Hillsborough County establishes permanent 'peak rescue' unit, approves 48 paramedic positions

Hillsborough County approved the creation of a permanent peak rescue section for Fire Rescue and established 48 new positions to staff the program after a presentation showing improved availability and faster response times.

Fire Chief Jason Dougherty told commissioners that a May 2024 pilot of five peak rescue units reduced unit‑hour utilization (UHU) across the system, improving availability and trimming average response times by roughly 42 seconds in the six‑month comparisons he presented. He said the pilot operated Monday–Friday on overtime and demonstrated measurable system benefits but posed staffing and sustainability issues if continued solely on overtime.

Chief Dougherty proposed a permanent peak rescue section staffed 07:00–22:00, seven days a week, with 10 peak units (including a reserve), 48 positions (including 26 paramedics and additional rescue lieutenants and supervisors), an administrative section chief and a training officer. He estimated annual operating costs of about $5.8 million and projected transport revenue (from ambulance billing and reimbursements) could be roughly $7 million a year based on existing transport volumes, meaning the program could be approximately revenue neutral over time.

Commissioners praised the pilot data. Commissioner Cohen called the program “a vote to save lives,” citing the response‑time improvements. Commissioner Bowles and others noted the pilot reduced overtime burnout and improved care consistency. The board accepted the report and approved the associated positions and budget authority; motions carried unanimously (7–0).

Implementation: The county said six ambulances for the program are already purchased in CIP and due in 2027; staff requested funding for four to five additional vehicles, equipment and ongoing operating costs. The department will return with final hiring schedules, equipment lists and implementation timelines.