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Board approves three‑month ambulance contract extension as state delays RFP review
Summary
After a public comment urging stricter enforcement of response times, the board granted a three‑month extension to existing ambulance contractors while the county completes an RFP process delayed by state review; staff described standard response-time benchmarks (code 3: ≤10 minutes urban; code 2: ≤15 minutes).
The Orange County Board of Supervisors on May 6 approved a three‑month extension of emergency ambulance services contracts while the county completes a delayed request‑for‑proposals process.
A member of the public, Jimmy Webb, urged the board to require contractors to meet response‑time requirements and impose stronger penalties for noncompliance. Staff said the state Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) granted only a three‑month extension and that county procurement is on track to complete the RFP evaluation panel’s work within that window.
Mindy Wintersweig, director of specialized medical services at the Health Care Agency, told the board the extension was necessary because EMSA returned the county’s RFP late and that the county will ask EMSA for further extensions only if needed. County staff also explained the response‑time standards used in the contracts: code 3 (lights and sirens) response in urban areas is set at less than 10 minutes; code 2 (non‑lights/sirens) at 15 minutes or less, with area definitions based on population density.
Supervisors asked staff to provide detailed data on historical response‑time performance, and to consult local fire chiefs and city partners to confirm whether county targets match community needs. The motion to extend the contracts carried after discussion; staff said the RFP panel has closed and is evaluating submissions.
The extension preserves current service coverage for ambulance operating areas while the county completes procurement and selects providers to operate under new contracts.
