What Pro EMS does

Pro EMS (legal name Professional Ambulance Service) is a private, mid-sized emergency medical services provider founded in 1969 and headquartered at 31 Smith Place, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company delivers 911 Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) response to the City of Cambridge, Harvard University, MIT, and seven CMERA municipalities (Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Weston) via the Emerson Paramedics sub-brand under Emerson Hospital medical oversight. Operations are supported by a fleet of 16 Ford E450 Type-III AEV ambulances and 4 Ford Expedition ALS non-transport vehicles, with redundant 400MHz/800MHz communications, 24/7 EMD-certified dispatch, Stryker Power-LOAD stretchers, ZOLL X-Series cardiac monitors with telemedicine ECG transmission, LUCAS-3 CPR devices, and Handtevy pediatric dosing.

The technology backbone centers on FleetEyes for real-time dispatch and pre-positioning, and FirstWatch/FirstPass (first deployment in New England, operational since 2008) for clinical quality monitoring, syndromic surveillance, opioid overdose tracking, and sentinel event alerting. A Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program reviews 100% of patient interactions, including non-transported patients, supported by Feedback Innovations surveys and Samsara dash-cam telematics. Three wholly owned subsidiaries extend the platform: Center for MEDICS (CoAEMSP-accredited paramedic program and AHA training center), Prodigy EMS (CAPCE-accredited online learning management system), and Pro EMS Solutions (billing, technology, and administrative services to 70+ EMS and public safety agencies across the Northeast and New England).

Revenue is generated through multiple streams: insurance/Medicare/Medicaid billing for patient transports, contracted municipal and university 911 fees, hospital non-emergency transport contracts (Cambridge Health Alliance, Mount Auburn, Emerson, Harvard University Health Services, MIT Medical), event standby at $50/hour with 4-hour minimum, FEMA deployment via AMR sub-contract, and Pro EMS Solutions professional services fees. Pro EMS does not engage in at-scene collection and offers financial hardship programs. The company is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds, parent company, or external investors, and operates with 101-250 employees under CEO Bill Mergendahl following the October 2021 passing of co-founder and President Larry Stone.

Name

Pro EMS

Legal name

Professional Ambulance Service

Website

https://proems.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Pro EMS is a private Cambridge, MA-based emergency medical services provider founded in 1969, delivering 911 ALS/BLS response, non-emergency transport, and event coverage to the City of Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, and seven CMERA municipalities, supported by three subsidiaries for training, online learning, and B2B services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Emergency Medical Services

NAICS

Ambulance Services (62191)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Private EMS Providers (Contract/Interfacility) (HLAFANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disaster Response, Rescue & Tactical EMS (DMAT/USAR/SWAT/HAZMAT Medical) (HLAFANAH), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations & Dispatch (HLAJAGAC), Emergency Medical Response & On-Campus EMS/AED Programs (EDAEACAO)

Keywords

• Emergency medical services
• Ambulance transportation
• Advanced life support
• Paramedic training programs
• EMS billing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Cambridge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Emergency Medical Services (911 Response): Pro EMS generates revenue through emergency medical response services billed to insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid for patient transports. Services are provided under contract with municipalities including the City of Cambridge and university partners.
2. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: Non-emergency ALS and BLS ambulance transportation to and from local facilities for hospital partners including Cambridge Health Alliance, Mount Auburn Hospital, Emerson Hospitals, Harvard University Health Services, and MIT Medical. Revenue generated through patient insurance billing.
3. Event Medical Coverage/Standing Fees: Provides EMS coverage for events including Boston's Fourth of July, Head of the Charles Regatta, Harvard Athletics, university commencement ceremonies. Charged at $50/hour with 4-hour minimum for standby and detail services.
4. FEMA Deployment Services: As a sub-contractor to American Medical Response (AMR), Pro EMS provides EMS resources for federally declared disasters. Employees are compensated for all hours deployed including overtime.
5. Pro EMS Solutions Administrative Services: Provides billing, technology, and administrative services to EMS and public safety agencies under contract. Serves over 70 agencies throughout the Northeast and New England.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Pro EMS provides 911 emergency medical response and ambulance transport services to the City of Cambridge, Harvard University, MIT, and surrounding communities, operating ALS and BLS units from a fleet of AEV Traumahawk ambulances. The company also delivers non-emergency medical transportation, event medical standby coverage, and specialized operations including MCI response and FEMA disaster deployment. Subsidiary services include paramedic training (Center for MEDICS), online EMS continuing education (Prodigy EMS), and billing/technology/administrative services to 70+ external EMS agencies (Pro EMS Solutions).

Product overview

Pro EMS operates as an emergency medical services provider serving the City of Cambridge since 1969, offering a comprehensive portfolio of interconnected services. The core offering consists of 911 emergency medical services with both Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) units operating from a fleet of Ford E450 AEV ambulances and Ford Expedition vehicles, supplemented by non-emergency medical transportation and event medical coverage. The company supports its field operations through proprietary technology including FleetEyes for dispatch optimization and a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program reviewing 100% of patient interactions. Related entities include Center for MEDICS (CFM) for paramedic training and as an AHA training center, Prodigy EMS for online learning management, and Pro EMS Solutions for billing and administrative services to other agencies. The organization also provides specialized capabilities through Special Operations including MCI management and FEMA deployment readiness.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 911 Emergency Medical Services
• Advanced Life Support (ALS) Services
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Services
• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
• Event Medical Coverage
• Special Operations
• Emerson Paramedics
• Center for MEDICS (CFM)
• Prodigy EMS
• Pro EMS Solutions
• Community CPR and Safety Education

Quantifiable outcome

• Advanced life support reaches virtually every emergency patient in one of the busiest service areas in Massachusetts with two paramedics at the scene
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Emerson HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPro EMS partners with Emerson Hospital to provide advanced life support services to the seven communities of CMERA (Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Weston), operating under the Emerson Paramedics brand. Emerson Hospital provides medical oversight for the CMERA system.
• Cambridge Fire DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCambridge Fire Department leads the Cambridge EMS system and focuses on rescue, mitigation and ALS first response. Pro EMS focuses on ALS patient care, patient transport, reimbursement, and other EMS system functions.
• Harvard UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPro EMS provides emergency medical services to Harvard University campus community. Partnership includes support for CrimsonEMS, the student-run EMS organization.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPro EMS provides emergency medical services to MIT campus community. Partnership includes support for MIT EMS, the student-run EMS organization.
• Mount Auburn HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMount Auburn Hospital provides medical oversight for the Cambridge EMS System. William Porcaro, MD is the Medical Director. 24/7 online medical control available to all providers.
• Center for MEDICS (CFM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst accredited paramedic program in Massachusetts. Runs nine-month program with three cohorts per year. Pro EMS-affiliated organization providing training for Pro EMS employees and external students.
• Prodigy EMScoreTechnology or IntegrationNationally recognized, CAPCE accredited online learning management system. Provides live instructor-led training and EMS continuing education. Used for all new employee training, annual training, continuing education, M&M Rounds, and refresher classes.
• Pro EMS SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides comprehensive billing, technology, and administrative services to EMS and public safety agencies. Contracts with over 70 agencies throughout Northeast and New England.
• South Middlesex EMS (SMEMS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 1974, SMEMS has provided EMS system development consulting and medical oversight for BLS and ALS services. Provides medical oversight and credentialing for the Cambridge EMS System.
• Harvard Medical SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished relationships with Harvard Medical School and Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency Program. Residents participate in Pro EMS training and CQI programs.
• EMS Gives LifeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit organization promoting organ donation by EMS providers and first responders. Pro EMS participates in promoting this life-saving mission.
• The METI ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit promoting sustainability in healthcare through medical education in under-served areas. Launched in 2013 by Pro EMS and Center for MEDICS.
• FirstWatchcoreTechnology or IntegrationFirstWatch provides FirstPass clinical quality measurement tool and syndromic surveillance platform. First EMS agency in New England to use FirstWatch (since 2008).
• AEV (American Emergency Vehicles)coreTechnology or IntegrationAmbulance manufacturer in Jefferson, NC where Pro EMS custom Type-III AEV Traumahawk ambulances are handcrafted to meet all industry safety standards.
• StrykercoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides Stryker Power-LOAD crash-rated system and Power-PRO stretchers for the entire Pro EMS ambulance fleet, ensuring safest transport available.
• ZOLL MedicalcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides ZOLL X-Series cardiac monitors with telemedicine capabilities including immediate 12-lead transmission for optimal cardiac patient outcomes.
• LUCAS CPRcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides LUCAS-3 chest compression system for consistent quality CPR during cardiac arrest, freeing providers to perform other patient care tasks.
• SamsaracoreTechnology or IntegrationDash-cam technology integrating geo-tracking, real-time coaching, and automatic incident upload in HD video for vehicle safety and operator coaching.
• HandtevycoreTechnology or IntegrationPediatric medication dosing mobile application. First ambulance service in Massachusetts to implement this systematic approach to weight-based pediatric dosing.
• First Financial Resources, Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOutside collection agency used only when all efforts fail in contacting a patient for insurance information. Long-standing relationship with no significant patient complaints.
• American Medical Response (AMR)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAMR is the sole contracted provider for FEMA Federal National Ambulance Service. Pro EMS is contracted with AMR as sub-contractor to provide EMS resources for federally declared disasters and participates in AMR Disaster Response Team.
• Harvard CrimsonEMSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent-run EMS organization at Harvard University. CFM runs two EMT programs per year exclusively for this organization.
• MIT EMSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent-run EMS organization at MIT. CFM runs two EMT programs per year exclusively for this organization.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Falck USA: Global private ambulance and emergency services operator with U.S. presence across several states. Comparable to Pro EMS as a contract-based private EMS operator delivering municipal 911 and interfacility services, but at materially larger scale.
• American Medical Response (AMR): The largest private ambulance and EMS provider in the United States, operating thousands of ambulances across 40+ states. Pro EMS is a sub-contractor to AMR for FEMA deployments. Comparable as the dominant national incumbent in private EMS and the most likely strategic acquirer of regional players.
• Acadian Ambulance Service: Large private EMS and air medical provider operating across multiple U.S. states. Comparable as a scaled, multi-state private EMS platform with similar 911, interfacility, and special operations capabilities and is a relevant benchmark for what a grown-up Pro EMS could look like.

Others

• Cambridge Health Alliance: Major hospital system customer of Pro EMS for non-emergency transport and a community partner. Not a direct competitor, but a key institutional buyer whose partnership economics (volume, scheduling, reimbursement mix) directly shape Pro EMS's transport revenue profile.
• Center for MEDICS (CFM): Wholly-owned subsidiary of Pro EMS offering paramedic and EMT training. Included as a peer because the training market is itself a separate competitive set (e.g., other CoAEMSP-accredited paramedic programs in New England) and represents an independent growth lever for Pro EMS.
• FirstWatch: Real-time data analytics and clinical quality measurement platform used by Pro EMS for FirstPass and syndromic surveillance. Not a competitor but the closest ecosystem peer; relevant for understanding the technology layer that supports Pro EMS's clinical differentiation.

Direct peers

• Armstrong Ambulance Service: Family-owned private EMS provider serving greater Boston with 911, critical care, and non-emergency transport. Directly comparable to Pro EMS in size, ownership profile, and service portfolio within the same regional market.
• Cataldo Ambulance Service: Privately held EMS provider serving the greater Boston and greater Merrimack Valley areas in Massachusetts, offering 911 response, non-emergency transport, and event medical services. Highly comparable to Pro EMS in geography (overlapping MA footprint), service mix, and contract-based municipal business model.
• EasCare Ambulance: Private EMS provider in Massachusetts and Rhode Island offering 911, inter-facility, and specialty transport services. Directly comparable to Pro EMS in service mix and regional labor market, and competes for the same paramedic and EMT talent pool in New England.

Regional players

• Boston EMS: Municipal third-service EMS agency providing 911 response for the City of Boston. Adjacent to Pro EMS's territory and competes for talent and clinical reputation in the same metropolitan labor market, though as a public agency rather than private contractor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ProEMSCambridge
• Facebookfacebook.com/proems1
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pro-ems
• Instagraminstagram.com/proems

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pro EMS