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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) evolved in the Truckee Fire Protection District during the 1980's when District Fire Chief Joe Copeland and Tahoe Forest Hospital Emergency Department Director Dr. Michael MacQuarrie, believed they could improve the areas pre-hospital care. In 1988 the Fire District assumed the roll of the transporting agency for advanced Life Support ambulance service from Tahoe Forest Hospital. The addition of medical services allowed the Fire District to hire additional personnel and for the first time, the district had a 24-hour, 7-day a week staffed station. A new chapter in Truckee Fire's history was born.

There were 3 ambulances and a 3-person shift that relied heavily on employee callbacks and volunteer participation. Through the dedication of these employees and volunteers, the Emergency Medical Services provided by the district surpassed what was formerly available through the hospital. It also placed 3 personnel in the station available for immediate response to fire and rescue calls in the district.

From this core group, Truckee Fire Protection District has grown into a department staffing seven ambulances at four of the eight stations located in the district. Approximately 70% of our 3000 annual calls are EMS related. At times,the district still relies on using part time employees and volunteers to aid in staffing its ambulances during our busy tourist seasons, but with our increase in full time shift personnel, the need to call in extra personnel has decreased dramatically. District personnel are dedicated to serving the citizens of Truckee and all those who pass through or visit. We continue to train and hone our skills needed to serve our patients. We take great pride in the care we provide to those who have become ill or injured in our community and the difference we can make in their lives and recovery.

We often work closely with the air ambulance in the area. Careflight is staffed 24 hous a day at our Martis Valley Airport station 96.

Although the official district boundaries are 116 square miles, the ambulances cover over 700 square miles including Northstar, Squaw Valley, I-80 to the state line and portions of Sierra County at Stampede Lake.