South Pasadena : Paramedic Service Studied

The city is negotiating a one-year contract for paramedic service with Whittier-based Risher Ambulance Service. City Manager John Bernardi said the contract will cost about $106,000 for 24-hour service from two ambulances. Meanwhile, eight firefighters will begin paramedic training so the city can start its own service at a lower cost when its contract with Risher expires. The in-house service will cost about $30,000 annually, he said.

Pasadena had provided paramedic service until Oct. 1, when it canceled its agreement. Since then, Risher has served the city under a temporary arrangement, he said.