FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2025
Albuquerque Firefighters Urge City Council to Pass Resolution Protecting Emergency Medical Services
Albuquerque, NM – Albuquerque firefighters are speaking out against a proposed staffing change by Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) that would remove one of two paramedics from the city’s Rescue Units, a move that would diminish the level of emergency medical care available to residents. Firefighters and community advocates are calling on the City Council to pass Resolution R-122, which mandates that all AFR Rescue Units remain staffed with two paramedics to ensure the highest quality of care.
“As City Councilors and constituent representatives, we must listen to our Unions. These brave Firefighters are on the front lines and sacrifice so much for our safety and protection.”
What’s at Stake?
Currently, AFR’s Rescue Units, capable of rapid, life saving transport, are staffed with two paramedics, providing advanced life support and rapid, skilled care to residents experiencing medical emergencies. The proposed change would replace one paramedic with a lower-credentialed EMT, potentially delaying lifesaving interventions and overburdening the remaining paramedics.
AFR operates under a triaged dispatch system, ensuring that paramedics are sent to the calls where they are most needed. This system maximizes efficiency by directing non-patient emergencies to other units, preserving paramedic resources for true medical crises. Removing a paramedic from each Rescue Unit disrupts this model, diluting service by sending paramedics on non-patient emergencies like downed powerlines or dumpster fires, leaving only one paramedic available in the area.
“Diluting the ALS Rescue is not a good idea. Don’t underestimate the impact an ALS officers leadership has on a scene or the mentoring they provide new medics as they learn the position. This staffing model strikes balance between strong leadership, effective patient care, and operational efficiency, making it a valuable approach for fire-based EMS systems."
“Our triaged system ensures that paramedics are prioritized for patient care. By keeping two paramedics on a Rescue, we maintain a proven and effective response strategy,”
Why the City Council Must Act
This issue has come before the city in the past, and every time, elected leaders and firefighters have stood together to protect the public. Resolution R-122 simply adds one word—'paramedic'—to an existing resolution that successfully fought back against a diminishment of fire/EMS services in 2016. This minor but crucial clarification ensures that Albuquerque’s EMS system remains among the best in the nation.
“I stood by our Firefighters in 2016 when I sponsored the original staffing resolution and I will continue to advocate for Public Safety today and always.”
Call to Action
The Albuquerque Firefighters Union urges residents to contact their City Councilors and demand they vote YES on R-122 to protect the city’s EMS system. A public hearing on the resolution is scheduled for 3/3/25 - 5pm at City Hall.
International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) National leadership has also weighed in on the importance of maintaining AFR’s two-paramedic system.
“A department like AFR, which provides two paramedics on their transport-capable apparatus, is the gold standard for fire-based EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Albuquerque's citizens deserve no less!”
“Our community deserves the best emergency care available. This is a fight for public safety, and we’re calling on the City Council to stand with the firefighters who serve this city every day. Help us continue to provide the very best level of service in the industry.”
End of Release
