By the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service Board
We are writing on behalf of the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service (MRVAS) Board to share an important transition in how emergency calls will be dispatched in our community, and to provide context for why this change is both necessary and forward-looking.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for our volunteer dispatchers and the decades of dedicated service they have provided to MRVAS and our community. Over the past 56 years with Waitsfield Telecom and Valley Communications, these individuals have brought not only skill and reliability, but also a meaningful personal connection to those they serve. Their consistent coverage and unwavering commitment have set a standard worthy of recognition and respect. In addition to regularly contributing more than 60 hours per month, many have also served on the board of directors, offering valuable leadership and guidance in the growth and development of MRVAS
After careful consideration, MRVAS has made the decision to transition dispatch services to Capital Dispatch. This was not a decision made lightly. As emergency services evolve, we must ensure that our systems are sustainable, consistent, and aligned with broader statewide planning. Capital Dispatch already serves our local fire department, improving coordination across agencies. In addition, modern E911 systems now provide highly accurate GPS coordinates before a call is even toned out, reducing the need for hyper-local road knowledge in dispatching.
This transition will strengthen operational consistency and provide access to more state-of-the-art communications technology. Vermont is moving toward more integrated regional dispatch systems, and making this change now helps position MRVAS to avoid further disruption in the future.
We recognize that our dispatchers have contributed far beyond answering calls. They have helped raise crews, fill shifts, and supported daily operations in ways that a centralized dispatch center cannot fully replicate. That loss is real, and it is felt deeply. At the same time, we believe this change is the right step to ensure reliable service and high-quality patient care for years to come.
Importantly, information that patients have asked us to store—such as access details, pet concerns, or recent medical history—is securely maintained in our EMS management system and remains accessible to responding medical personnel. This ensures continuity of care regardless of where dispatching originates.
We are committed to working with our dispatchers and broader membership to identify meaningful ways their experience and dedication can continue to benefit MRVAS. An open meeting will be scheduled to gather input and explore future roles.
While this transition marks the end of a longstanding model, it also reflects our responsibility to adapt and strengthen the service we provide. We move forward with respect for our history and a clear focus on the future.
The MRVAS Board includes Kevin Van Schaick, Danielle Hampton, Michael DeBonis, Mark Giometti, Marge Bower and Amelia Allen.
