Salem Fire Department Will Add Four New EMS Positions

Six months after the Salem Fire Department assumed ambulance service, our community is seeing greatly improved emergency medical response and fiscal stability, despite an unprecedented demand for services. The Salem City Council approved adding four full-time positions to the Fire EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Division.

These new positions will convert a peak-hour ambulance to 24-hour operations, addressing high call volumes and reducing overtime.

The $643,984 annual cost will be offset by increased transport revenue and lower overtime expenses.

The adjustment improves response times, workforce stability, and service reliability as the city continues to meet growing emergency medical needs.

Call Volume Exceeds Projections
Since resuming ambulance transport services in July 2025, the Salem Fire Department has averaged 55.77 transports per day, totaling approximately 20,357 transports over six months. This is a 3.28% increase over the initial projection of 54 daily transports. While the higher call volume boosts revenue, it also adds operational strain on the workforce. Despite this, response time compliance in Marion and Polk Counties remains strong at more than 90%.

Financial Performance on Track
The ambulance system generated $28.1 million in revenue during its first six months. Medicare accounts for 51.4% of transports, followed by Medicaid at 25.1%. Personnel and operating costs, totaling $14.7 million, remain within budget. However, overtime costs and reimbursement limitations continue to be monitored.

Future Planning and Staffing Adjustments
The department is focused on refining deployment models, securing equipment and managing finances. To address workforce strain, the staff additions will improve reliability and reduce overtime.

Background
Salem resumed ambulance operations in July 2025 after two decades of private service. This change followed a study recommending the city-operated model as a sustainable and effective approach. The system is stable but will require ongoing evaluation to meet growing emergency medical needs.

Salem Fire Mid-Year Update on Ambulance Service