Laguna Beach Fire Department Expands Ambulance Fleet and Increases Transport Rates
Laguna Beach has launched an in-house ambulance program managed by its fire department, which includes the addition of a new ambulance to its fleet, bringing the total to four. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to improve emergency response times and ensure fiscal sustainability. The city council has approved a rate increase for ambulance transport services to offset rising operational costs, including fuel, medical supplies, and equipment maintenance. The basic life support fee is set to rise to $3,088.40, while the advanced life support fee will increase to $3,529.60. The city anticipates that most of the rate increase will be absorbed by those paying through cash or private insurance. The program has been financially positive, with a net gain of $113,000 in the fiscal year 2024-25 and a projected positive balance of $97,000 for the current fiscal year. 
