July 9, 2025
Town Administrator Austin Albro and Selectman Jeremy Hair attended an emergency meeting in Wentworth this morning after learning of an abrupt interruption in emergency medical services. The meeting, organized by Plymouth Fire & Rescue Chief Kevin Pierce, included Fire Chiefs from Rumney, Plymouth, Warren, and Wentworth, a representative from the Glencliff Home for the Elderly, and members of the Wentworth Selectboard.
Chief Pierce reported that at approximately 8:00 A.M., he was informed by Lakes Region Mutual Aid Dispatch that the Warren Wentworth Ambulance Service (WWAS) had notified dispatch it had no available providers and would be unable to respond to emergency calls.
In response, Plymouth Fire & Rescue committed to covering EMS calls in both Warren and Wentworth. Woodsville EMS will also provide coverage for the Glencliff Home and surrounding village area. This interim arrangement will remain in effect while discussions continue.
Dispatch has been instructed to simultaneously tone out the Warren Fire Department alongside Plymouth EMS for all emergency medical calls. Both the Warren and Wentworth Fire Departments have expressed interest in enhancing their emergency medical response capabilities. Plymouth Fire & Rescue will coordinate with the State to facilitate additional training and assist both towns in obtaining non-transport licenses, enabling qualified fire personnel to provide a higher level of care while awaiting transport.
Residents are reminded that WWAS is an independent, contracted provider and not a department of the Town of Warren. Questions regarding WWAS operations should be directed to their Board of Directors.
Of the $325,000 appropriated at the March 2025 Town Meeting for ambulance services, $215,000 remains unspent. The Town paid $110,000 to WWAS on April 2, 2025, covering services through July. The remaining funds are available for the Selectboard to allocate toward alternative emergency medical coverage.
The contract between the Town and WWAS allows for termination with 60 days written notice. It also states that in the event of termination, the Town is entitled to a prorated refund for services not rendered. While the Town may explore its options under the agreement, the immediate priority remains ensuring reliable EMS coverage for Warren residents.
A follow-up meeting between the Warren Selectboard and leadership from the Town of Plymouth is being scheduled to further coordinate regional EMS efforts and explore long-term solutions.
