“We continue to see struggles in them meeting their contractual obligations,” said San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell."Both in the number of unit hours, their compliance in the emergency response zone and up until recently — filling some key management positions that we need for the success of this contract."
Falck introduced a $50,000 sign-on bonus late last year and representatives said it has helped recruit 22 new paramedics, with another nine slated to start next month. Seven existing paramedics left the company during the same time period. Despite efforts, the San Diego-Fire Rescue Department is working with Falck on a contract amendment that would likely see another ambulance provider operating in the city. Chief Stowell said subcontracting will be a “pillar” of the amendment.
“It’s been over a year since Falck took over this contract and we find ourselves in an unacceptable position where... we don’t see improvement quarter by quarter — we’re seeing stagnation,” said San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo. “We need to do something different.”