FORDYCE, AR – After eight years of dedicated service, ProMed Ambulance will cease operations in Fordyce and Dallas County, Arkansas, on or before April 15, 2025, subject to assurances that the community has replacement service. This decision comes in the face of continued financial challenges and a lack of adequate local support to sustain emergency medical services in the region.
ProMed Ambulance first stepped in during a crisis in May 2017, answering Dallas County’s emergency request when the previous ambulance provider abruptly shut down. Within 24 hours, ProMed had restored ambulance service to the community, ensuring continuity of emergency medical care. Since then, ProMed has consistently provided paramedic-level advanced life support through it’s local and regional resources, responding to every emergency with professionalism, compassion, and the highest standard of care. This was exemplified most recently during the tragic Fordyce mass shooting, where ProMed’s regional capabilities proved essential in responding to the crisis.
Unfortunately, since 2020, ProMed’s Dallas County location has faced severe financial strain and a crippling local workforce shortage, challenges that EMS providers across Arkansas and the nation are battling daily. Despite repeatedly communicating these concerns to local officials, the financial support needed to sustain operations was never increased. The subsidies supporting EMS services in Dallas County were set over a decade ago at an artificially low rate, and despite numerous requests for fair adjustments, no action was taken. It is no surprise that, under these circumstances, the system has now reached a breaking point.
Adding to the frustration, the decision to end ProMed’s service was made without transparency or direct engagement. “I regret that I was not asked by local officials to attend last night’s meeting. I cannot comment on their discussions,” said Ken Kelley, CEO of ProMed Ambulance. While we respect the county’s decision to move in a different direction, we cannot ignore the lack of open dialogue in how this transition was handled.
Despite evergreen language in our last executed contract with Dallas County, the City of Fordyce, and Dallas County Medical Center—requiring a 30-day written notice of cancellation—ProMed has agreed to an expedited withdrawal, with April 15, 2025, set as the final day of service. Our top priority remains ensuring patient care and a smooth transition for the community.
ProMed is committed to supporting its employees through this transition. Team members who wish to remain with ProMed will have opportunities to transfer to our neighboring regional locations. Additionally, in the coming days, ProMed will be reaching out to PriorityCARE ambulance membership holders to discuss available options, including possible prorated refunds for those affected by this service discontinuation.
Finally, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated team members. Your service, sacrifice, and commitment to this community have been nothing short of extraordinary. You have made a difference.
