Ambulance availability already improving in Multnomah County thanks to new model, AMR says.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — American Medical Response (AMR) said its new hybrid ambulance deployment model is already making improvements in terms of increasing access to care for community members.

The county-approved model would allow AMR to staff half their ambulances with two paramedics while the rest would be staffed with one paramedic and one emergency medical technician (EMT), in what's known as the 1-1 model. Under the new rules, a handful of ambulances could also be staffed with two EMTs for minor medical calls.

Even though the county allowed AMR until November 1 to meet the new benchmark, the company said they began deploying the new 1-1 advanced life support units (ALS) "the same day it signed" the new agreement, in mid-August.

Since then, AMR said they've seen a 24% improvement in total ALS ambulances per day and an 85.6% decrease in "level zero events" — that's when an emergency is called in but there are no available ambulances left to respond.

AMR officials said enhanced coordination between them and the Multnomah County Emergency Medical System is "helping save lives by getting critical care to patients faster."

“We are proud of the progress we've made in such a short time," said Rob McDonald, regional director for AMR, in a statement. "We want the community to know that we are swiftly and effectively moving in the right direction, prioritizing faster, more efficient access to emergency care.”

AMR said they've also hired 65 new EMTS, will bring in additional vehicles from other states and purchased 12 new ambulances to help support the new deployment model. They're also offering educational and work incentives to prospective EMTs, such as an "Earn While You Learn" program, sponsoring training and relocation assistance.

The 1-1 model implementation comes after more than a year of Multnomah County struggling with an ambulance response crisis amid a nationwide paramedic shortage. Before the vote last month, all ambulances were required to be staffed with two paramedics.