Ambulance Wars: The Battle for Patients

In the competitive landscape of emergency services before the 1980s, one man's ambition transformed the industry, igniting fierce rivalries and shaping regulations that would define the future of ambulance operations and pre-hospital patient care.

Ambulance Wars delves into the tumultuous world of emergency medical services, focusing on the fierce competition that arose among ambulance operators. Harvey Kagan, a driven entrepreneur, purchased a fledgling ambulance company in 1965 and muscled it to dominance through relentless ambition and aggressive tactics. His rise to power garnered admiration and condemnation, sparking controversies that were the catalyst for increased regulatory oversight of the EMS sector.

Meanwhile, Henry Moore, a young man with dreams of success, stumbled into the ambulance business after a chance encounter with an ambulance driver. His journey from assistant sales manager to EMT revealed the harsh realities of the industry and the fierce competition he had underestimated. When he crossed paths with Kagan in 1977, a rivalry was born, marked by intense competition, an unexpected partnership, and a betrayal that would impact the Connecticut ambulance industry.

While Ambulance Wars chronicles the evolution of emergency medical services in central Connecticut, it is a reliable account of the struggle for market share between providers nationwide before the adoption of the 911 system in the 1980s. Through the lens of Moore's aspirations and challenges, readers will gain insight into the complexities of the ambulance industry and the personal stories that intertwine with its history. This gripping narrative not only highlights the struggles of those in the field but also reflects the broader societal changes that influenced the development of EMS in America.