Santa Monica Fire Department launches city ambulance program, strengthening emergency medical response

February 10, 2026 3:01 PM

Santa Monica, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2026) - The Santa Monica Fire Department launched a new, in-house Ambulance Operator Program on Feb. 1, part of the ongoing implementation of the city's two-year strategic Realignment Plan.

The Ambulance Operator Program establishes a dedicated team focused on safely operating ambulances and supporting paramedic teams during emergency medical responses.

Prior to the new program, the city's Fire Department would route all dispatch calls related to emergency medical services to a third party, private firm McCormick. Now, in addition to providing life-saving fire response and prevention, the Fire Department will also provide these emergency medical services, using in-house personnel, vehicles, and equipment.

By bringing emergency medical services in house, the program aims to improve response efficiency throughout the community.

In addition, the Ambulance Operator Program is a critical part of the Realignment Plan's budget stability strategy, as it is projected to generate approximately $7 million in new revenue with an annual operating cost of $2.8 million.

"The Ambulance Operator Program reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, safety and high-quality service for the Santa Monica community," Fire Chief Matt Hallock said. "By formalizing the ambulance operator role, we are strengthening our Emergency Medical Services system, supporting our personnel and improving outcomes for the patients we serve."

By expanding staffing models to optimize resource deployment, the program allows firefighter-paramedics to focus on patient care while ensuring timely transportation to local medical facilities and continuing to meet the growing demand for emergency medical services.

The program is also designed to be a premier training ground, acting as the first step in a career pathway toward becoming a firefighter/paramedic. Ambulance operators receive specialized training in emergency vehicle operations, safety protocols, communications, and teamwork.

This initiative strengthens the Fire Department's internal staffing capabilities while providing invaluable field experience, all while maintaining the department's high standards of professionalism and service delivery.

The city will continue to monitor performance metrics closely as the program expands, ensuring continued alignment with community needs and city priorities.

For more information about the Santa Monica Fire Department and emergency medical services, visit santamonica.gov/ambulance-program.

Media Contact

Cathy Taylor
Fire Prevention Coordinator
[email protected]

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