Gold Cross ending Augusta service after April 21, Central EMS ready to take over

A bumpy, 17-year-long relationship will officially come to an end next month.

Gold Cross EMS issued notice to the City of Augusta that its last day of service to the area will be Apr. 21. This marks the official switch-over when Central EMS will become Augusta's new emergency services zone provider.

The letter was discussed Wednesday by the Augusta Commission, who asked Central's president and founder Gary Coker if they will be ready to provide service after the deadline.

EMS Mess: Augusta's new ambulance provider is soon to take over. How did we get here?

Georgia Legislature: Some Augusta area bills head to Kemp's desk, others left in limbo

"Our crews and all of our staff and team have been working hard, and they will be here and ready to go," Coker said. "We will not let you down. We will not let Augusta go without ambulance service. We will not let it drop, not even for five minutes."

Since Gold Cross relinquished control of the zone in January, their services have continued in Augusta under a temporary contract for $250,000 the first month and $150,000 every month that follows until the new zone provider could take over.

While there is not yet a contract in place between Augusta and Central, Coker said they are still willing to immediately start service when needed without funding, though this is obviously not a longterm solution.

No information has been released on the price as Central has insisted on first studying the city's emergency dispatch data and conversing with local health and emergency experts. Both have been achieved over the last couple of weeks, and Coker confirmed that they have received a draft contract. But the company will need time to review it.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Gold Cross EMS ends Augusta service April 21, Central EMS ready