Report Prepared by: Casey Wilson, Fire Chief
Title
SUBJECT: Update Regarding Merced Fire Department First Responder Advanced Life Support Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Update regarding the Merced Fire Department First Responder Advanced Life Support program for the period of January 1, 2025, through August 31, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
This is for information-only.
Body
DISCUSSION
History
The Merced Fire Department (MFD) released their first Paramedic feasibility study October 1974. The study recommended the implementation of Firefighter Paramedics which would go into effect January 1976.
Fast forward to 2019, Fire Chief Billy Alcorn brought an EMS Program update and request for approval to implement a Rescue Paramedic Program citing a need to advance the level of care to our community from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advanced Life Support (ALS).
The 2018 Merced Fire Department Standards of Cover Assessment recommendation #9 states, “The City and Department should consider expanding current EMS capacity to include ALS (paramedic) services as strategic planning and funding permit.”
In 2022 the MFD applied for, was awarded, and City Council accepted a FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) to provide the funding to send 12 MFD firefighters to Paramedic School.
The 2023 Merced Fire Department Strategic Plan key goal is to expand EMS in the Community. It is cited in the strategic plan, “Effective EMS response in the community is essential in today’s environment. Providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities through the fire department engines, trucks and squads close a key link the AHA’s Links of Survival”.
Effective January 2025 MFD implemented First Responder Advanced Life Support program starting with Engine 53. Since that date Engine 53 has been staffed with a Firefighter Paramedic 24 hours a day and 7 days week as required by our First Responder Advanced Life Support Agreement with Merced County EMS agency.
Effective March 2025 Squad 53 was placed in service and as ALS when available. Squad 53 has been staffed with a Firefighter Paramedic making it ALS approximately 90% of the time.
Response Data
Time period January 1, 2025, through August 31, 2025:
EMS Response
Engine 53 - 992
Squad 53 - 735
ALS Responses
Engine 53 - 261
Squad 53 - 205
ALS Interventions
|
Procedure |
Count |
|
EKG ¾ - Lead |
376 |
|
EKG 12/15 - Lead |
206 |
|
IC Access |
167 |
|
Contact Medical Control |
29 |
|
End-Tidal CO2 Monitoring |
29 |
|
Defibrillation (Manual) |
23 |
|
Intubation (Oral w/Bougie) |
6 |
|
IO Access |
7 |
|
Chest Decompression |
2 |
|
External Pacing |
1 |
ALS Medication Administrations
|
Medication |
Route |
Count |
|
Epinephrine (1:10,000) |
IO + IV |
84 |
|
Nitroglycerin (Tab + Paste) |
Sublingual + Topical |
62 |
|
Albuterol |
Nebulizer |
29 |
|
Dextrose |
IV |
12 |
|
Ondansetron (Zofran) |
Oral + IV |
33 |
|
Fentanyl |
IM + IV |
10 |
|
Naloxone (Narcan) |
IO + IV |
8 |
|
Calcium Chloride |
IO + IV |
5 |
|
Morphine Sulfate |
IV |
5 |
|
Glucagon |
IM |
9 |
Progressing First Responder Advanced Life Support
As of October 2025, Merced Fire Department has eleven (11) licensed paramedics, seven (7) firefighters in the later stages of their training, and five (5) additional firefighters have completed their entrance exam with the next program beginning in January 2026.
Effective September 15th, 2025, Engine 51 was upgraded to ALS when available. Engine 51 will become full-time ALS November 2025. Quarter 1, 2026 MFD will add an additional ALS unit. Currently the data is indicating the next ALS unit will be Engine 55.
MFD is exploring more efficient deployment models for our resources, with a particular focus on Advanced Life Support (ALS). With the addition of a new Squad approved in the 2025/26 budget, we are evaluating the effectiveness of deploying paramedics primarily through the Squad concept at Station 51 and Station 53.
The Merced Fire Department is working closely with the newly selected Merced County exclusive ambulance provider to develop partnerships that leverage the skills of our licensed paramedics in support of the 911 emergency response system. This collaboration will not only enhance the level of service provided to the community but will also create potential opportunities for the department to recover costs. By aligning resources and expertise, MFD aims to strengthen system-wide efficiency while ensuring fiscal responsibility and continued high-quality emergency medical care for the residents of Merced.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City Council Presentation - October 20, 2025