Change is on the horizon for Scottsdale as the city inches closer to rolling out its fleet of fire department-run ambulances. After wrestling with the decision to ditch private ambulance services, Scottsdale is now geared up to improve its emergency medical response, bringing aid directly to the doorsteps of its residents and visitors alike. According to Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon, who spoke to the City of Scottsdale's official news portal, the move is critical to meet the increasing demand for "door-to-door" medical service in the growing city.
The gears were set in motion back in March 2022, and since then, city officials have been toiling to navigate a maze of administrative hoops. Reports indicate that approximately $3 million has been sunk into this massive undertaking, funds earmarked for ambulances and vital equipment. Service could realistically kick off early next year, but that all hinges on the city securing a vital "Certificate of Necessity" from the Arizona Department of Health Services – a certificate that's looking likely to be granted this month, as an administrative judge has already recommended its approval.
It's all systems go for Scottsdale Fire if everything pans out as planned. As stated on the city's website, the planned service will unfurl in phases, with the first phase positioning three ambulances strategically throughout the community. Each will be manned by a capable crew of firefighter paramedics and EMTs. The first phase is projected to launch by January 2025. Over the next couple of years, two more phases will see nine ambulances ultimately take to the streets.
While the city's residents wait to reap the benefits of the municipal ambulance service, Scottsdale must continue to temporarily rely on third-party services to fill the gap. The private outfits have been steadily answering calls from those in need, including a staggering 18,000 transports last year as Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon revealed.
