Emergency Responses Expected to Improve

A new city-run emergency transportation system is finally operating after a yearlong debate over how the service should be provided.

On July 1, the city began providing paramedic as well as ambulance service, a combination designed to improve response time. Paramedic response is expected to be five minutes or less, down from eight minutes before the change, officials said.

As part of the new program, the fire engine at the Mariners Fire Station was converted to a Paramedic Assessment Unit, which means the vehicle is now equipped with paramedics and equipment, said Vickie Cleary, the department’s Emergency Medical Systems coordinator.

Fire and Marine Department Chief Timothy D. Riley said ambulance service is now included in the city’s Fire Medics insurance program.

Previously, the city’s 4,300 Fire Medics subscribers received paramedic response at no cost, but ambulance service was provided by a privately owned operator who billed for the service, Cleary said.

The Fire Medics program provides paramedic services to members for a flat annual fee of $42. Nonmembers will continue to be billed for each paramedic visit, including emergency medical care and transportation. An average nonmember bill is about $200.

“Whether people think they’ll need emergency medical treatment or not, joining the Fire Medics program is a good investment for old or young,” Riley said.

Newport Beach residents and businesses will receive information about the new program in their municipal services statements in the next few weeks, Cleary said.

Information: (714) 644-3383.