Monterey County approves new ambulance services contract with American Medical Response

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors convened on July 8, 2025, to discuss a significant agreement for ambulance services that aims to enhance emergency medical response across the county. The proposed contract with American Medical Response (AMR) is designed to address local challenges in emergency medical services (EMS) and improve patient care.

The meeting highlighted the need for a reliable and efficient ambulance service provider, particularly in a county known for its diverse geography and varying population densities. Teresa Arios, the Director of Health Services, presented a comprehensive overview of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder input from fire agencies, hospitals, and law enforcement in shaping the new contract.

Key features of the agreement include the introduction of Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, which will allow for more efficient use of Advanced Life Support (ALS) resources. This change is expected to improve response times for lower acuity calls while ensuring that ALS ambulances remain available for critical emergencies. The contract also includes provisions for enhanced clinical care monitoring, with a new clinical scorecard to assess the quality of services provided by AMR.

A notable aspect of the agreement is its focus on equity in service delivery. The EMS agency will monitor response times and clinical outcomes to ensure that all community members receive high-quality care, regardless of their background. This includes implementing a 911 nurse navigation program to divert non-emergency calls to appropriate care resources, thereby optimizing ambulance availability for genuine emergencies.

During the public comment period, community members expressed gratitude for the EMS services and raised concerns about the billing process, particularly regarding reimbursements from state facilities. Supervisors acknowledged these concerns and committed to addressing them as part of ongoing discussions with AMR.

The board ultimately recommended approving the contract with AMR, which is set to begin operationally on February 1, 2026, following a transition period. This agreement is seen as a crucial step toward improving emergency medical services in Monterey County, ensuring that residents receive timely and effective care in times of need.