ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque Fire Rescue is implementing new operational and staffing changes to enhance the EMS response in high-demand districts.
Traditionally, Albuquerque fire engines have been staffed with four EMT-Basic personnel, while ambulances have operated with two EMT-paramedic personnel. In 2021, the department reallocated one paramedic from the ambulances and replaced them with an EMT-Basic, effectively doubling response capabilities, the department stated.
In 2025, the department will expand this staffing strategy to four additional stations while introducing EMT-Intermediate level response on five engines, increasing the total number of districts with enhanced service delivery to nine.
Stations 9, 12, 15 and 20 will now have paramedic coverage on an engine, while Stations 8, 11, 14, 16 and 22 will each add one EMT-Intermediate firefighter to their engine crews. This enhancement allows firefighters to provide a higher level of care and helps free up paramedic resources to respond to higher acuity calls.
“I have been working on these operational changes using AFR response data and research into best practices from across the country,” Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo said. “These changes allow AFR to send paramedics to more calls in critical areas without compromising the safety of firefighters. These changes will also open up the opportunity for firefighters to rotate into different positions on our trucks to maintain both their fire and EMS skills. As a paramedic for almost 20 years, I can personally attest to the importance of these changes for not only our EMS service delivery but for the career path of our firefighters.”
“As medical director, I am so proud of the excellent care that all of our firefighters provide every single day,” Medical Director Dr. Kimberly Pruett said. “With ever-increasing call volumes, patient acuity and transport times, AFR leadership is making very thoughtful changes to staffing models to ensure its highest trained medical providers remain immediately available to respond to life-threatening emergencies in their districts.”
