In 1971, a group of residents from the Town of Charlestown recognized the need to provide Emergency Medical Services for the residents and visitors to this southern New England coastal community, thereby forming Charlestown Ambulance Service. Charlestown Ambulance is a volunteer, non-profit organization which is supported by an annual donation drive, contract services, revenue recovery from servic
es provided and grants. When Charlestown Ambulance first began the endeavor of providing Emergency Medical Services, the Cross Mills Volunteer Fire Department, of the Charlestown Fire District allowed an ambulance to occupy a bay within their fire station. In 1983, through more than gracious donations from local property owners, the land at 4891 Old Post Road, Charlestown now houses Charlestown Ambulance Service. Charlestown Ambulance quickly grew and expanded upon the scope of EMS. Not only is emergency transportation provided to local hospitals, but rescue operations are also provided along with water rescue and light technical rescue work. With this came a name change. Charlestown Ambulance Service has expanded to Charlestown Ambulance-Rescue Service. Charlestown Ambulance-Rescue Service currently operates two ambulances, equipped to the Paramedic Level of Care with state of the art monitoring and diagnostic equipment.
