1966 - 2009
For over four decades, Alamo EMS proudly served the communities of New York's Mid-Hudson Valley with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives.
Our Story
Alamo Ambulance was established in the early 1960s in Binghamton, New York, by paramedic James Alamo. In 1966, he relocated the company to Poughkeepsie, where it would grow to become the largest EMS provider in the Dutchess County region.
As a not-for-profit, community-owned organization governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees, Alamo was dedicated to the people it served. All operating surpluses were invested directly back into the delivery of ambulance services across the communities of the Mid-Hudson Valley.
Over 43 years, Alamo grew from a sole proprietorship into a cornerstone of regional emergency medical care, serving Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster, and Orange Counties with distinction.
Through the Years
James Alamo established Alamo Ambulance in Binghamton, New York, laying the groundwork for what would become a vital regional EMS provider.
The company relocated to Poughkeepsie, New York, and began serving as the primary ambulance service for the city and surrounding communities in the Mid-Hudson Valley.
Alamo voluntarily undertook the rigorous process of seeking national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).
Alamo became the 51st ambulance service in the United States-and the first not-for-profit in the northeastern United States-to achieve CAAS accreditation, a landmark achievement in regional EMS.
At its peak, Alamo operated approximately 35 ambulances, responded to roughly 50,000 calls annually, and offered a comprehensive range of services including ambulance, ambulette, training, and communications.
After more than four decades of faithful service, Alamo EMS concluded operations when parent company Health Quest completed the transition of services to TransCare, closing a proud chapter in Hudson Valley healthcare.
What We Provided
Full-range emergent and non-emergent transportation at both Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support levels, including Critical Care, neonatal, and intra-aortic balloon pump transports.
Wheelchair and stretcher van transportation for individuals with disabilities or those needing assistance, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for both local and long-distance needs.
A 24-hour Communications Center staffed by highly qualified personnel certified in the provision of Emergency Medical Dispatching, coordinating rapid response across the region.
As one of the largest training centers in the area, Alamo provided a host of medical education programs to employees and members of the communities served.
A physician referral service that connected callers with doctors and specialists who could meet their individual healthcare needs, expanding access to care across the valley.
Round-the-clock car and courier services were available to meet both business and personal transportation needs throughout the service area.
A Standard of Excellence
In 1995, Alamo voluntarily undertook the rigorous endeavor of seeking national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS)-a non-profit organization established to encourage and promote quality patient care in America's medical transportation system.
By June 1996, Alamo became the 51st ambulance service in the country to complete this demanding voluntary review, which included a comprehensive application and on-site review by national EMS experts. With this achievement, Alamo became the fourth accredited service in New York State and the first not-for-profit ambulance service accredited in the entire northeastern United States.
This accreditation represented Alamo's firm commitment to its patients and community-a continuous striving toward excellence that set the standard for EMS providers across the region.
CAAS AccreditedOur Mission
To provide superior healthcare related services which exceed all national standards. We strive to meet our goals and objectives in a cost effective manner while providing a motivating work environment which fosters professionalism and proficiency.
From the Archives
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In Gratitude
On September 19, 2009, Alamo EMS concluded its operations after more than four decades of service. While the ambulances no longer bear the Alamo name, the legacy of care, professionalism, and community dedication endures in every life touched and every emergency answered.
To the thousands of EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, educators, and staff who made Alamo what it was-and to the communities of Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster, and Orange Counties who entrusted us with their care-thank you.