Imperial County has been notified that Schaefer Ambulance , operating as Gold Cross Ambulance in Imperial County , wants to terminate their agreement to provide services in the County.

The current agreement runs through December 31, 2022 but Gold Cross' early termination letter will end the service on July 14, 2020. Schaefer Gold Cross is apparently experiencing financial difficulties that are affecting the service.

Chairman Ryan Kelley of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors said , " It is important for the public and our partner agencies to know that the level of ambulance service will continue. The number one priority at this point for the County of Imperial is the public's health and safety." The county is monitoring the situation to ensure that all efforts to remedy the situation are pursued including ensuring a stable workforce and the emergency response needs of the community. The county said that they are also aware that Schaefer and another ambulance service provider are having private discussions to transition of ambulance services for Imperial County.