L.A. Fire Board OKs Trial Program With Private Ambulances

Despite fears that it would discriminate against the poor, Los Angeles city fire commissioners Thursday went on record in favor of a proposed eight-month pilot program under which private ambulance firms would supplement city paramedic services in the San Fernando Valley.

Members of the Board of Fire Commissioners expressed concern that the program would harm the poor and the homeless because private companies can charge nearly twice as much as the city. Maximum rates, set by the city Department of Transportation, are $79 for public ambulance calls and $150 for private calls.

“I don’t think it’s fair for the residents of this area, because they’re part of this pilot program, to be charged more,” said Aileen Adams, vice president of the board.

Awaiting Council Vote

The commissioners asked that their concerns be communicated to the City Council, which ultimately will have to vote on the proposal.

Under the plan, private firms would be allowed to respond to non-life-threatening calls and city Fire Department paramedics would continue to handle more urgent emergencies. All medical calls still would go through the Fire Department, where dispatchers would decide whether to send paramedics or notify a private firm.

A report by Chief Donald O. Manning listed among the advantages of initiating the pilot program: an ability to improve the availability of services for the less urgent calls, an opportunity for private companies to gain experience working with the Fire Department and a chance to study the program for possible citywide expansion.

Sparked by Audit

The idea arose during a city administrative office audit of the department, Manning said, which showed that city paramedics were busy handling less urgent calls that slowed their response to life-threatening calls.

Manning said he had planned to initiate the program in September. But the city attorney’s office ruled that a City Council review was needed for the department to sign contracts with private firms.

If approved by the council, the pilot program will be open to all city-licensed ambulance companies willing to operate in the Valley.