Our History

We began our operation in 1971, a time of crisis in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the departure of funeral homes from the ambulance transportation field due to new federal regulations brought on a nationwide emergency.  In the midst of that crisis, Acadian Ambulance was established and trained the first Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the state of Louisiana. Our two ambulances and eight employees served the 279 square miles of Lafayette Parish with an operating budget of $190,000.  The first membership drive enrolled 8,400 members. Returning Vietnam veterans with medic experience provided our initial source of manpower.

Almost four decades and six subsidiaries later, Acadian has grown to nearly 3,000 employees-ranging from NREMTs and pilots to health and safety technicians and support staff, 255 ground ambulances, 9 helicopters, 5 fixed-wing airplanes, 30 van/bus transports, and 107 stations in 38 parishes and counties spanning Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Our monitoring operations have even expanded to the Midwest where a newly established center now functions in Chicago, Illinois.

Since its inception, Acadian Ambulance has been recognized as one of the nation's best. Our incorporation of the latest and greatest technology, superior service, and innovation is the medical field has earned us honors and lead to our tremendous expansion.  

To learn more about our amazing journey:

• Watch a video celebrating our years of service
• View a timeline showing highlights in our history