Metro West Ambulance in Baker City Changes Its Name
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, September 8th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY — (Information by Metro West Ambulance) Metro West Ambulance, the emergency ambulance provider for the Baker and Huntington Ambulance Service Area announced that it is changing the name of their Baker County service to Priority Ambulance.
Tim Novotny, Regional Manager for the Metro West Ambulance Family of Companies said, “Since officially becoming the provider in October 2022, Metro West Ambulance-Baker County–now Priority Ambulance-has worked to create its own autonomy within the Metro West Ambulance Family of Companies.” As the ambulance provider for Baker City, Huntington, Sumpter, Unity, Haines and surrounding areas, Priority Ambulance has focused on meeting the unique needs of this region’s citizens while working closely with partner agencies and other EMS stakeholders.
Metro West Ambulance, based in Hillsboro, was chosen by Baker County Commissioners in June of 2022 as the local ambulance provider after the Baker City Council decided to cease the ambulance service the city fire department had operated.
Under Oregon law, county commissioners are responsible for choosing ambulance providers.
In the weeks to come, you will see ambulances bearing the new name along with a new look on the outside. A distinctive Star of Life with a heartbeat in blue reflective wrap material along with other high visibility safety features. All of our ambulances are designed both inside and out to provide safety, security, injury reduction and functionality for our patients, EMT’s and Paramedics.
Priority Ambulance Operations Manager Kristina Ploeger shared that the first ambulance to sport the new name and the new look is one of their two four-wheel-drive ambulances. Priority Ambulance has two 4 x 4 Dodge Ram ambulances in their fleet-one 4500 series and one 3500 series. These units enable Priority Ambulance crews to travel in all-weather elements and in a variety of difficult to travel conditions including remote areas. Kristina shared her thoughts on the importance of these units, “I know summer is just ending but we are already gearing up for the winter and these four-wheel-drive units will be an integral part of making sure we have the ability to serve our outlying areas when the weather turns ugly or the terrain turns rough. They will be deployed with on-duty crews at all times during the winter.”
As Priority Ambulance has found its own identity as this area’s ambulance provider in this last year, it has welcomed EMS staff who have permanently made Baker City and this region their home. Initially staffed with providers who resided outside of this area, now all EMTs, Paramedics and other staff not only serve but also live in this region. Having the privilege to care for those where they call home is something they value highly.
Kristina Ploeger, Operations Manager, said, “We not only respond to emergencies but we also are able to participate in many of the various public events that provide fun opportunities to meet those we serve. Having a chance to share what we do and connect outside of an emergency situation with the public- well we love it. Priority Ambulance is honored to be here”.
