02/19/2026
New ambulance added in Blount County as AmeriPro begins 90-day trial expansion
Blount County’s new ambulance provider is expanding service in an effort to improve response times and reduce gaps in coverage.
AmeriPro, the county’s current ambulance service, has announced a 90-day trial phase that will add a fifth ambulance operating daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
According to officials, the additional unit will be used strictly for inter-facility transports (IFTs) — primarily transferring patients from UAB Blount Hospital to a higher level of care such as UAB Hospital in downtown Birmingham or another UAB-affiliated hospital.
The ambulance would only be reassigned to a 911 emergency if absolutely necessary for a life-or-death situation, such as CPR in progress or a severe vehicle crash.
Why it matters
During AmeriPro’s first month of service in Blount County, the company reports it achieved nearly an 80% on-scene arrival time within 20 minutes of receiving a call. Officials say that rate is identical to the previous provider, Lifeguard.
However, data from the first month also revealed 18 instances of what is known as a “status zero.” A status zero occurs when no ambulances are available to immediately respond to a call.
County leaders and EMS officials say that is one of the primary reasons the dedicated inter-facility ambulance is critical. By separating routine hospital transfers from frontline 911 emergency units, AmeriPro hopes to reduce the likelihood of ambulances being tied up transporting patients while critical emergency calls are waiting.
What happens next
The fifth ambulance will remain in place during the 90-day trial period while officials monitor response times, status zero occurrences, and overall system performance.
If the trial proves successful, the additional unit could become a permanent part of Blount County’s emergency medical services coverage.
County officials say the goal is simple: improve availability and ensure faster response times when residents need emergency care most.
