The City of Peoria received notice from the Arizona Department of Health Services that its application for a Certificate of Necessity (CON) for operating its own ambulance service has received initial approval.
With the ADHS approval, Peoria Fire-Medical is cleared to begin the process of operating its own ambulances. Presently, EMS and paramedic patient care is provided by Peoria Fire-Medical firefighters and medical transportation is provided by American Medical Response (AMR), a private ambulance company. “Peoria is a city that cares about its citizens and our primary concern is to ensure they receive the highest quality in emergency medical transport in the shortest response time possible,” Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat said. “This agreement will give residents comfort that when they need that core service, they’re going to get the best in a timely manner.” To operate a ground-based ambulance service in the state of Arizona, an organization must first file a CON application with the Department of Health Services. Peoria Fire-Medical submitted its application June 25, 2015. Initially, Peoria plans to purchase and staff two ambulances, while still working in partnership with AMR. “This is not about replacing AMR, but supplementing their service to provide the fastest response times and best possible care for Peoria residents,” Peoria Fire Chief Bobby Ruiz said. “We look forward to moving ahead with this partnership.” Peoria Fire–Medical Department has provided Advanced Life Support paramedic care to the residents of Peoria and surrounding communities for more than 30 years. Eighty-five percent of the calls to the fire department are medical. Each Peoria engine company includes two paramedics and two emergency medical technicians. Although Peoria will initially purchase only two ambulances, response times will be monitored to ensure Peoria residents are being adequately served.