By Jorge Casuso

February 11, 2026 -- After decades of contracting ambulance transports for emergencies, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) launched its own in-house ambulance service this month.

The move comes after the City's agreement with its current ambulance transport provider, McCormick Ambulance, for emergency medical transport and billing services expired January 31.

The new Ambulance Operator Program establishes a dedicated team using six ambulances that is "focused on safely operating ambulances and supporting paramedic teams during emergency medical responses," Fire Department officials said.

The City Council last year set aside $1.8 million to fund the purchase of four new ambulances, officials said. When the final two arrive in April and June, the two oldest existing ambulances will be retired.

According to City data, of the 13,000 emergency medical calls that SMFD responds to annually, approximately 8,200 result in transports to a hospital.

"Prior to the new program, the city's Fire Department would route all dispatch calls related to emergency medical services to a third party, private firm McCormick," SMFD officials said.

"Now, in addition to providing life-saving fire response and prevention, the Fire Department will also provide these emergency medical services, using in-house personnel, vehicles, and equipment.

"By bringing emergency medical services in house, the program aims to improve response efficiency throughout the community," officials said.

A "critical part" of the Realignment Plan approved by the Council last October, the Ambulance Operator Program is projected to generate approximately $7 million in new revenue with an annual operating cost of $2.8 million.

The cost of emergency ambulance transport is typically covered under Medicare or the patient's insurance policy.

According to Fire Department officials, "The program is also designed to be a premier training ground, acting as the first step in a career pathway toward becoming a firefighter/paramedic.

"Ambulance operators receive specialized training in emergency vehicle operations, safety protocols, communications, and teamwork," officials said.

The demand for emergency transport is expected to increase during several upcoming high-profile regional events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2026 NBA All-Star Game, 2027 Super Bowl LXI and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“By formalizing the ambulance operator role, we are strengthening our Emergency Medical Services system, supporting our personnel and improving outcomes for the patients we serve,” Fire Chief Matt Hallock said.