The Fullerton Fire Department launched its own city-operated ambulance service on Feb. 2, hiring 32 ambulance operators.
The program is already in motion with the appropriation of refurbished ambulances while the department awaits the delivery of seven new ambulances.
“Residents will experience no service disruption during the transition,” reads a statement released by the city. “The Fullerton Fire Department will continue coordinating with private ambulance providers and neighboring jurisdictions to maintain comprehensive emergency coverage citywide.”
With over 500 applications, the 32 hired operators fulfilled a two week training academy led by the Fullerton Fire and the Emergency Medical Service manager. According to the Fullerton Fire Department, the training covers “patient assessment and vital signs, safe lifting and movement, hands-on field care, ambulance operations, and equipment readiness.”
Operators work during 24-hour shifts covering three vehicles, with another 12-hour shift from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during high call volume.
Last year, Fullerton’s Fire Chief Adam Loeser proposed to the city council the city-operated program, emphasizing the cost benefits, public safety and training opportunities. The city also highlighted in a statement that the new program gives them “flexibility to tailor staffing, equipment, and training protocols to local needs.”
In that proposal, the department mentioned that they do not propose ambulance coordinator or administrative captain positions at this time, though other Orange County cities do.
Previously, the City of Fullerton relied on a third-party ambulance service, Falck Mobile Health Corp, since 2003.
The third party program was set to increase from $90 per hour of service — $2,759,400 annually — to $95 in January 2026, while the cost of a city run model is estimated to be around $81 for 2026. In the report, the savings were said to sum up beyond $7.3 million over 10 years.
This program allows the department to provide emergency services from initial patient contact through hospital transport, responding to medical emergencies with Advanced Life Support engines, Basic Life Support trucks and now ambulances for hospital transport.
“This transition gives us direct oversight of every aspect of patient care,” said Fire Chief Adam Loeser in a press release. “This level of integration puts us in position to deliver the fastest response times while providing seamless, compassionate care to patients and their families.”
In the current fiscal year, the emergency rates in Fullerton for the BLS deployment is $2,413.51, while the ALS rate is $2,923.74, the ALS Paramedic Assessment & Treatment is $589, the first responder fee is $294 and there is also a mileage charge of $25.10.
Fullerton residents are given the option to enroll in a paramedic subscription program at $46 a month, covering unlimited medical responses for all enrolled members in the household.
After the initial insurance charge, the program offers credit up to $883 to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
According to the Fullerton government employment site, operators receive $20 an hour during a limited-term contract of 24-months.