Emergency Medical Response

Emergency Medical Services, or EMS, is a vital public service that delivers emergency care to victims of sudden and serious illness or injury.

In the Vancouver area, EMS is delivered in a multi-tiered system by firefighter-EMTs and fire medics from the Vancouver Fire Department and paramedics from American Medical Response.

In Vancouver, and throughout the country, EMS calls typically comprise more than 80% of the total emergency calls received by public fire-rescue agencies.

The EMS system depends on the availability and coordination of many different elements, ranging from an informed public capable of recognizing medical emergencies to a network of metro area trauma centers capable of providing highly specialized care to the most seriously ill or injured.

The 911 emergency center, search and rescue teams from the VFD and public support for prehospital care are some of the critical elements necessary for the EMS system to work.

The Vancouver Fire Department’s Paramedic and EMT firefighters are an important part of the EMS system.

Ambulance Services

The City of Vancouver has contracted directly with AMR to provide ambulance service to citizens since 2015.

Goals and objectives

• Maintain and strive to improve emergency medical services delivery.
• Maintain stable ambulance transport costs while ensuring system stability.
• Ensure equitable levels of service are provided throughout the service area.
• Continue to ensure and foster accountability and measurable results through direct oversight and governance relationship.

Background

Prior to 2015, the City of Vancouver provided ambulance services through an interlocal agreement with Clark County Emergency Medical Services District #2 (EMSD2) signed in 1993. The service was user-fee supported and AMR was contracted to provide ambulance services. In 2015, the City of Vancouver began contracting directing with AMR to provide ambulance services.

Current Status

The initial contract with AMR was effective January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2024. On October 14, 2024 the Vancouver City Council approved a contract with AMR effective January 1, 2025.

For more information, please see the Vancouver Fire Department Annual report.