Envision Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (Envision), has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Rural/Metro Corporation (Rural/Metro) through its medical transportation segment American Medical Response (AMR). This pending acquisition and merger of the two largest EMS companies in the United States would leave citizens across the country vulnerable to higher service rates, higher cost of insurance and reduced levels of service as Envision would possess significant and durable market power. Wages for EMT's and Paramedics in the private sector would be significantly impacted and reduced. This pending acquisition is effecting ambulance response times as Rural Metro is reducing hours to have a greater amount of excess funds to be paid out to stock holders as stated in the agreement.



