Members of the Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District were recognized on Wednesday, May 21 for their work in creating the new Plaistow Intercept Service and heading of a potential public health emergency.
The event was covered by the Eagle-Tribune (link here, full text below)
Also: N.H. FD’s paramedic intercept program improves response times, patient care
CONCORD — Local fire departments received recognition at the State House Wednesday for their involvement in the development of a regional paramedic program serving nearly 20 towns across southern New Hampshire.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte issued a commendation Wednesday to Plaistow Fire Chief Chris Knutsen during the Executive Council meeting for his initiative in staving off a public health crisis that would have left thousands without access to lifesaving services.
The honor came at the peak of EMS week.
“We appreciate the work you do,” Ayotte said. “They launched a state-of-the-art program in March 2025 offering standing coverage access and pre-hospital care for residents across the region delivering a rapid and effective emergency response system that’s already responded to more than 480 calls.”
Services cover 18 communities, a 38% increase over Exeter Hospital’s coverage area before officials abruptly announced the discontinuation of the long-standing intercept program in September. The Plaistow program has brought better service and quicker response times to the participating towns at no cost to communities.
“This is an example of when all of the stakeholders come together to develop a solution and make it work,” Knutsen said. “We were able to take and prevent a public health crisis from occurring for over 100,000 people. The power of working together speaks loudly here.”During the meeting, District 3 Executive Councilor Janet Stevens shared her fear and concern for the residents of her communities when Exeter Hospital announced their plans to discontinue advanced life support services with little to no notice. Stevens represents 32 towns, including all impacted by the decision.
Knowing Exeter Hospital was in violation of its merger agreement with Beth Israel and the requirement to provide at least 90 days notice to participating towns, she reached out to Attorney General John Formella to review the agreements.
She helped secure an extension of the services through March 20, giving Knutsen time to take over the program and continue services.
In December, Knutsen, alongside Stevens, proposed a pilot program to the Plaistow Board of Selectmen entirely funded in its first year by a $2 million grant from the hospital in addition to a $20,000 donation from the William H. Donner foundation.
The funding enabled Knutsen to launch the municipal program, hire EMS personnel, purchase additional live-saving equipment and staff two specialized, fully-staffed SUVs around the clock in both Plaistow and Brentwood. The vans were donated by Exeter Hospital.
“The creation of a municipal and also a regional intercept program replaced what was lost and expanded care to more communities over a larger area,” Stevens said. “It’s bigger, better and broader. Let us not only honor the daily courage and sacrifices of our EMS professionals but celebrate what the fire chiefs and providers have built together.”
“This will save lives for years to come,” she continued.
Donning their blue dress uniforms, fire professionals from Atkinson, Plaistow, Kensington and Portsmouth, shook hands with Ayotte and posed for photos outside the State House alongside friends and family.
