Wareham Emergency Medical Services is seeking to increase what it charges for ambulance services for the first time since 2009.

EMS Director Dave Evans appeared before the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday requesting that the town increase the rates so they are in line with what surrounding towns are currently charging for similar services.

"We haven't had a rate increase since 2009," said Evans. "We did a survey and we're just trying to bring our rates up to where other towns are."

According to Evans, the increase would put Wareham EMS in line with what Marion charges for services.

Some rates would stay the same, including a $140 charge each for an IV, defibrillator, and electrocardiogram (EKG).

In other cases, the rates would almost -- or more than -- double. The rate for non-emergency advanced life support would increase from $410 to $920, while non-emergency basic life support would increase from $340 to $647.

"It is an opportunity for us to recoup our costs," said Selectman Judy Whiteside.

Any rate increase would require the approval of the board. Selectman Steve Holmes was absent at Tuesday's meeting and Selectman Chair Peter Teitelbaum said he would prefer to vote on the matter when all board members are present.