Medic Squad Formed At Wildomar Fire Station 61

WILDOMAR, CA — A medic squad has been formed at Wildomar Fire Station 61 to offer improved public safety, the city recently announced.

The squad, which began responding to calls on January 6, consists of an engineer, a firefighter paramedic and Advanced Life Support equipment using a smaller vehicle. The smaller squad can be dispatched to certain Emergency Medical Service calls in lieu of the larger fire engine. It's designed to decrease response time, increase patient survivability and cut down on costs, the city said.

To accommodate the small crew, the city purchased a new medic squad vehicle that is still being assembled and will be delivered by Spring 2020. In the interim, Wildomar is utilizing a vehicle supplied by the county, according to a statement from the city.

“We are committed to providing the best public safety for our residents and this is just one example of how we are continually looking to improve our city services,” Wildomar Mayor Dustin Nigg said. “Wildomar continues to grow and we will continue to increase quality services as well.”

Fire and EMS services within Wildomar are contracted through Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire. Wildomar has contracted for these services since the city’s incorporation in 2008.

“It’s a proud moment for our fire department and a huge service boost for the citizens of Wildomar,” said John Crater, battalion chief for Wildomar’s Fire Department. “Thank you for supporting your fire department with the addition of this paramedic squad to better serve you.”

The new vehicle was $225,000 and the medic squad personnel will cost just over $1 million per year for the City of Wildomar; both will be paid out of Measure AA funds, the city said.

Measure AA was approved by Wildomar voters in November 2019 and became effective on April 1, 2019. It established a 1 percent transaction tax on the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of tangible property sold within the city limits.

Station 61 is located at 32637 Gruwell Street.