Too often, the private ambulance company contracted to respond to medical emergencies throughout the county would put their bottom line above service, closing ambulances and leaving residents without the care they deserve when they need it the most. As wait times for ambulances grew, the Professional Fire Fighters of Sonoma County IAFF Local 1401 saw an opportunity to fundamentally transform EMS service in the area by putting it in the hands of the fire fighters who already respond to medical emergencies throughout the county.