Gold Cross Emergency Medical Services and SouthStar Emergency Medical Services announced an agreement to have SouthStar join Gold Cross effective Jan. 1, 2022, said Gold Cross CEO Vince Brogdon announced in a press release on Wednesday, Dec. 15.
“SouthStar EMS is an established provider in our area. We share the same guiding principles that have made both companies trusted providers in our communities,” Brogdon said. “We are excited to have [SouthStar CEO] Jim Adkins and his SouthStar EMS Family join the Gold Cross Family. We are both dedicated to the communities we serve.”
SouthStar’s current service area is in Richmond and Columbia counties in Georgia and Aiken County in S.C. The company also provides non-emergent transportation services all over the two states, per the release.
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“SouthStar EMS welcomes this merger of amazing team members and resources to enhance the medical services both our organizations provide,” Adkins said. “I am proud of our continuous efforts to provide professional customer service day and night to the many facilities, agencies and general public who place their trust in our skilled and dedicated teams.”
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The two companies will continue to operate under their individual brands and the current leadership team at SouthStar EMS will remain intact.
“It is very important for us to maintain the same trusted leadership that our community partners have grown to know at SouthStar EMS,” said Brogdon. “The last year and a half made this partnership very appealing as healthcare expenses have grown, yet reimbursement for our services has declined. This partnership will help us strategically position ourselves for continued growth and success.”
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The new partnership will operate more than one hundred vehicles with over 525 employees between
both companies.
This agreement will not affect Gold Cross’ deal with Richmond county, said Gold Cross director of business development Michael Meyers.
“A deal like this only enhances our affect on the community,” Meyers said. “We are excited about our partnership and look forward to combining our efforts to take care of this community.”
Gold Cross has been locally owned and operated since 1997. Their services include critical care ambulance, ALS and BLS ambulance, stretcher van and wheelchair van services.
SouthStar has been based in Augusta, Ga. since its inception in 1976. SouthStar EMS
operates emergency ALS/BLS & non-emergency transport services and is the area’s only nationally-accredited NEMTAC provider.
