulance. “Our teams are dedicated to caring for our communities, and we look forward to the continued growth and advancement of that work within Mercy Flight’s nonprofit framework.”
Regional impact
Bob Woodhouse, chairman of the board at G.W. Lisk, said the partnership prioritizes patient care and regional stability.
“We believe Mercy Flight, with its nearly 45-years of service to its community, is the right organization to take on this responsibility,” Woodhouse said.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, Mercy Flight reinvests all net resources into patient care, safety, and clinical excellence. Officials said adding Finger Lakes Ambulance would expand regional coverage and improve coordination between air and ground EMS resources.
Mercy Flight said the acquisition will not change its air ambulance service in Western New York and that it will continue working closely with Mercy Flight Central, a separate nonprofit helicopter service covering the Finger Lakes region.
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