O.C. Warns Ambulance Provider

The Orange County Fire Authority board voted Thursday to put one of the county’s major ambulance services on notice that unless it lives up to its agreement to provide more ambulances countywide, its contract may be terminated.

“What we told them today is that they have to live up to the contract they signed or, essentially, it will be in default,” said Ken Blake, chairman of OCFA’s board of directors.

Officials at Medix Ambulance Service could not be reached for comment.

The vote followed months of wrangling over the Mission Viejo-based company’s services, which some board members say have fallen short of what is specified in contracts it signed last year.

Under those agreements, they say, Medix was obligated to provide 24 ambulances for the 11 cities it serves. Medix, however, has acknowledged it is providing only 16.

Though both sides agree that public safety has not been compromised, some argue that Medix’s shortcomings have made the bidding process a sham.

Thursday’s vote -- taken on behalf of seven of the 11 cities the board represents -- gives Medix until the board’s March 24 meeting to provide more ambulances. If the contracts have not been fulfilled, Blake said, he will urge the board to give Medix a six-month termination notice.

Medix has a separate contract with each city, seven of which allow the OCFA board to represent them on this issue. The other cities will make their own decisions.