The Chandler City Council has recently greenlit the acquisition of a fleet of ten new ambulances, marking a decisive move toward the city's establishment of its emergency ambulance system. In a measure designed to advance community healthcare resources, one of these ambulances is set to replace an existing unit utilized for both special events, training, and reserve situations—as outlined in the current year's capital improvement program. According to the announcement, residents can expect the delivery of this specific ambulance in the fall of 2025.
Furthering their commitment, the remaining nine ambulances are earmarked for the projected shift towards a municipal emergency system. Funded through a forthcoming enterprise fund designated for ambulance transportation services, these vehicles are set for delivery in fall 2026. This strategic timeline aligns with the projected January 2027 launch of Chandler's autonomous emergency ambulance service. Chandler is following in the footsteps of a dozen other jurisdictions in the Valley, surrounding Chandler that have already adopted similar municipal emergency systems.
Last month's City Council work session revealed a strategic plan for this transition. Officials reviewed findings from a comprehensive feasibility study carried out by the James Vincent Group, which assessed the necessary resources, deployment strategies, and financial implications. The study found that the proposed service model is a viable alternative for the Chandler Fire Department to directly provide emergency services to the community.
Chandler currently relies on an external provider that collaborates closely with the Chandler Fire Department, a contractual arrangement that remains effective through 2026. This external provider has been instrumental in delivering emergency medical interventions up until now.
