Emergency Medical Services

Since 1975, the South San Francisco Fire Department has been at the forefront of paramedic services in San Mateo County, pioneering as the first and sole fire department to offer comprehensive paramedic transport services.

Initially, fourteen firefighters applied for the paramedic program, each completing Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training before advancing to Stanford's rigorous paramedic training. Internships were conducted in Los Angeles, a pioneer in paramedic programs at the time. Affiliation with a base hospital, initially Kaiser, was essential for emergency communication and protocol adherence, requiring medics to consult with ER physicians before administering Advanced Life Support (ALS).

The first paramedic vehicle, a large yellow Ford van, was customized with equipment cabinets and a bench seat for storage and County Health and Kaiser staff ride-alongs. Outfitted with two red lights, the van prominently displayed "South San Francisco Fire Department Paramedic" and the city seal. Basic gear included a mobile radio, EKG monitor in an orange box, and a drug case resembling a toolbox.

Today, South San Francisco remains San Mateo County's sole fire department providing transport services, operating two ALS Paramedic Rescue Ambulances and one Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance staffed by EMTs. They also play a crucial role in the county's ALS engine concept adopted in January 1999.