The Folsom Fire Department is implementing a new ambulance staffing model designed to maintain high-quality, emergency medical care, expand recruitment opportunities, and strengthen fire response capacity.

Under the Single-Role Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Program, two of the department’s three front-line ambulances will be staffed by dedicated EMTs and paramedics whose full-time focus is emergency medical care. One ambulance will continue to be staffed by dual-role firefighter-paramedics, and fire engines and trucks will continue to be staffed by firefighter-EMTs and firefighter-paramedics.

Single-role paramedics hold the same California licenses and Sacramento County accreditation as firefighter-paramedics and operate under the same medical protocols and standards of care.

The new model also expands the pool of qualified candidates and creates a career pathway for EMTs and paramedics interested in building a long-term career with the Folsom Fire Department. The department’s first single-role EMS Academy begins August 17.

Read the full news release to learn more about the program, staffing model and implementation.