Multnomah CountyFriday, November 6
Multnomah County approves an ambulance plan that sets a 15-minute response goal for East County cities
The PDXtoday team
If you live in Fairview, Troutdale or Wood Village, the ambulance goal for life-threatening calls is set to go from eight minutes to 15. Multnomah County commissioners approved the new plan 3-2 on Thursday. Portland and Gresham keep the eight-minute goal. A separate resolution gives preference to providers that can speed up response in those cities without an extra county subsidy.
The county says the faster goal would cost millions more each year. Aaron Monnig, the Health Department's EMS administrator, said "there's not enough revenue coming in." Commissioner Meghan Moyer said "I don't think it's equitable." Wood Village City Manager Greg Dirks said, "Disappointing isn't the big enough word." KGW reports the plan includes an incentive for quicker East County response.
80%of Wood Village's 911 calls are medical emergencies
Wood Village Mayor Jairo Rios-Campos said that puts the city in a difficult situation.
Source: KPTV
- Plan takes effect: expected late 2028
- Provider search: county expects to start in 2027
- Also in the plan: improved training, dispatch changes, quality care standards