When Sean McMillan talks about his business, it’s not just numbers and logistics—it’s life and death. As the founder of Western Ambulance, a privately funded ambulance provider based in Denver, Sean is part of a critical, often overlooked sector in healthcare: long-term acute care transport.
While many think of ambulances as the fast-paced 911 response vehicles racing through intersections, Sean’s work happens after that acute phase ends. His team serves patients who are extremely ill, often dependent on ventilators, and transitioning from short-term hospital care to long-term recovery. These patients aren’t going home—they’re heading to step-down facilities where they might stay for weeks or even months.
“We live in the long-term acute care hospital setting,” Sean explains. “Most people don’t realize that ambulances do everything from emergency response to routine trips for dialysis patients who can’t manage transport themselves.”
This specialized care means managing high-cost equipment, unpredictable reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid, and an industry that is often underfunded and misunderstood. And that’s where Financing Solutions came in.
The Challenge: High Costs, Low Reimbursement
In Sean’s world, equipment wears out fast. Ambulances clock endless hours on the road. Monitors, defibrillators, and life-saving gear have short lifespans. Back in 2017, Western Ambulance was at a crossroads: they needed new vehicles and equipment, but the upfront costs were staggering.
“It was time for me to get two new ambulances,” Sean recalls. “Between deposits, new equipment, and insurance, we were looking at over
$20,000 in cash outlay just to keep going.”
Making matters worse, the reimbursement system is inflexible. “We might charge $1,000 for a transport,” he says, “but we only get paid $200. It doesn’t matter what it costs us. That’s what Medicare or Medicaid decides we’re worth.”
Operating in this reality, cash flow isn’t just a challenge—it’s a constant battle. Sean needed a financial buffer to manage the natural ebbs and flows of business. That’s when he discovered Financing Solutions, a leading provider of line of credit to business and nonprofits.
A Reliable Lifeline
Western Ambulance has now been a Financing Solutions client for nearly a decade. What started as a line of credit to cover equipment upgrades quickly evolved into a vital business tool.
“The line of credit gives me freedom,” Sean says. “It lets me borrow short-term and pay back as needed. It smooths out the cash flow dips that come from insurance delays or unexpected costs.”
In an industry where funding is delayed and margins are tight, having fast access to capital without jumping through hoops is rare. With Financing Solutions, Sean found more than money—he found flexibility.
“Most people think ambulance companies make tons of money. We don’t,” he says bluntly. “We’re dealing with regulated reimbursements, rising costs, and an aging fleet. Having a reliable line of credit is essential.”
More Than Just Money: Customer Service That Cares
Sean is quick to point out that the money itself isn’t the only benefit. “You guys are always there when I need you,” he says of the Financing Solutions team. “No questions, no complications. If I ask for something, it’s done—immediately.”
That level of responsiveness stands in contrast to other financial institutions that focus more on protecting fees than supporting clients.
“A lot of places love their fees,” he laughs. “Financing Solutions loves customer service. You care about the relationship. You care about loyalty.”
That loyalty became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the entire healthcare system reeled, Sean’s team was pushed to the brink. Demand for transport skyrocketed, while reimbursements slowed even more. Financing Solutions stepped in at a time when flexibility and understanding were more valuable than ever.
“You guys were in the same boat as we were,” he remembers. “Cash-strapped, doing your best. But you still stood by us. That meant a lot.”
No Need to Look Elsewhere
Unlike many business owners, Sean never felt the need to shop around for financial support. “I’ve never looked outside Financing Solutions,” he says. “Because I’ve never needed to.”
That kind of loyalty isn’t earned through a one-time transaction—it’s the result of years of support, clear communication, and shared understanding of what small to midsize businesses go through.
And for Sean, the results speak for themselves. “If I want to make a larger payment toward the line, I just ask—and it’s done that day,” he explains. “You don’t find that kind of service in most places.”
The Bigger Picture
Behind the numbers and logistics, Sean’s testimonial is really about trust. Western Ambulance is in the business of care. They step in when patients are most vulnerable. Their work is critical—but it’s also chronically underfunded and often invisible to the broader public.
So when a financial partner shows up, listens, and acts quickly, it’s more than convenient. It’s transformative.
“Anybody in business understands how lines of credit operate,” Sean says. “But not everybody gets the kind of support we do from Financing Solutions. That makes all the difference.”
Conclusion: A Quiet Hero in Healthcare—and in Small Business Financing
Western Ambulance may not be racing down city streets with sirens blaring, but they’re saving lives every day. Behind the scenes, they’re moving the most fragile patients with care and dignity. And behind that effort is a financial relationship built on respect, reliability, and responsiveness.
In a world where too many lenders treat clients like numbers, Financing Solutions has proven that a personal touch still matters. And for Sean McMillan, it’s not just business—it’s a partnership.
