The Maui News

KAHULUI–The Hawai’i State Department of Health (DOH) Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch (EMSIPSB), has awarded the contracts for ground ambulance services on Maui and Kauai to International Life Support, Inc., which is widely recognized as American Medical Response (AMR).

The initial notice of award to AMR was issued on May 23, 2024. Falck Northwest Corporation (Falck), an applicant not selected for the contract, filed notices of protest to EMSIPSB, also referred to as the Purchasing Agency. On June 21, 2024, Dr. Kenneth Fink, Director of DOH, also referred to as the Head of Purchasing Agency (HOPA), issued his decision to resolve the protests. The new contracts with AMR will take effect on January 1, 2025.

“We are disappointed that the Department of Health ultimately reversed course after initially selecting Falck to provide enhanced emergency medical services to Maui and Kaua’i counties,” Troy Hagen said. Hagen is the chief commercial officer of Falck USA. “Falck continues to stand ready to serve should the DOH call on us. As a foundation-owned healthcare provider, we would bring a fresh perspective, unmatched financial stability, reliable services developed around global best practices, and a deep commitment to delivering the highest quality care to the communities we serve.”

Director Fink said the priority remains ensuring high-quality emergency medical services for the residents and visitors of Kaua’i and Maui and continuing the current ALS staffing level.

“Both bidders submitted excellent proposals with the differentiating factor being primarily price. I am confident that both would provide high-quality emergency medical services,” Fink said.

Kaua’i: Hawai’i Awards & Notices Data System (ehawaii.gov)

Maui: Hawai’i Awards & Notices Data System (ehawaii.gov)