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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

  Filed by the Registrant ý

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

o

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

o

 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

ý

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

 

o

 

Definitive Additional Materials

 

o

 

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12


EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CORPORATION

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

Not Applicable

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
         
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ý

 

No fee required.

o

 

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
    (1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
        
 
    (2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
        
 
    (3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
        
 
    (4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
        
 
    (5)   Total fee paid:
        
 

o

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o

 

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

 

(1)

 

Amount Previously Paid:
        
 
    (2)   Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
        
 
    (3)   Filing Party:
        
 
    (4)   Date Filed:
        
 

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LOGO

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CORPORATION

April 21, 2010

Dear Stockholder:

        On behalf of the Board of Directors, management and employees of Emergency Medical Services Corporation, it is my pleasure to invite you to attend our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 18, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., Mountain Daylight Time, at The Inverness Hotel, 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, Colorado 80112.

        At the Annual Meeting you will be asked to:

    (1)
    Elect three Class II directors to our Board of Directors,

    (2)
    Consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Second Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan,

    (3)
    Ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, and

    (4)
    Consider any other business properly presented at the meeting.

        Returning the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible will assure your representation at the Annual Meeting, whether or not you plan to attend. Please make sure to read the enclosed information carefully before completing and returning your proxy card. Your vote is important. If you plan to attend the meeting, you will need to bring a form of identification to the meeting. In any event, you may, of course, withdraw your proxy should you wish to vote in person.

    Sincerely,

 

 

SIGNATURE

William A. Sanger
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

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LOGO

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CORPORATION

NOTICE OF 2010 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON MAY 18, 2010

        We will hold the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Emergency Medical Services Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the " Company "), on May 18, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., Mountain Daylight Time. The meeting will take place at The Inverness Hotel, 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, Colorado 80112. The purposes of the meeting are to:

            (1)   Elect three Class II directors whose terms expire at the Annual Meeting, to hold office for a three-year term;

            (2)   Consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Second Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan,

            (3)   Ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, and

            (4)   Transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

        The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 1, 2010 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

        Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2010 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be available for inspection at the Annual Meeting and will also be available for ten days prior to the meeting, during normal business hours, at the Company's headquarters located at 6200 South Syracuse Way, Suite 200, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.

    By Order of the Board of Directors

 

 

SIGNATURE
    Todd G. Zimmerman
Executive Vice President and Corporate
Secretary

April 21, 2010

        We enclose with the attached Proxy Statement our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2009. Our 2009 Annual Report contains financial and other information about us but is not incorporated into the Proxy Statement.

Even if you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please promptly complete, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card. A self-addressed envelope is enclosed for your convenience. No postage is required if mailed in the United States. Stockholders who attend the Annual Meeting may revoke their proxies and vote in person if they so desire.


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LOGO

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CORPORATION
6200 S. Syracuse Way, Suite 200
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111



PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
2010 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS




INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND THIS PROXY STATEMENT

Questions and Answers About Voting Your Common Stock

Why did I receive this Proxy Statement?

        The Board of Directors of Emergency Medical Services Corporation (" EMSC ," the " Company ," " we " or " us ") sent you this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card to solicit your proxy to vote at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 10:00 a.m., Mountain Daylight Time, on May 18, 2010, at The Inverness Hotel, 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, Colorado 80112. Certain officers, directors and other employees of the Company may also solicit proxies on our behalf by mail, telephone, fax, internet or in person.

        This Proxy Statement summarizes the information you need to vote at the Annual Meeting. You do not need to attend the meeting, however, to vote your shares. You may return the enclosed proxy card by mail.

        We began mailing this Proxy Statement, along with the proxy card and our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2009, on or about April 21, 2010 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 1, 2010, the record date for the Annual Meeting.

        We have requested that banks, brokerage firms and other nominees who hold common stock on behalf of the owners of the common stock (such stock is often referred to as being held in "street name") as of the close of business on April 1, 2010 forward these materials, together with a proxy card or voting instruction card, to those beneficial owners. We have agreed to pay the reasonable expenses of the banks, brokerage firms and other nominees for forwarding these materials.

What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?

        The Annual Meeting is being held to elect three nominees to our Board of Directors, to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve a Second Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (" Second Amended and Restated LTIP ") and to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2010. Other than matters incident to the conduct of the Annual Meeting and those set forth in this Proxy Statement, we do not know of any business or proposals to be considered at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is proposed and properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the proxies received from our stockholders give the proxy holders the authority to vote on the matter at their discretion.

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Who can vote?

        You can vote your shares of common stock if our records show that you owned the shares at the close of business on April 1, 2010, the record date for the meeting. Your proxy card shows the number of shares you held on that date.

How do I attend the Annual Meeting?

        All stockholders are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. For admission, stockholders should come to the Annual Meeting check-in area no less than 15 minutes before the Annual Meeting is scheduled to begin. Stockholders of record should bring a form of photo identification so their ownership will be verified. Beneficial owners must bring an account statement or letter from his or her bank or brokerage firm showing that he or she owns common stock as of the close of business on April 1, 2010 along with a form of photo identification. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time and the Annual Meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time.

How do I vote in person?

        If you are a stockholder of record and prefer to vote your shares of common stock at the Annual Meeting, you should bring the enclosed proxy card or proof of identity. We will have ballots available at the meeting. If your common stock is held in "street name"—in the name of a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee—and you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, you will need to obtain a signed proxy from the record holder giving you the right to vote the shares of common stock.

How do I vote my common stock if it is held in "street name"?

        If your shares of common stock are held in the name of your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, that party should give you instructions for voting your common stock. If your shares of common stock are held in a bank or brokerage account, you may be eligible to vote electronically or by telephone. Please refer to the enclosed proxy card for voting instructions.

What if I change my mind? Can I change or revoke my vote after I return my proxy card?

        Yes. At any time before the vote on a proposal, you may change your vote by:

    Sending us another signed proxy card with a later date, or

    Sending us a written notice revoking your proxy (to our Corporate Secretary at 6200 S. Syracuse Way, Suite 200, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111), or

    Attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

        However, no revocation of your vote will be effective unless we receive notice of such revocation at or prior to the Annual Meeting. If your shares of common stock are held in "street name," you should contact your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee regarding the revocation of proxies.

How many shares of common stock are there? And how many votes do I get?

        We have three classes of voting securities outstanding: class A common stock, class B common stock and class B special voting stock. Our class A common stock is our only class of stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE.

        You get one vote for each share of class A common stock you hold, on each matter voted on at the meeting. You get ten votes for each share of class B common stock you hold, on each matter voted on at the meeting. On each matter voted on at the meeting, the one share of class B special voting stock, which is held by a trustee for the benefit of the holders of LP exchangeable units, is entitled to a

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number of votes equal to the number of votes that could be cast if all of the outstanding LP exchangeable units were exchanged for class B common stock.

        On all matters presented at the meeting, the holders of the class A common stock, the class B common stock and the class B special voting stock will vote together as a single class.

        On the record date, we had outstanding:

    30,092,115 shares of class A common stock—entitled to cast, in the aggregate, 30,092,115 votes,

    65,052 shares of class B common stock—entitled to cast, in the aggregate, 650,520 votes, and

    1 share of class B special voting stock—entitled to cast 137,246,760 votes.

How do I exercise my vote if I am a registered holder of class A or class B common stock (and by when do I need to exercise my vote)?

        To vote by proxy, you should complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it in the prepaid envelope provided.

        If you choose to vote your shares of common stock using the form of proxy card, your card must be received by our transfer agent for the class A common stock, American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on May 17, 2010.

        If you make specific choices and sign and return your proxy card before the Annual Meeting, the proxy holders named on the proxy card will vote your shares of common stock as you have directed. If you sign and return the proxy card but do not make specific choices, the proxy holders will vote your shares "FOR" the election of the three nominees for directors, "FOR" the approval of the Second Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, and "FOR" the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, and as they deem appropriate for any other matter properly presented at the meeting.

How do I exercise my vote if I am a registered holder of LP exchangeable units?

        As discussed above, holders of LP exchangeable units are entitled to vote at meetings of holders of our common stock through a voting trust arrangement. If you hold LP exchangeable units as of the record date, you may provide voting instructions to Onex Corporation, as trustee, by completing and returning the voting instruction card accompanying this Proxy Statement. The trustee will vote your units in accordance with your duly executed instructions received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on May 17, 2010. If you do not send instructions and do not otherwise attend the Annual Meeting to vote in person as discussed below, the trustee will not be able to vote your LP exchangeable units. You may revoke previously given voting instructions prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on May 17, 2010, by filing with the trustee either a written notice of revocation or a properly completed and signed voting instruction card bearing a later date.

What does it mean if I get more than one proxy card?

        If you receive more than one proxy card, your common stock is probably registered in more than one account at the transfer agent and/or with banks and brokerage firms. Sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all your common stock is voted. If you want to have any of these accounts consolidated, please contact our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, at (800) 937-5449.

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What is a "quorum"?

        We may hold the Annual Meeting only if a "quorum" is present, either in person or represented by proxy. A "quorum" is a majority of the voting power represented by our stock outstanding on the record date, including our class A common stock, our class B common stock and our class B special voting stock. Abstentions and broker non-votes are included in determining whether a quorum exists for the Annual Meeting. If a quorum is not present at the Annual Meeting, we may adjourn the meeting from time to time until we have a quorum.

Can I vote on other matters?

        The Company's by-laws limit the matters presented at our Annual Meeting to (1) those matters set forth in the notice of the meeting, (2) those matters that the Board of Directors has properly caused to be presented and (3) as to holders of our class A common stock, those matters presented before the meeting by a stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting so long as the stockholder has notified the Corporate Secretary in writing (at our principal office) not later than 120 days before the anniversary of the prior year's annual meeting (holders of our class B common stock and class B special voting stock are not subject to these date limitations). The notice by a stockholder must (i) briefly describe the business to be presented, the reasons and any material interest the stockholder has in the business; (ii) give the stockholder's name and address; and (iii) represent that the stockholder is a holder of record at the time of the notice and intends to be a holder on the record date (giving the number of shares and class) and intends to be at the meeting in person or by proxy to present the business.

Who counts the votes and acts as inspector of election?

        Our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer and Trust Company ("AST"), will tabulate the votes at the Annual Meeting. AST will also act as inspector of elections at the Annual Meeting.

Is my vote confidential?

        Generally, yes. Proxy cards, ballots and voting tabulations that identify individual stockholders are mailed or returned directly to American Stock Transfer and Trust Company and handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your vote will not be disclosed EXCEPT:

    as needed to permit American Stock Transfer and Trust Company to tabulate and certify the vote,

    as required by law, or

    in limited circumstances, such as a proxy contest in opposition to the Board of Directors.

        In addition, all comments written on the proxy card or elsewhere will be forwarded to management, but your identity will be kept confidential unless you ask that your name be disclosed.

Who is making and paying for this proxy solicitation ?

        This proxy is solicited on behalf of our Board of Directors. The Company is paying for the solicitation of proxies. We will reimburse banks, brokers, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable charges and expenses to forward our proxy materials to the beneficial owners of our common stock.

        We may, if appropriate, retain an independent proxy solicitation firm to assist us in soliciting proxies. If we do retain a proxy solicitation firm, we would pay such firm's customary fees and expenses which we expect would be approximately $7,500, plus expenses.

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How is the Company's Board of Directors structured?

        The Company's Board of Directors is divided into three classes, serving staggered three-year terms so that the term of one class expires at each annual meeting. The Company's Board of Directors currently consists of seven directors. Three directors are nominated to stand for election at this year's Annual Meeting for a three-year term expiring in 2013, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. The other four directors currently on our Board will continue to serve for their respective terms.

Who is nominated to stand for election?

        Steven B. Epstein, Paul B. Iannini, M.D. and James T. Kelly, who are current directors of the Company, have been nominated to stand for election at the Annual Meeting.

What is the Long-Term Incentive Plan?

        The 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan was approved and adopted by our stockholders on May 15, 2007, and amended on May 28, 2008, becoming the Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (" Current LTIP "). The Current LTIP provides long-term incentives, including equity-based incentives, to those persons with responsibility for the success and growth of the Company and its subsidiaries in order to associate more closely the interests of such persons with those of the Company's stockholders and to assist the Company in recruiting, retaining and motivating employees on a competitive basis.

How is the Current LTIP being amended by the Second Amended and Restated LTIP?

        The Current LTIP authorizes 1,500,000 shares of class A common stock for incentive awards granted under the plan of which 273,973 shares remain available for issuance. On February 8, 2010, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved the Second Amended and Restated LTIP to increase the number of authorized incentive shares to 3,500,000, so that 2,273,973 would become the aggregate number of shares remaining issuable for future awards under the plan. The other authorized shares under the current LTIP would remain unchanged.

What vote is required to approve the Second Amended and Restated LTIP?

        Our by-laws and the rules of the NYSE require that the Second Amended and Restated LTIP be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast at an annual meeting of stockholders at which quorum is present. Therefore, to be approved at the Annual Meeting, Proposal 2 must receive a "FOR" vote from a majority of the votes represented at the meeting.

What will happen if the Second Amended and Restated LTIP is not approved by the stockholders?

        If the Second Amended and Restated LTIP is not approved by the stockholders, the balance of shares of class A common stock available for issuance under the Current LTIP for incentive awards will remain at 273,973 pursuant to the LTIP. However, the holder of the class B special voting stock is expected to vote in favor of the Second Amended and Restated LTIP, in which case it will receive the requisite stockholder approval.

What vote is required in order to approve each other proposal?

        The Board is seeking an affirmative vote by the holders of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present for the ratification of Ernst & Young as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for 2010. Each director nominee who receives an affirmative vote by the holders of a plurality of the votes cast will be elected a director. Abstentions

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and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the election. If you "withhold" your vote, it is the same as an abstention.

What will happen if the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm is not ratified by the stockholders?

        Stockholder ratification is not required for the appointment, but stockholder views will be considered by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors when appointing an independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

How does the Board of Directors recommend I vote?

        Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote:

    "FOR" the election of the three nominees to the Board of Directors,

    "FOR" the approval of the Second Amended and Restated LTIP, and

    "FOR" the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010.

Availability of Proxy Statement and Annual Report; Communications of the Company

Can I access the Company's proxy materials and Annual Report electronically?

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be Held on May 18, 2010. The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders are available on the Company's internet site at www.emsc.net/proxy.

How do I obtain a printed copy of the Proxy Statement, Annual Report or Form 10-K?

        You may leave a message for the Company's Investor Relations department at (303) 495-1200 or write to us at Emergency Medical Services Corporation, 6200 S. Syracuse Way, Suite 200, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, Attn: Investor Relations. We will provide you with a copy at no charge. In addition, the Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders, as well as all of the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ( "SEC" ), are available on the Company's internet site at www.emsc.net; our Annual Report to Stockholders includes a copy of the Form 10-K (without exhibits) as filed with the SEC. We have enclosed a copy of our Annual Report to Stockholders with this Proxy Statement (but the Annual Report to Stockholders is not incorporated by reference into our proxy materials).

Where can I find voting results?

        We will announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting. We will publish the final voting results from the Annual Meeting in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days of the date of the Annual Meeting. You will also be able to find the results on the Company's website at www.emsc.net .

How can stockholders communicate with the Board of Directors?

        Stockholders may communicate with the Board by writing to the Board of Directors, care of the Corporate Secretary, Emergency Medical Services Corporation, 6200 S. Syracuse Way, Suite 200, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111. The Corporate Secretary will forward any such correspondence to the entire Board of Directors. Please see the additional information in the section captioned "Corporate Governance—Communications with Directors."

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PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        Under our By-Laws, our Board of Directors may consist of three or more directors, the exact number to be set from time to time by resolution of our Board. The Board of Directors currently consists of seven members, divided into three classes of directors. Class I consists of Robert M. Le Blanc and William A. Sanger, and their current terms of office will expire at the 2012 annual meeting of stockholders. Class II consists of Steven B. Epstein, Paul B. Iannini, M.D. and James T. Kelly, and their current terms of office will expire at this Annual Meeting. Class III consists of Michael L. Smith and Kevin E. Benson, and their current terms of office will expire at the 2011 annual meeting of stockholders. If Messrs. Epstein, Iannini and Kelly are elected at this year's Annual Meeting, each will serve a three-year term expiring at the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders, or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.

        At each annual stockholders meeting, directors are elected for a term of three years and to hold office until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier death, removal or resignation. Directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors then in office. At the Annual Meeting, three directors are to be elected by the stockholders to hold office for a term of three years and until their respective successors are elected and qualified.

        We have a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to propose director nominees, and all nominations are approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors recommends that each nominee for director be elected at the Annual Meeting. The nominees are Steven B. Epstein, Paul B. Iannini, M.D. and James T. Kelly. The nominees have consented to continue to serve as directors if elected. Mr. Epstein currently serves as a director of the Company, and has served as a director of the predecessor of the Company since July 2005. Dr. Iannini currently serves as a director of the Company, and has served as a director of the Company since June 2006. Mr. Kelly currently serves as a director of the Company, and has served as a director of the predecessor of the Company since July 2005. If a nominee becomes unavailable for any reason or should a vacancy occur before the election, which we do not anticipate, the proxies will be voted for the election, as director, of such other person as the Board of Directors may recommend.

        Information regarding the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors for election as Class II directors, along with information concerning the Class I and Class III continuing directors of the Company, is set forth below:

Class II Director—Nominees

Name
  Age   Position(s)

Steven B. Epstein

    66   Director Nominee

Paul B. Iannini, M.D. 

    62   Director Nominee

James T. Kelly

    63   Director Nominee

Class III Directors—Terms Expiring in 2011

Name
  Age   Position(s)

Kevin E. Benson

    63   Director

Michael Smith

    61   Director

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