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Chandler outlines plan to start in‑house ambulance transport service, plans ambulances, training, and supplies
Summary
Assistant Chief Keith Hargus told council the city is buying EMS supplies and equipment to stock ambulances, hiring transport management staff, training personnel, and expects all 10 ambulances in service by September with a target service start in January 2027; staff projected the ambulance enterprise will be self‑sustaining.
City fire leadership described a multistep plan to bring ambulance transportation in‑house and to purchase supplies and equipment needed to staff and operate ambulances during ramp‑up.
Assistant Chief Keith Hargus said the procurement before council covers stocking ambulances and six months of consumable supplies to launch the service. He said the city has hired an ambulance transportation manager and an ambulance transportation analyst to run the business side, and that 12 firefighters are currently in a fire academy as part of cross‑training for ambulance operations.
Hargus described a staged vehicle delivery schedule: a first ambulance in March, additional units arriving in batches through summer, and a goal of having all 10 ambulances by September. He said the city currently partners with a third‑party vendor for ambulance vehicles and drivers; under the new model Chandler will own and operate the ambulances, including vehicle operation and documentation. Staff projected the service will operate as a self‑sustaining enterprise fund once established.
Council members asked about paramedic training, equipment such as cardiac monitors and radios, billing services and timeline. "We will be ready to deliver this important service starting in January of '27," Hargus said, outlining ramp‑up training and documentation needs.
Staff said follow‑on contract actions (billing services, remaining vehicle and equipment procurements) will come to council in future agenda items as the city prepares for operations.
