by Rodney E. Palmer. Mr. Palmer was highly involved in the evolution of emergency medical services for the State of Michigan as we continue to know it today. Mr. Palmer contributed largely giving input to the state of Michigan on the first EMS legislation establishing the basic emergency standards we still see in EMS today.
In 1975, Mercy Ambulance
started providing advanced life support (paramedic) services throughout the Tri-County Medical Control Region that includes Clinton, Ingham and Eaton counties. This includes providing 911 services to the City of Dewitt, Dewitt Charter Township, Riley, Olive, Victor and Bath townships.
Also in 1975, Mercy Ambulance
expanded services to Barry County, providing the City of Hastings and Hastings, Hope, Carlton, Rutland, Baltimore townships with limited advanced services. Mercy was the first Ambulance agency in Barry County to offer advanced life support, beginning in 1991. Through this working relationship, Mercy Ambulance
was able to eventually eliminate tax subsidies throughout Barry County while increasing the areas service level from Limited advance life support to advanced life support.