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County’s ordinance opens door to Baker City Fire backup for Pioneer ambulance service; OHA license needed
Summary
Baker County approved an ordinance allowing Baker City Fire personnel to serve as backup for Pioneer Ambulance; city staff and the county signed a subcontract agreement but said implementation depends on obtaining an OHA ambulance license and completing training.
Baker City — City staff told the council that Baker County commissioners approved an ordinance update allowing Baker City Fire Department personnel to be used as backup for Pioneer ambulance services and that the county has supported the city’s efforts to obtain an ambulance license from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
Staff said the change addresses gaps that occur when ambulances are out on calls and an additional call arrives with no available ambulance. The county’s ordinance update and a signed attachment agreement allow the city to subcontract with Pioneer to provide backup and to earn some revenue for those services, staff said.
Conditions and next steps: Staff emphasized the council cannot act on implementation until the city receives an ambulance license from OHA. The county wrote a letter of support for the city’s license application; staff also noted training with Pioneer on protocols and training for personnel on ambulance transports will be required before the backup arrangement operates.
Council discussion focused on whether fire apparatus should accompany medical calls; staff said having additional trained personnel on scene can improve patient care on significant medical calls. The council did not take a separate vote on the subcontract because the agreement was signed after the county’s first reading and staff presented the signed attachment as part of the council packet.
