HomeMy WebLinkAboutI. C. Medical Services Ambulance Fleet Needs 11.12.2024Virginia Beach Emergency Medical
Services
Ambulance Fleet Issue & Opportunity
•Provide background information related to the ambulance fleet used to serve the
city.
•Discuss ongoing challenges related to fleet availability.
•Present opportunity to expand the ambulance fleet for Council’s consideration.
•Provide any additional information or answer questions as needed.
Overview
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•The ambulance fleet is owned by the independent volunteer rescue squads.
•All operational members of EMS utilize all ambulances, regardless of station
affiliation.
•Ambulances are often ‘borrowed’ from station to station and used to respond
throughout the city.
•There are now fewer ambulances being used to respond to more calls-for-
service.
Background
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•The current fleet size is too small for current, and future, staffing needs.
•The cost for an ambulance has increased 30-40% in the last several years.
•Ambulances are accruing ‘hard’ miles faster than ever; more issues with wear and tear.
•Many repair needs require ambulance to be sent back to dealers and/or have extended waits for parts.
•Not uncommon for more than 1/3 of the fleet to be out-of-service at any one time.
Challenges
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•The volume of ambulances out-of-service on recent occasions has resulted in
not having enough ambulances for staffing needs.
•Staff have identified five (5) ‘stock’ ambulances available through two (2) local
dealers.
•The total cost to purchase the ambulances is $1,710,000; an additional $825,000 is needed to
outfit them.
•Ambulances can be available in 90-120 days and both chassis styles are in use
in the fleet.
•The rescue squads do not have the financial capacity to purchase these.
Opportunity
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•The Department of EMS and Rescue Council are requesting Council’s consideration to provide $2,535,000 to obtain and equip these five (5) ambulances.
•$1,710,000 for the interest-free loans to four (4) rescue squads.
•$825,000 to EMS budget for required equipment
•Includes funds to be provided to four (4) rescue squads in the form of ‘interest free loans’ for them to procure ambulances directly.
•Terms of loan to include provisions for forgiveness if no new source of revenue is identified.
•Urgent consideration is sought to avoid loss of opportunity.
Request for Consideration
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•City Council consideration of ordinance at tonight’s formal meeting.
•EMS to notify ambulance dealers of result and issue letter of intent if approved.
•EMS will work with city staff and rescue squads to facilitate disbursement.
•Ideally, these five (5) additional ambulances could be in service ~120 days from approval.
Next Steps
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Questions?
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