EMS Bureau

On January 6, 1976, Ontario Fire Department launched a limited Paramedic program performed by six Ontario Firefighters who had graduated from the Paramedic Training Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

The initial program was assisted by donations from local service clubs. The Paramedic program was eventually funded in March 1976 when Ontario voters approved a 10-cent tax override that earmarked $166,000 for Paramedics. This money was used to train four more Paramedics and purchase equipment. The first year Firefighter / Paramedics responded to 2,137 medical calls.

Today the Ontario Fire Department provides advanced life support (ALS) care to the citizens of Ontario and all those working in and visiting our city.  We provide eleven medic engine companies staffed with a minimum of two Paramedics, four truck companies staffed with four EMT / Firefighters, one medic squad at the airport staffed with two Paramedics and an alternate transport vehicle staffed with one Paramedic and one EMT to ensure the safety of those in our city. In 2024, they responded to over 23,000 emergency calls.

Additionally, most of the department’s Captains and Engineers are licensed Paramedics. EMT’s and Paramedics function under California regulations and San Bernardino County protocols. OFD Paramedics provide state-of-the-art advanced life support, including pre-hospital 12-lead ECG’s, standing orders for patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome, transcutaneous cardiac pacing, and advanced airway management.

The EMS Bureau is overseen by Pamela Martinez, R.N., EMS Director, who works collaboratively with the departments Medical Director, Kevin Parkes.  Dr. Parkes functions in an advisory capacity and provides continuing education as needed.  The EMS Bureau consists of one EMS Captain (Paramedic) and two EMS Registered Nurses who facilitate and provide medical training, quality improvement, infection control, and community education such as CPR / AED, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed training.  The Ontario Fire Department provides monthly continuing education for all of our firefighter EMT/EMT-Ps; these classes are open to all medical personnel from the community. The Bureau also facilitates a Drowning Prevention Program which provides annual education in local elementary schools.