SANTA PAULA : Use of Paramedics Backed by Council
The Santa Paula City Council supported Monday a proposal by Pruner Health Services to upgrade ambulance service in the Santa Clara Valley.
The council unanimously approved a resolution of support for Pruner’s proposal to add a paramedic to ambulances it runs in Santa Paula and Fillmore.
Only emergency medical technicians now staff the two ambulances that provide emergency services in the area. Emergency technicians are trained only in first aid, while a paramedic can administer drugs and intravenous treatments. Patients would pay an extra $275 for paramedic care.
The Santa Clara Valley is the only area in Ventura County that does not have paramedics in ambulances, said Steven G. Murphy, chief administrative officer for Pruner Health Services.
The change in service must be approved by the Emergency Medical Services Agency, a county group that monitors ambulance service. Pruner will also ask local physicians for an endorsement.
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