Palo Alto Fire Department to launch new paramedic service in spring

The Palo Alto Fire Department is preparing to introduce a new paramedic service next spring, according to Palo Alto Online. This service will be staffed by civilian employees who will provide medical care in the community, taking over responsibilities previously handled by firefighters.

Medical calls currently make up more than 60% of the department's total calls, highlighting the growing demand for dedicated medical response. The City Council approved the creation of this civilian paramedic division in 2025 to address this need.

In fiscal year 2025, the department responded to over 10,000 incidents within Palo Alto and Stanford University, reflecting an increase in activity that the new paramedic team aims to manage more effectively.

This change marks a significant shift in how emergency medical services will be delivered in Palo Alto, aiming to improve response times and specialized care for medical emergencies.