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Bangs ambulance staff

About Us

In the heart of downtown Ithaca, within the confines of a distinctive blue house nestled at the intersection of Green and Albany, resided John and Rita Bangs, accompanied by their seven children. It was within this iconic dwelling that the inception of Bangs Ambulance took root in the autumn of 1945.

The origins of Bangs Ambulance can be traced back to the establishment of Bangs Funeral Home in 1942. While John devoted his attention to the funeral home, Rita, a certified RN, astutely identified the pressing need for pre-hospital care and transportation in Tompkins County. Rita Bangs, a visionary and compassionate soul, conceptualized the innovative use of hearses as patient transport vehicles due to their spacious design, the only ones capable of accommodating individuals in a recumbent position. Leveraging her medical expertise, Rita administered care to patients in the back of hearses, with John or one of their seven children navigating the route to the hospital.

This period marked the early stages of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Bangs Ambulance has since seamlessly evolved in tandem with the dynamic landscape of the EMS industry. Not only does Bangs Ambulance stand as the longest-serving ambulance agency in Tompkins County, but it also proudly holds the position of the predominant responder, handling the majority of all EMS calls within our county.

The legacy initiated by John and Rita Bangs endures through the continued ownership and operation of Bangs Ambulance by members of the Bangs family. Unwaveringly, we carry forth their legacy, remaining deeply committed to serving our community with the same fervor and dedication that ignited our journey. Our mission persists in delivering the highest quality patient care, upholding an unwavering standard of excellence, and adapting to the ever-evolving demands of our profession.

At Bangs Ambulance, we not only pay homage to our storied history but also eagerly anticipate a future where we consistently make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we uphold the timeless values of compassion, integrity, and excellence that have defined our existence since 1945.

Board of Directors

Tim

Tim

Tim, our dedicated President, has been immersed in the world of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout his entire life. In the earliest days of Bangs Ambulance, he played a crucial role, skillfully driving the hearse while Rita provided essential care in the back. Tim's unwavering commitment to excellence propelled him to earn a degree from Florida State, where he showcased his athletic abilities through track and cross country.

Taking the reins in 1979, Tim has since been the driving force behind the continued success of Bangs Ambulance. His enduring presence ensures that not a day goes by without his guiding influence at the heart of our operations. Whether orchestrating affairs in the office, responding to calls on an ambulance, or pursuing his passions outside of EMS, Tim's dedication is palpable.

Beyond the realm of emergency services, you'll likely find him honing his skills on the golf course, coaching girls’ basketball at Ithaca College, or cherishing moments with his four daughters and grandchildren. Tim's multifaceted engagement exemplifies his dynamic leadership and commitment to both the community and the Bangs Ambulance family.

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dr koch

Dr. Drew Koch

Dr. Drew Koch, an esteemed emergency medicine physician based in Sayre, Pennsylvania, is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the region, including Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca and Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital. With over 37 years of dedicated medical practice, Dr. Koch has established himself as a seasoned professional in the field.

Dr. Koch obtained his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, laying the foundation for a career marked by a commitment to excellence and compassionate patient care. Specializing in emergency medicine, he has passionately served in this field, where his expertise and dedication shine.

Dr. Koch has held the crucial role of Medical Director for Bangs Ambulance for more than 10 years, contributing his extensive knowledge to ensure the highest standards of medical care in emergency situations. Recognizing his valuable insights and leadership, he also became an integral member of our Board of Directors in 2023.

Dr. Koch's unwavering commitment to emergency medicine, coupled with his wealth of experience, enhances the quality of healthcare provided by Bangs Ambulance. His dual role as Medical Director and Board Member reflects his dedication to advancing the mission and vision of our organization, ensuring the best possible outcomes for those we serve.

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Courtney

Courtney

From the very moment she took her first breath, Courtney knew she wanted to be part of the family business, and her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Fond memories from her early years include getting an "education" at our bunkhouse, much to her mother's chagrin. However, it was in these formative moments that her passion for emergency medical services (EMS) began to bloom.

As soon as she was old enough for the class, Courtney obtained her EMT certification, marking the beginning of her loyal dedication to Bangs Ambulance. Over the years, she has seamlessly transitioned from her initial role to become a certified Paramedic, solidifying her commitment to providing advanced pre-hospital care.

Courtney's pursuit of knowledge extended beyond the ambulance, earning her a degree in healthcare administration from Ithaca College. Her diverse skill set and passion for the industry have made her an invaluable asset to our team.

While her heart lies in the back of an ambulance, Courtney has expanded her involvement to the business side of operations. As the head of our hiring committee and Corporate Compliance Officer, she ensures that the high standards of Bangs Ambulance are met both in terms of personnel and adherence to regulations.

Outside of her professional commitments, you'll find Courtney spending cherished moments with her daughter, Charlotte. Whether she's racing to save lives on an ambulance or navigating the intricacies of business operations, Courtney's dedication and multifaceted contributions embody the spirit of excellence at Bangs Ambulance

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Brian

Brian

With an impressive 30-year tenure in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Brian brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic skill set to Bangs Ambulance. Nearly 28 of those years were dedicated to serving as a paramedic, providing him not only with a deep understanding of our system but also a comprehensive grasp of various EMS environments gained through his work with numerous agencies.
Brian's academic journey is equally commendable. He earned an MBA from Cornell University, a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and excellence. Demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit and financial acumen, he founded both a finance and investment company. Brian's dedication to financial management is further evident in his years of experience as a consultant, specializing in medical practices. His expertise in this realm has proven invaluable, offering a unique perspective at the intersection of healthcare and business.
In his free time, Brian fulfills his role as a pilot for Southwest Airlines, where he also oversees the retirement plan for the Southwest Pilots Association.
Brian's visionary leadership and deep understanding of both EMS and business have made him an integral part of our team. His commitment to excellence and genuine excitement for propelling Bangs Ambulance forward exemplify the spirit of innovation and progress that defines our organization.

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Meghan

Meghan

Meghan embarked on her journey with Bangs Ambulance in 2006, joining as a part-time administrative assistant while completing her college education. After graduating with a degree in business from Cornell, Meghan seamlessly transitioned into a full-time role within our office.Her dedication and capabilities quickly propelled her into increasingly significant responsibilities.

Currently serving as our Human Resource Manager and Tim's right-hand woman, Meghan is a pivotal figure in ensuring the smooth operation of our business. Despite her focus on the business side of operations, Meghan's commitment to the core values of emergency medical services (EMS) remains unwavering. Earning her EMT certification, she can often be found in the field alongside her sister and dad, contributing to the front lines of emergency care.

Beyond her professional commitments, Meghan is a loving wife and mother of three young sons. Balancing the demands of a thriving career with the joys and challenges of family life, she epitomizes the dedication and resilience at the core of Bangs Ambulance.

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