Springfield-based America Ambulance Service Inc. has acquired Dispatch Medical
Transport Inc., a New Berlin-based provider of non-emergency transport services.
Susan Zappa, owner of America Ambulance, said the acquisition will bring together two
companies whose services align well. America’s ambulances answer 911 calls and
provides medical transport, while DMT provides wheelchair and stretcher van
transportation when a high-level of medical care is not required, such as transport to
and from doctor’s appointments or dialysis. DMT also contracts for transportation to
private events, such as family events or other outings.
“It’s kind of a natural fit for us,” Zappa said. “We’re very excited about it.”
Zappa said a “family friendship” has existed between the two companies for years, with
America referring clients to DMT when a patient needed transportation but didn’t really
need the level of care provided by an ambulance. When Dennis Huss and Dave Isaacs,
owners of DMT, began to consider retirement, Huss called Zappa.
“He said, ‘We may be interested in selling. Would you be interested in buying?’” Zappa
said.
The deal closed on Sept. 1.
America Ambulance will retain the DMT name for the non-emergency transport
services. Zappa said they will be transferring DMT’s operations from New Berlin to one
of America Ambulance’s properties at 2709 W. Washington. Thus far, four DMT
employees have joined America’s staff, which numbers around 70 employees. DMT
operated nine transport vehicles.
“We’re still kind of sorting out what will be our sweet spot as far as how many units we’ll
run on a daily basis,” Zappa said.
Zappa purchased America Ambulance from previous owners Terry and Faye Kirk in
2018. The company has been locally owned and operated since 1967. America is now
one of two ambulance providers operating in Springfield following LifeStar Ambulance
Service Inc.’s suspension from the local emergency medical network in late May.
