EMS Subscription Program
On July 1, 2001, the Montclair Fire Department implemented a new, integrated, fire-based Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system that added paramedics to the emergency medical services provided by the Fire Department. Prior to July 1, 2001, the Montclair Fire Department ran two basic life support engines and one basic life support squad. A private ambulance service provides transportation. The new system utilizes paramedics on both fire engines, which deliver rapid paramedic intervention in medical emergencies. A private paramedic transport ambulance arrives on-scene with firefighters to provide a paramedic team. In implementing this system, EMS response times have been reduced significantly. We now provide a paramedic on-scene in less than eight minutes, 94 percent of the time.
This program has also done well in generating revenue to help off-set costs of running the program. This has been accomplished through implementing an Emergency Medical Services and Paramedic Subscription Program and a Vehicle Fluid Recovery Program. The Montclair Fire Department strives to provide the finest emergency medical services available to our residents and businesses. Maintaining a stable funding source is the key to a successful Paramedic Program.
Subscribers who have a sewer and trash account with the City will be billed $2 per month, $4 per two-month billing cycle.
Subscribers who do not have a sewer and trash account with the City will be billed annually in the amount of $24.
Businesses will be billed annually in the amount of either $50 or $100, depending on the number of employees.
All Montclair residents and businesses are eligible to join. To subscribe, please contact the Montclair Fire Department at (909) 447-3500 to have a form mailed to you. Once received fill out the form and mail it to:
EMS Subscription Program, Montclair Finance Division, P.O. Box 2308, Montclair, CA 91763.
For more information, please call the Montclair Fire Department EMS Coordinator at (909) 447-3500
Subscription Program Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to join the EMS Subscription Program?
Any resident or business within Montclair's city limits or within the unincorporated area of San Bernardino County protected contractually by the Montclair Fire Department.
Is there a charge for this service?
Yes. You may subscribe to a program that offers residents an affordable means of paying for the Montclair Fire Department paramedic service not covered by your medical insurance. This program allows you an unlimited number of emergency medical responses. The subscription does not cover ambulance transportation costs.
What charges will I be responsible for if I am not an EMS subscriber?
You will be billed for emergency medical services provided by the Montclair Fire Department and will be responsible for any charges not covered by your medical insurance policy. Currently, basic life support (BLS) services for subscribing and non-subscribing residents are provided at no cost. The fee for advance life support (ALS) services for non-subscribing residents is $100. ALS services for subscribing residents are provided at no cost. Non-residents are not eligible to participate in the subscription program. Currently, BLS services are $299 per call for non-residents and ALS services are $387 per call for non-residents.
What type of services does the Montclair Fire Department currently provide?
Montclair Fire Department responds to over 4,000 emergencies a year. Approximately 90 percent are medical aids and 38 percent of the 4,000 emergencies require advanced life support assistance.
Will the Fire Department transport me to the hospital?
No. Transportation to the hospital will continue to be provided by a private ambulance company.
What happens to the level of service I receive if I do not subscribe?
Under no circumstances will any emergency medical services provided by the Montclair Fire Department be delayed or refused based upon a person's or business' participation in the EMS Subscription Program, or their ability to pay.
Will I be responsible for any charges if I become an EMS subscriber?
No. You will not be responsible for any Montclair Fire Department charges. However, your insurance carrier, including Medicare and MediCal, will be billed and any payments from them will be considered payment in full.
Who is covered by the subscription fee?
Immediate family members (spouse, partner, children, grandparents, or siblings) of the subscribing resident, or employees on duty of the subscribing business.
Doesn't the ambulance company provide paramedics?
Yes. They provide one paramedic and are required to arrive within 10 minutes. However, Montclair Fire Department paramedics will arrive in approximately 5 minutes, and in partnership with the ambulance company, two paramedics will provide advanced life support services.