NE Valley Times

The Arizona Department of Health Services has granted the Certificate of Necessity to the Scottsdale Fire Department, paving the way for the implementation of a municipal fire department ambulance service expected to commence in January 2025.

Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon highlighted the critical nature of the program, emphasizing the need for comprehensive "door-to-door" service. He pointed out that "Last year alone, a third-party ambulance service transported more than 18,000 Scottsdale residents and visitors to hospitals," underscoring the pressing need for an efficient municipal ambulance service in the area.

Since the initiation of the ambulance program in March 2022, the City Council has allocated approximately $3 million for startup costs, including the procurement of new ambulances and equipment. After a series of administrative processes and reviews, the department has finally obtained official approval and permits from the Arizona Department of Health Services this week.

With the Certificate of Necessity in hand, the Scottsdale Fire Department will now focus on the implementation of the service, including the recruitment and training of new staff and firefighters to deliver the necessary assistance. The rollout of the new service will be conducted in phases, with the first phase set to station three ambulances staffed by trained firefighter paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians. The department aims to transport its first patient under the new program by January 2025, with additional phases planned to extend over the next 2-4 years. Ultimately, Scottsdale Fire plans to operate nine ambulances to cover the entire service area once the program is fully operational.

In the interim, Scottsdale will continue to rely on third-party ambulance services to respond to emergency calls, ensuring that residents and visitors receive the necessary medical attention promptly.