SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – More changes in the world of ambulance service in Springfield.

The Springfield Business Journal reports America Ambulance Service has acquired New Berlin-based Dispatch Medical Transport.

“Technically, that’s not actually traditional ambulance; it’s a New Berlin-based business that does non-emergency transport services,” said Michelle Ownbey, Executive Editor, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.  “The owners had known each other for some time.  Susan Zappa, who owns America Ambulance, said the owner of Dispatch Medical Transport approached her and asked her if they would be interested in taking it on.  That deal just closed earlier this month.  They’re going to retain that name for the non-emergency side of their services.”

Ownbey said the base will move to Springfield, and some of Dispatch’s employees will now work here as well.  It’s a better outcome than one other situation involving ambulances in Springfield this year.

“Ambulances have been in the news a lot lately,” said Ownbey.  “First, with the announcement that Lifestar is going to leaving the local market, not by choice.  They were basically suspended from the local emergency medical network.  Just last week, the city held a press conference about BEACON, their new rescue vehicle that they’re rolling out for overdoses and medical emergencies, and that sort of thing.”

Earlier this week, our news partners at WAND-TV report Air Evac Lifeteam closed its base at the Decatur Airport, after losing $1 million in the last year.  They’re still expected to have helicopter ambulance service in around Decatur, and still has other bases in Mattoon and Effingham.