In an initiative to improve emergency medical services, Fullerton Fire Chief Adam Loeser presented a proposal for a city-operated ambulance program during a city council meeting on April 1, 2025. Joined by Deputy Chief John Fugate, Fire Marshal Deputy Chief Mike Meacham, EMS Manager Ron Rosati, and administrative analyst Andrew Yang, Loeser emphasized the potential for enhanced response times and patient care through a transition away from contracted services.

Historically reliant on external providers, Fullerton first contracted with Care Ambulance in 2003. That relationship evolved into a public-private partnership with Falck in 2018, enabling the city to take a more active role in ambulance operations and billing. However, as the partnership with Falck moves into a renewed three-year contract, city officials are now exploring the feasibility of running an all-in-house ambulance program.

Currently, Fullerton operates three ambulances around the clock from fire stations 1, 2, and 3, with a fourth ambulance added last July to cover peak hours between 8 am and 8 pm. Each ambulance crew, staffed by two Falck operators, collaborates closely with on-duty fire captains, enhancing the integration of emergency medical and firefighting services.

Operators, certified as EMT Basics, receive around 150 hours of training in essential emergency medical care. In comparison, Fullerton’s firefighter-paramedics undergo nearly 1,300 hours of training, equipping them to perform advanced medical procedures. With all 14 firefighters certified as EMT Basics, and half holding advanced paramedic licenses, the department is well-prepared for comprehensive emergency response.

As discussions continued, Fire Chief Loser advocated for an internal ambulance program that would aim to stabilize costs and enhance control over operations. The current contract with Falck is set to expire on December 31, 2026, which has prompted the city to consider alternatives.

The proposed program comes with a detailed financial framework. City officials project the costs for staffing 18 full-time and six part-time ambulance operators, maintaining seven ambulances, and covering additional operational expenses. The anticipated labor costs for 2026 are estimated at $1.8 million, with vehicle expenses around $351,000 and operational costs about $121,000, totaling just under $2.3 million, alongside a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses. Overall, the total cost is projected around $2.5 million, translating to an hourly rate of $81.85 over the next five years.

In contrast, the existing contracted service rate is expected to rise from $90 in 2025 to $95 by 2026. The current annual expenditure on ambulance services hovers around $2.9 million, but a shift to the proposed in-house model could result in savings exceeding $400,000 in the first year alone. Over five years, this could lead to overall savings of approximately $3.2 million, with costs estimated at $13 million for the in-house operation compared to $16 million for private providers.

The proposal aims to sustain existing service standards while providing improved oversight of staffing, training, and patient care—key components of effective emergency response. Furthermore, a new classification for ambulance operators will be introduced, allowing them to transition into the fire department and advance their professional development within the community.

While the initiative presents numerous benefits, city officials acknowledge potential challenges ahead as they prepare to navigate this significant shift in emergency services.

This was approved 4 to 1 Dunlap no.