As a concerned resident of San Luis Obispo, I am reaching out to you with a deep sense of urgency and a plea for the future of our community's emergency medical services (EMS). It has come to my attention that Paso Fire is partnering with American Medical Response (AMR) to bid for our area's EMS contract. This move threatens to drastically alter, and potentially degrade, the quality of emergency medical care that we, as a community, have come to rely upon.

For years, our local EMS providers have not only been delivering timely and compassionate care but have also been integral members of our community. They understand the unique dynamics of our city, know the local geography, and most importantly, they know us. Transitioning our EMS services to the hands of a corporate giant like AMR could lead to our community losing that personal touch we entirely depend on in times of emergency. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the ability of AMR to maintain local standards of care, typically associated with increasing costs and longer response times after such partnerships.

The cities of San Luis Obispo could face significant risks if this bid goes through. Local EMS providers might not have the resources or the support to compete against a national giant, financially and administratively. This could lead to the erosion of local jobs, further stripping San Luis Obispo of services that have been tailored and perfected for its residents over the decades. Furthermore, studies have shown that centralizing emergency services through large organizations often leads to increased patient dissatisfaction and poorer health outcomes, due to longer wait times and unfamiliar care givers.

By taking action now, we can ensure that the decision-makers hear our voices loud and clear. We want our EMS services to remain local, grounded in community understanding, and continue to prioritize the health and safety of the residents of San Luis Obispo. Let us protect the quality emergency care that our families deserve.

Please sign this petition to reject the bid by Paso Fire in partnership with AMR and advocate for the continuation of locally managed EMS services that understand and respect the unique needs of San Luis Obispo.”