Resilience on Wheels: How a Black-Owned EMS Company in Maryland is Fighting to Stay Afloat and Serve the Community

The Story Behind the Struggle

My name is William Stinson, and I am the owner of a black-owned inter-facility transport ambulance company in Maryland. Right now, my team and I are facing one of the toughest battles of our lives. Despite our passion and dedication, my company is on the verge of collapse. Long delays in insurance claim payments and rising operational costs are threatening everything we’ve worked so hard to build. For me, this fight is more than just business—it’s deeply personal.

I founded this company with a dream: to provide essential transportation for non-ambulatory patients and to address the systemic issues plaguing the ambulance industry. This is an industry where overworked and underpaid EMTs sacrifice their well-being for a profession that often goes unappreciated. It’s a field where the relentless pursuit of saving lives comes at the cost of personal health, financial stability, and mental resilience.

My Journey: From Foster Care to Saving Lives

I wasn’t handed anything in life. Raised in California’s foster care system, I spent much of my childhood bouncing between group homes, never knowing the comfort of a stable family. Everything changed when, at 12 years old, I was taken in by a foster family—a pastor and his wife. They gave me the foundation I desperately needed, teaching me the value of community, service, and giving back.

Despite those early challenges, I excelled in sports and earned a college scholarship as a track athlete. But my drive wasn’t just about running fast; it was about running toward a purpose. After college, I found my calling in the medical field, starting my career on a 9-1-1 emergency ambulance. Three years later, I saved enough to attend paramedic school, eventually earning my license.

I worked for several ambulance services before joining a local fire department. I loved serving my community, but the demanding schedule left me longing for more time with my children and family. After being a Paramedic for two decades, I envisioned a future where I could address the flaws in the EMS system while creating a business that allowed me to prioritize my loved ones. That vision gave birth to Ready Response Medical Transport LLC.

Building a Business Against the Odds

Starting my own business while still working at the fire department was no easy feat. The EMS industry is riddled with financial challenges: high costs for ambulances and medical equipment, as well as delayed insurance reimbursements that put a constant strain on cash flow. Yet, through every setback, I’ve pushed forward, motivated by the desire to offer quality care to people who need it most.

We provide transportation for patients dealing with conditions like paralysis, arthritis, and neurological disorders—people who wouldn’t be able to get to their appointments without us. Despite the critical nature of our work, financial obstacles constantly threaten our survival. The biggest hurdle? Delayed Medicare payments for patient transports. It’s not uncommon to wait months before we see funds, making it almost impossible to cover fixed expenses like salaries, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. These delays don’t just put my business at risk; they endanger the lives of the patients who depend on us.

The Industry Struggles: A System on the Brink of Collapse

Unfortunately, my challenges aren’t unique. The entire EMS system is underfunded, with reimbursement rates that fail to cover operational costs. Paramedics, EMTs, and ambulance staff work grueling hours, often exceeding 60 hours a week, while earning low pay. The emotional and physical toll is staggering, leading to high turnover rates and a workforce that struggles to keep up with the growing demand for services.

Even so, the need for EMS services remains undeniable. Patients rely on us to get to appointments, receive life-saving treatments, and regain their independence. But as the industry faces a crisis, finding and retaining staff who are willing to endure these challenges becomes increasingly difficult.

My Vision for a Better Future

I believe in a brighter future for Ready Response and the EMS industry as a whole. My vision goes beyond just keeping the lights on; it’s about creating lasting change. I want to build a system where EMS workers are respected and provided with the tools they need to succeed. This means better pay, shorter shifts, and more predictable schedules to reduce burnout and retain skilled professionals.

I also dream of building a culture of mentorship within Ready Response Medical Transport LLC, preparing my children to one day take the reins. I want to pass on a legacy of service, resilience, and leadership that will continue to address the systemic issues in the EMS system.

But to make this vision a reality, I need your help.

How Your Contribution Makes a Difference

The funds we raise will directly address our immediate financial needs and help stabilize our operations. Your support will allow us to maintain our fleet of ambulances, pay our hardworking staff, and purchase essential medical equipment. Additionally, your contribution will help us recruit and retain top talent, ensuring that we can continue to serve the community with the care and dedication it deserves.

Why Your Support Matters

This is more than just a fundraising campaign; it’s a call to action for those who believe in the power of community, the importance of healthcare, and the need for systemic change. Your donation will directly impact the lives of patients who rely on us to get to appointments, receive treatments, and maintain their health.

More importantly, your support will help ensure that my small, black-owned business can continue to fight the good fight. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger community where every patient gets the care they deserve, and every EMS worker gets the respect they’ve earned.

Join me in making a lasting impact. Your generosity could be the difference between survival and closure for this vital service.