The company’s CEO Jamie Pafford-Gresham used her Facebook account to address Clark Countians today.  She said, “As of 1:00 today I can now speak and address the rumor mill in Arkadelphia and Clark County. I am proud to say Pafford Medical Services has to come to an agreement with Baptist Arkadelphia to assume the responsibilities of their ambulance service.”

She further explained that all employees would be “offered immediate employment.” She had been prevented from saying this during negotiations due to a non-disclosure agreement. She also said she was confident that staff at Baptist Hospital and at Pafford would make the transition a smooth one.

Pafford-Gresham also said she expected Clark County to publicize a Request for Proposals. 

The Arkadelphian website posted Clark County Judge Troy Tucker’s Request for Qualifications today for bids for the right to handle the county’s 911 services. Pafford will do so for 90 days until a permanent servicer is chosen through the county’s bid process.  As Tucker said in the request, “During these 90 days, it is my intention to advertise for ambulance service for our 911 Emergency Services. This will allow any ambulance service the opportunity to present a proposal to be considered.”

His request for qualifications lists the criteria by which an ambulance service may be chosen by the Clark County Quorum Court to permanently provide the county’s 911 services.

Tucker’s statement says Pafford will take over Baptist’s ambulance service on 12:01 a.m. April 6th.