TO: Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
Fire |
Adrian Sheppard, Fire Chief |
425-556-2201 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
Fire |
Jim Whitney |
Deputy Fire Chief |
TITLE:
title
Ambulance Services Agreement with Tri-Med Ambulance, LLC
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The proposed ambulance services agreement replaces a previous agreement, recently terminated by American Medical Response (AMR), that had been in place for over a decade. The new agreement establishes a coordinated Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance service framework between Tri-Med Ambulance, LLC and multiple Zone 1 agencies. King County Fire District 27 (Fall City) will serve as the lead agency for this agreement. It ensures consistent, reliable ambulance services across jurisdictions, including Bothell, Fall City, Eastside Fire & Rescue, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline, and Snoqualmie, while maintaining performance standards and accountability measures.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☒ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
N/A
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
This agreement replaces the long-standing AMR agreement, maintaining service continuity and improving integration. The provider-paid model includes a monthly administrative fee of $7,500 to the lead agency, adjusted annually based on CPI. Quality assurance measures include comprehensive performance metrics, response time requirements, and a detailed liquidated damages framework for service failures. These metrics are reviewed monthly by the lead agency and shared with participating jurisdictions.
Agreement authorized under RCW 52.12.031, which allows fire districts to contract for emergency medical services.
OUTCOMES:
The City benefits from a seamless transition to reliable ambulance services, ensuring coordinated response times, enhanced public safety, and accountability. This agreement solidifies a financially sustainable model while enhancing service quality through monthly reviews and performance incentives.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
The Request for Proposals was issued on May 8, 2024, with community needs assessed as part of the process.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Community and stakeholder engagement occurred through public safety committees and coordination with participating Zone 1 agencies.
• Feedback Summary:
Feedback emphasized the need for a seamless transition, improved response times, and enhanced accountability mechanisms.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$0
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
N/A
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
Provider-Paid Model ($7,500 monthly administrative fee to the lead agency).
Budget/Funding Constraints:
Adjustments to the administrative fee are tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area.
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
1/7/2025 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
The previous agreement with American Medical Response (AMR), which had been in place for over a decade, was recently terminated, creating an urgent need for a new contract.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
This agreement ensures the continuity of essential ambulance services across multiple jurisdictions, safeguarding public safety and maintaining high performance and accountability standards.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: 2024-Tri-Med Ambulance Zone 1 Final Version Agreement