Elyria, OH, Considering Fire-Based EMS, Ditching Provider

A study shows Elyria could pocket more than $1 million to provide EMS.

By Hannah Drown

Source cleveland.com (TNS)

Dec. 10, 2025

3 min read

ELYRIA, Ohio – Elyria could pocket more than a million dollars annually by ditching its private ambulance contractor and launching its own fire-based emergency medical service, according to a new feasibility study that has city leaders weighing a major operational shift before their current contract with LifeCare Ambulance Inc. expires.

The study, presented to council by consulting partner Steven Knight of Fitch and Associates, found that a municipal ambulance service could be both sustainable and lucrative for the city.

“If the city does want to move through and entertain having a fire-based municipal run EMS program, there’s no question in our assessment that they could do so and it could be fiscally and operationally sustainable,” Knight said.

The study noted that the fire department currently lacks the staffing and resources to immediately assume full EMS responsibilities. However, it projected that a city-operated ambulance service could bring in roughly $1.2 to $1.3 million in net annual revenue for the general fund, despite initial startup costs estimated between $2.5 million and $3.5 million for vehicles and equipment.

Several service models were analyzed, ranging from 3.5 to five ambulance units. While the most comprehensive five-unit model would generate only modest revenue of about $26,000 annually, smaller, leaner models could exceed $1 million in net yearly income.

Response-time data cited in the study shows Elyria Fire Department and LifeCare perform with nearly the same response time. However, Fire Chief Joseph Pronesti highlighted the department’s existing role in medical response, noting that firefighters have frequently arrived first on scene and provided advanced medical care.

The study also revealed that while LifeCare is doing an “exemplary job” and “meeting their contractual obligations,” the city could enhance control and transparency by bringing the service in-house.

Some council members voiced frustration that a similar study from 2022 did not lead to action. Councilman Brad Armstrong urged the council to move forward before the current LifeCare contract expires.

“I don’t want to see this get dusty on the shelf. We paid more money for this study than y’all did in 2022. I think like the chief says, we need to figure out something because February 2028 will be here soon and we need to have a backup plan,” Armstrong said.

City leaders are considering forming a committee in 2026 that would include council members, fire department staff and community representatives to review the study and make recommendations.