The city’s newest ambulance route operates out of Fire Station 302 near Reems Road and Mountain View Boulevard in Sun City Grand.

By Virginia Mungovan, Special to Independent Newsmedia

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department now has a second city-run ambulance in operation, advancing its goal of becoming the primary provider of emergency transport.

Surprise Fire-Medical launched its ambulance service in November 2015 with one ambulance running out of Fire Station 305 at Greenway Road and Parkview Place. In one year of operation, that ambulance responded to nearly 2,500 calls for service.

"Our community is growing and our needs are changing," said Surprise Fire-Medical Chief Tom Abbott. "We are constantly analyzing those needs and taking action to ensure we can continue to deliver the best possible response times and premier patient care."

Funding for two new ambulances was approved by City Council through the 2017 budget. One of those ambulances now operates out of Fire Station 302 near Reems Road and Mountain View Boulevard. The other new ambulance has replaced the one at Fire Station 305.

The used ambulance from station 305 now serves as a backup when one of the new ambulances needs to be serviced. Private ambulance companies continue to supplement the coverage needed throughout the city.

Learn about Surprise-Fire Medical at www.surpriseaz.gov/fire.