Public Safety DCA, Fire Chief Release Statement on New AMR Contract

Press Release

Deputy City Administrator Mike Myers and Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Ryan Gillespie release a statement on the new agreement between Multnomah County and AMR

On Aug. 1, Multnomah County announced it finalized an agreement with AMR for a blended staffing model that allows one paramedic and one EMT in some ambulance rigs.

Deputy City Administrator for Public Safety Mike Myers and Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Ryan Gillespie released the following statement in response to the agreement:

"We are cautiously optimistic about the new temporary staffing model Multnomah County has negotiated with AMR. For years, we've staunchly advocated for the entirety of AMR's fleet to be staffed by the one paramedic, one EMT model.

While we would have preferred this compromise to come sooner and become permanent, we believe this is a step in the right direction. We will continue to advocate for a staffing model that benefits our entire community so no one will be told no ambulances are available when they or their loved ones are experiencing an emergency."

DCA Myers and Chief Gillespie testified at a Multnomah County Commission meeting in July 2024, calling for a full adoption of the one paramedic, one EMT staffing model.