Central Maine Towns Seek Answers as Delta Ambulance Changes Response System

Delta Ambulance will no longer automatically send paramedics on every emergency call in parts of central Maine, a move that has raised questions from local officials just as the service prepares to raise its fees.

According to the Kennebec Journal, on Tuesday, leaders from China, Belgrade, and Vassalboro met with Delta Executive Director Chris Mitchell at China’s town office to discuss the changes. Mitchell recently announced that Delta’s per capita fees for towns will increase from $35 to at least $55 in July 2026, prompting concerns about rising costs for communities that rely on the service.

At the same time, Delta is switching its EMS license from a paramedic level to an EMT level. This change will allow EMTs to respond to calls with or without a paramedic, providing basic life support, the KJ reported.

Paramedics with advanced life support training will still be available and can intercept EMT ambulances en route to the hospital if more advanced care is needed. Town officials worry this could mean higher costs for a more limited level of service.

The newspaper went on to explain that ambulance dispatchers decide the level of response based on the information provided by the caller, but that information is not always accurate. Becky Hapgood, China’s town manager, expressed concern that emergencies requiring advanced life support might not have a paramedic immediately available.

Mitchell said the licensing change is aimed at addressing regional paramedic shortages. Under the new system, calls that previously might have gone unanswered because all paramedics were busy can now receive a basic-level ambulance, covering an estimated 57% of Delta’s calls. He added that Delta will discuss the specific paramedic needs of each town, taking into account rural roads and the distance to the nearest emergency room.