The Knoxville-based Priority Ambulance has agreed to acquire Puckett EMS, a private ambulance service based in Austell, Ga., that provides emergency and nonemergency ambulance service in Marion, Sequatchie, Walker and Dade counties in the Chattanooga region along with 10 other counties in Georgia.
Priority will retain the leadership, name and local ambulance contracts with Puckett EMS, which was founded in 2001.
"Puckett EMS is pleased to have a partner in Priority Ambulance that shares our mission and vision of patient care, efficiency and friendly customer service," Steve Puckett, president and co-owner of Puckett EMS, said in a statement Wednesday. "Joining with Priority's national ambulance family will allow our company the resources and support to grow our company. Puckett EMS' innovative processes and technology have poised us for phenomenal growth, and this partnership will allow us to take advantage of many opportunities."
Puckett EMS serves more than 52,000 patients each year with more than 340 employees and 66 emergency vehicles and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.
Priority Ambulance has about 2,000 employees an 400 ambulances to serve markets in Alabama, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, Mississippi and Tennessee.
"Puckett EMS is a great company that will enhance creative thinking and industry leadership within Priority Ambulance," said Priority Ambulance CEO Bryan Gibson. "Priority has the resources to partner with Puckett in growth opportunities, and we are fortunate to add their innovative team to our regional leadership as we continue to expand across the country."
Puckett President and CEO Steve Puckett, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Shane Garrison and Vice President of Administration Terry Johnson will continue to lead Puckett EMS.
"Puckett EMS is always on the forefront of the industry in customer service – and our management and employees are what makes that possible," said Garrison. "Maintaining Puckett EMS employees and leadership will ensure our agency will continue to operate with the same level of excellence.
The purchase is expected to be completed in the next few weeks, company officials said today.