Bedford, Mass. – Since 1982, Emerson Hospital has provided advanced life support (ALS) service to Lincoln and 12 other area communities. But with the hospital phasing out the program in the next year due to financial constraints, several towns are working together to develop a new regional ALS system.
Lincoln is one of 10 Emerson ALS member communities moving forward with plans to establish the Central Middlesex Emergency Rescue Authority (CMERA). Three towns Bedford, Wayland and Westford have opted not to participate in CMERA, although Lincoln Fire Chief Arthur Cotoni said those communities could still receive coverage through mutual aid agreements. We may not be able to come up with a solution that works for all communities in the same manner, but we think there s a flexibility to have members and affiliates, Cotoni said.
Read More, Towns moving forward with new regional paramedic service
