I noticed that the ambulances now say “Rural/Metro” on the side. Does the Salem Fire Department no longer provide ambulance service to the City of Salem?
The Salem Fire Department is still the responsible agency that provides ambulance service to the city. This is accomplished through a sub-contract with Rural / Metro Ambulance. Rural/Metro Ambulance is now the “primary” patient transport provider; however the Salem Fire Department maintains several ambulances that are put into service during times of heavy call volume. Salem Fire backup ambulances still run an average of three calls a day. An important distinction is that while Rural / Metro Ambulance is responsible for providing patient transport, it is the responsibility of the Salem Fire Department to oversee the ambulance service and to ensure its compliance with Marion and Polk county requirements.
