HURLEYVILLE –– Mobilemedic EMS, a family-owned business founded in 1991 by Albee Bockman, has been acquired by Empress Ambulance Service.

“After many years of operating independently, we felt it was time to partner with a larger EMS service,” said Bockman. “We considered several opportunities but determined that based on its commitment to its employees, patients, clients and communities, Empress is by far the right fit culturally. We are excited about being part of this organization and working together for the benefit of Sullivan County and surrounding areas.”

Bockman told the Democrat Mobilemedic, which has provided 911 advanced life support, as well as basic life support and interfacility transport services, to the entirety of Sullivan County, doesn’t cost the County or taxpayers anything as reimbursement is strictly through third-party billing/insurance. 

Furthermore, he said the Affordable Care Act has made reimbursement very difficult in their industry, and that in Sullivan County, there is a high Medicare and Medicaid recipient population.

Bockman also noted that in New York State, emergency medical services (EMS) is not considered an essential service, so they don’t have access to funding.

“It’s been very difficult to stay strong. So it is a trend across the nation in the ambulance industry for merging and something we needed to consider,” said Bockman. “This was the best alternative to maintain our strength and to improve our services for Sullivan County.” 

Empress was started in 1985 and according to the company, they’ve “made a firm commitment” to the development of emergency medical services and quality after care transportation in New York State, concentrating their efforts towards “providing state-of-the-art patient care in a personal and compassionate manner.”

Empress provides 911 emergency medical response to Yonkers as well as mutual aid response to neighboring communities, and has emergency and non-emergency response contracts throughout Westchester County and the Hudson Valley region.

Empress stated in a press release announcing the acquisition that they will be able to leverage additional capital and technology resources to expand critical services and mobile healthcare programs throughout Mobilemedic’s service area.

“We are excited to bring the Mobilemedic team on board,” said Empress President Michael Minerva. “The acquisition gives us the opportunity to expand our offering of excellent service to the healthcare providers in this region.” 

As for why he felt Empress was the right fit, Bockman  said he could relate to the company, which like Mobilemedic is also family-owned. He said he’s known their family and administration for years and that the two sides were able to sit down and share similar thoughts about the ambulance industry. 

“It was very comfortable,” said Bockman. “We’re going to have access to financial assistance, training, technology and additional resources.”

While Empress may have acquired the Hurleyville-based company, don’t expect to see many noticeable changes.Mobilemedic will continue operating under the same name, with staff and leadership remaining.

“Services will improve in our County for availability, technology ...,” said Bockman, adding that, “our staff, everything remains the same. My son [Justin], who is the CEO, and myself as the founder and chairman of our board, [we’re] not going anywhere.