China applied for a license to transport patients to the hospital — a service officials say the town has never before provided.

The transporting license would allow the town, which purchased a second-hand ambulance over the summer, to take patients to hospitals. It would provide another transport option when other ambulances in the area are occupied, according to China Rescue’s license request submitted last month.

China and 12 other towns in central Maine contract with Delta Ambulance, a regional transport service. Delta did not charge towns for its services until 2023, when financial struggles led to service fees that have climbed each year and will reach at least $55 per capita this year, Chris Mitchell, Delta’s executive director, said last month.

That rate would cost China $242,440, said Becky Hapgood, town manager.

Officials from several towns and Delta met at China’s town office last month to discuss the fees and how best to cover emergency calls in the area. Delta recently changed its license to allow EMTs to go on calls rather than sending more highly trained paramedics on every emergency call, Mitchell said. He said paramedics will be reserved for calls that require more advanced care.

China Rescue Chief Ben Loubier said Tuesday the town will continue to use Delta.

“In no way was this any intention of trying to circumvent Delta or take over from them in our town,” Loubier said. “I just see this as adding some more resources in an area that’s kind of starving for resources.”

Maine EMS reviews licensing applications and requires agencies to equip ambulances with certain items, including monitors, critical care kits and equipment for administering medication. Loubier said the town will work through those requirements over the next few months and may discuss changes to the way it staffs its rescue department.

China Rescue, like many local departments, calls on volunteers to respond to emergencies and treat patients at scenes. Hapgood said transporting would require a dependable crew of volunteer first responders.

“If approved, this initiative will provide a potential transport option,” Hapgood said, “provided we have volunteers who meet the licensing requirements and are available to respond to calls for emergency service.”