FULLERTON, Calif. — The Fullerton Fire Department began operating its city-run ambulance service after hiring 32 ambulance operators.
The department started the program on Feb. 2 using refurbished ambulances while it waits for the delivery of seven new units, the Daily Titan reported.
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City officials said residents should not see any disruption in service during the transition, with the department continuing to coordinate with private ambulance providers and neighboring agencies to maintain emergency coverage citywide.
After receiving more than 500 applications, the department hired 32 operators, who completed a two-week training academy covering patient care, ambulance operations and equipment readiness.
The program allows the department to handle emergencies from initial patient care through hospital transport using ALS engines, BLS units and now city-run ambulances.
Personnel staff three ambulances on 24-hour shifts, with an additional 12-hour unit running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during peak call times, and are paid $20 an hour under 24-month limited-term contracts.
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 to beyond $7.3 million over 10 years.
Fullerton’s BLS transport rate is $2,413.51, and its ALS rate is $2,923.74, with additional charges for paramedic assessment, first response and mileage. Residents can also sign up for a $46-a-month subscription program that covers unlimited household medical responses and helps reduce out-of-pocket costs.
