City Will Assume Responsibility for Ambulance Service July 1

The Salem Fire Department provides advanced emergency medical services to the City of Salem. This includes delivering Advanced Life Support and quick-response services, as well as backup ambulance support.

Starting July 1, 2025, the City will take over ambulance services currently provided by Falck Ambulance Northwest. Salem Fire staff respond to most medical emergencies to assess and treat patients. When necessary, firefighter-paramedics assist with care during transport to the hospital and often take the lead in serious medical or trauma situations. Over 70% of the department's calls are medical emergencies.

Ambulance Service Transition

Beginning July 1, the Salem Fire Department will be the sole provider of ambulance services in the city. Since May 2024, a committee has worked to plan and oversee the transition to the new Ambulance Operator Model. This model was recommended by the Emergency Medical Services Valuation and Optimization Study conducted by AP Triton. The study aimed to provide recommendations to ensure Salem's ambulance services remain sustainable.

The study used the expertise of AP Triton's specialists and followed established best practices for fire and emergency medical services. Its goal was to prioritize the health and safety of Salem's residents, the Fire Department, and its staff. The Ambulance Operator Model now being implemented is what the study recommends.

Reasons for the Change

• The current ambulance provider could not meet required service hours.
• Since 2021, Salem Fire has spent $3.3 million in overtime to fill service gaps.
• As a public agency, the City will qualify for Ground Emergency Medical Transport funds to subsidize Medicare payments.

Related reports and documents:

Emergency Medical Services Optimization & Valuation Study

March 11, 2024 Staff Report

March 25, 2024 Staff Report passed unanimously

May 13, 2024 Staff report