SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Changes are soon coming just north of Spokane for how the local fire district responds to emergencies.
Spokane County Fire District 9 said it will replace American Medical Response’s (AMR’s) ambulance transport services with its own operation next year, aiming to improve emergency response times and eliminate transport costs for residents.
Fire Chief Matt Vinci, who took over the department earlier this year, said the transition will create better care for patients by keeping emergency services within one agency rather than transferring between multiple providers.
“In our business, our response times are important,” he said.
The fire district has been evaluating the ambulance transport service since Vinci became chief. In July, the department presented several options to the board for consideration.
After approval to move forward with its own ambulance service by the board, the district applied for an advanced life support transport license, which would enable the department to transport patients directly.
“It really makes a difference in that continuity of care and the transfer of care – not happening from one agency to another and not a handoff. So, we’ll have a smooth transition right to the emergency room,” Vinci said.
District officials said faster hospital transport times are a primary motivation for the change. The new system will also remove financial barriers that may prevent residents from seeking emergency medical help.
“It’s going to result in our public being able to have access to pre-hospital health care without having to worry about that transport fee,” Vinci said.
Ambulance transport can cost thousands of dollars. While the fire district will continue billing insurance companies and Medicaid when patients have coverage, officials said they will not pass any uncovered costs to patients.
“We don’t want transport bills and fees to get in the way of folks accessing care and pre-hospital emergency health care,” Vinci said.
The district aims to launch the new ambulance service in July 2026. Before implementation, officials must hire staff for the ambulances and acquire vehicles.
If the license application is approved by the state, District 9 will become the second fire district in Spokane County to make this move, following District 4’s lead in 2023.
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