Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital EMS and Cataldo Ambulance Service Announce Strategic Partnership

Merrimack Health announced today a strategic partnership with Cataldo Ambulance Service to strengthen emergency medical operations for local communities, while also supporting intercampus transportation needs between Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill Hospitals. The agreement takes effect July 1, 2026.

Cataldo Ambulance Service is a highly regarded provider of emergency medical services with a history of working alongside Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital and the broader Merrimack Health system. This partnership brings together two dedicated EMS providers with shared commitments to the health and safety of their communities, strengthening access to prehospital care and ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality services.

As the needs of our communities continue to grow, we are committed to evolving to meet those needs and ensuring residents have access to high-quality, responsive emergency care,” said Diana Richardson, president and CEO, Merrimack Health. “By partnering with Cataldo, we are strengthening our region’s EMS response, supporting our dedicated workforce, and building on the advanced clinical capabilities that our patients rely on every day.

"Cataldo is honored to partner with Merrimack Health and Lawrence Hospital to support our communities,” said Dennis Cataldo, president and CEO, Cataldo Ambulance Service. "We have a long history of working alongside the hospital and local public safety partners, and we look forward to building on those relationships. Together, we will continue delivering exceptional emergency medical services while supporting the dedicated EMS professionals who proudly serve these communities.”

Under the agreement, Cataldo Ambulance Service will assume responsibility for Basic Life Support (BLS) operations in Lawrence, including 911 dispatch for the City of Lawrence as well as CMED dispatch coordination for Massachusetts Region III. Dispatch operations will remain at Lawrence Hospital, maintaining close coordination with local public safety and health care partners. Nearly all Lawrence Hospital EMS employees will continue with the service, now as Cataldo Ambulance employees, preserving the continuity, experience and expertise of the workforce that has long served these communities.

Paramedic and Advanced Life Support (ALS) services will continue to be provided by Merrimack Health for the cities and towns of Lawrence, North Andover, Andover and Methuen. Lawrence Hospital paramedics will remain hospital employees and continue delivering advanced prehospital clinical care, including the hospital's whole blood transfusion program – a lifesaving capability that allows paramedics to administer whole blood to critically injured patients in the field before they arrive at the hospital. Lawrence Hospital was the second in the state to achieve this advanced level of trauma care. Cataldo will also provide an additional paramedic service unit for added service support.

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About Merrimack Health

Merrimack Health is the region’s first health care system serving the Merrimack Valley, prioritizing care and services based on the needs of its patients and supporting those who deliver the expert care. Serving communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, Merrimack Health includes hospitals in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen, as well as a network of community-based physician practices. A recognized leader in heart care and stroke treatment, maternal and child health, orthopedics, surgical care, trauma and emergency services, behavioral health and outpatient programs, Merrimack Health delivers trusted, compassionate care close to home.

About Cataldo Ambulance Service

Founded in 1977 by Bob and Diana Cataldo as Somerville Ambulance Service, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Inc. has grown from two ambulances to one of the largest private EMS providers in Massachusetts. Today, Cataldo operates a fleet of over 200 late-model, custom-designed vehicles from 25 base locations, employs more than 1,200 EMS professionals, and provides dedicated 911 emergency services to 18 communities across Greater Boston and the North Shore. The company is headquartered in Somerville, MA, and remains a family-owned and operated business under the leadership of President and CEO Dennis Cataldo.

Cataldo delivers exceptional prehospital care and continues to introduce innovative programs to meet the evolving needs of its patients and communities. Cataldo’s services include Advanced Life Support (ALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), non-emergent medical transport, wheelchair van services, mobile integrated health through its SmartCare program, mass casualty incident support, and special event medical coverage.  For more information, visit www.cataldoambulance.com.