SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 5, 2024 unanimously approved an agreement with an alliance of local public fire agencies to provide basic and advanced life support, ground ambulance services, and interfacility and critical care transport services to the vast majority of San Bernardino County residents, the county said in a news release.
The decision means that the county will no longer be utilizing the services of the privately owned American Medical Response (AMR). AMR and its predecessor companies have been providing medical transport services to most county residents since the late 1970s over 40 years in San Bernardino County from the news release.
Proposals were submitted by AMR and Consolidated Fire Agencies, (CONFIRE), a joint powers authority made up of 15 county fire agencies that provide emergency medical services within their communities.
“Consolidating basic and advanced life support and medical transport services with the agencies that already provide critical emergency medical services is expected to ensure continuity of care and enhance performance during disasters, especially when mutual aid between agencies is necessary,” the county said.
The CONFIRE proposal was widely endorsed by hospitals, law enforcement, and most of the cities within the county, and was scored higher than AMR’s proposal by three of the four members of the evaluating panel, the county said.
“We appreciate the service AMR has provided to county residents for many years,” said County Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke. “This was a very difficult decision for the board. We are looking forward to a smooth transition and providing the best level of service to those who rely on us in the community.”
San Bernardino County is divided into 26 ambulance operating areas to ensure appropriate coverage and regulation of services. In 19 of those operating areas, ambulance providers require a contract with the county to provide services.
Begin October 1, 2026, CONFIRE EMS with Priority Ambulance, the nation’s second-largest ambulance provider, will manage the majority of ambulance transportation needs for CONFIRE.
What cities you will see CONFIRE/Priority Ambulance service in will be Apple Valley, Chino, Colton, Loma Lina, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino County Fire Department, Victorville, and Yucaipa.
They said, our commitment to the residents and the community remains unchanged, and we are confident that together we will continue providing the highest level of emergency medical care and service.”
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