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Anaheim, CA 92805
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
DATE: MARCH 25, 2025
FROM: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO SECTION .030 OF CHAPTER 1.05 OF THE
ANAHEIM MUNICIPAL CODE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A
PILOT PROGRAM AUTHORIZING PARAMEDIC SPECIAL
ASSIGNMENT PAY FOR AMBULANCE OPERATORS
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 23
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council take the following actions:
1. By Resolution, approve the implementation of a pilot program authorizing Paramedic Special Assignment pay for Ambulance Operators; and
2. By Ordinance, amend Section .030 of Chapter 1.05 of the Anaheim Municipal Code (Introduction).
DISCUSSION:
Background:
On July 28, 2020, the City Council approved the transition from CARE Ambulance Services, Inc. to an Anaheim emergency transportation model, to be implemented in two phases. During the first phase, the new model was implemented which included replacing contract ambulance services with an in-house ambulance program. The goals behind the new model were to: 1) expand the Public Safety pathway for the youth of Anaheim with the creation of Ambulance Operation positions, 2) control the delivery of Emergency Medical Services (“EMS”) in Anaheim, and 3) create a financially stable EMS system in Anaheim. The fully implemented model required the acquisition of ten (10) ambulances and the hiring of forty-two (42) Ambulance Operators to staff the ambulances.
On January 12 and 26, 2021, respectively, the City Council approved the second phase which formally established the Anaheim Emergency Transportation Program and focused on equipping the remaining ambulances, established the Ambulance Operator (“AO”) job classification, pay and benefits, and recruited for the remaining personnel.
Amendment to Section .030 of Chapter 1.05 of the Anaheim Municipal Code and Implementation of a Pilot Program Authorizing Paramedic Special Assignment Pay for Ambulance Operators (Introduction) March 25, 2025
Proposed Ambulance Operator Pipeline Program:
The Anaheim Emergency Transportation Program has been successful since its implementation in January 2021. However, the program continues to be faced with challenges in the area of retention of AOs and recruitment into Anaheim’s Fire Academy.
AF&R and Human Resources studied the program and concluded that a direct pipeline program from an Ambulance Operator to the Anaheim Firefighter Academy would help with retention and improve recruitment strategies while improving operation.
The creation of an Ambulance Operator Program supports the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal D – Foster a High-Performing Organization, Strategy 1 – Expand our professional development program for departments to build a pipeline of new talent and support professional growth.
The Pipeline Program will occur in two phases. The first phase is a six-month pilot from July 1, 2025 through January 1, 2026, or six (6) months from the start of the trial, whichever is later. During this period, qualified AOs will be eligible for Paramedic Special Pay and assignments will be based on Anaheim Fire & Rescue’s current staffing model, which includes the Telestaff rules currently in place.
Under the current program, an ambulance is staffed with two (2) EMT Ambulance Operators and is only capable of providing Basic Life Support (“BLS”) transports. When an Advanced Life Support (“ALS”) transport is needed, it requires a minimum of one (1) Paramedic for stable ALS transport or two (2) Paramedics for unstable ALS transports.
This requires one (1) or two (2) firefighter paramedics to be removed from a fire apparatus unit. The fire apparatus unit can remain in service if one (1) firefighter paramedic is removed, since at least three (3) personnel are required for a fire apparatus to remain in service. However, the fire apparatus unit cannot remain in service if two (2) firefighter paramedics are removed.
In an effort to reduce the time a fire apparatus is out of service during an ALS transport, staff recommends approval of resolution providing AOs who are assigned to Paramedic Special Assignment an additional $4.75 per hour for all hours worked in the assignment.
This action will further support greater opportunities for AOs in their pursuit of a career in fire safety.
During the pilot, the AF&R will evaluate the effectiveness of the program focusing on whether it improves fire apparatus unit availability and streamlines ALS transport processes without incurring significant costs. The effectiveness will be determined by unit availability on the single shift (which includes the AO Paramedic) versus the remaining two shifts that are not part of the study. The expected outcomes include: improved retention and recruitment, increased fire apparatus availability, cost efficiency, and operational effectiveness. If the first phase meets all outcomes, AF&R will return to City Council and propose permanent specialty pay for the Ambulance Operator classification for the long term.
Amendment to Section .030 of Chapter 1.05 of the Anaheim Municipal Code and Implementation of a Pilot Program Authorizing Paramedic Special Assignment Pay for Ambulance Operators (Introduction) March 25, 2025
Amendment to Section .030 of Chapter 1.05 of the Anaheim Municipal Code Section .020 (Administration of Personnel System) of Chapter 1.05 (Personnel System) of Title I (Administration) of the Anaheim Municipal Code establishes the City’s Personnel System and vests the Human Resources Director with the responsibility for ensuring the appropriateness of classifications based upon the type and level of duties and responsibilities performed. This occasionally requires adding classifications to meet operational needs.
Section .030 (Scope) of the Anaheim Municipal Code defines classifications included and excluded from the classified and exempt service. Persons serving in classifications that are exempt from the classified service are deemed “at-will,” without accrued property rights to their position and subject to termination at any time and for any reason.
On occasions, classifications are created with the intent or purpose of being exempt from classified service, although not defined under Section 1.05.030 of the Anaheim Municipal Code. An example of this is the above-referenced Ambulance Operator classification.
Revision to Section 1.05.030 of the Anaheim Municipal Code will vest the Human Resources Director with the authority to designate classifications as exempt from classified service by resolution, duly adopted by the City Council. The proposed revision will allow such designation to be accomplished in one reading, thereby expediting the process of creating classifications that are intended to be exempt from classified service and not already defined under Section .030 of the Anaheim Municipal Code.
This recommended action will support the second phase of the Ambulance Operator Pipeline Program. The second phase of the program will include the creation of a non- sworn, unrepresented Firefighter Trainee classification, which will be presented to Council on April 8, 2025, together with the adoption of the attached ordinance. The Firefighter Trainee classification will provide qualified AO’s with a direct pipeline and sponsorship to the Fire Academy.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The cost for the pilot program is attributed to specialty pay for at least six Ambulance Operators on the assigned shift. The Fire and Rescue Department has estimated the cost to be no more than $80,000 for the term of the pilot program and will appropriate the funds in FY 2025/26.
Respectfully submitted, Respectfully submitted,
Linda N. Andal Pat Russell
Human Resources Director Fire Chief
Attachments:
1. Resolution – Ambulance Operator Paramedic Specialty Pay Pilot Program
2. Ordinance – Amendment to Anaheim Municipal Code
3. Municipal Code (Redline)