DATE:
September 9, 2025
04
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
SPARE WHEEL EXEMPTION REQUEST FOR SAN DIEGO COUNTY PERMITTED AMBULANCES (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
In San Diego County, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Office is the Board of Supervisors designated Local EMS Agency (LEMSA). The EMS Office is responsible for implementing State statutes and regulations specific to the emergency medical service delivery system in our region, including ambulance service. Title 13 of the California Code of Regulation governs the equipment and supplies required for ambulances and has been established for the health and safety of the public. Among equipment mandates of this section, there is a requirement for ambulances to carry a spare wheel and changing tools.
LEMSAs are authorized to issue an exemption to the spare wheel requirement, subject to approval by County Board of Supervisors. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) has been approving a spare wheel exemption for over 20 years. On October 19, 2021 (12), the Board approved an exemption for three agencies to increase space in ambulances for critical medical equipment. The EMS Office engaged with ambulance operators to determine if additional exemptions were needed. The three same operators formally requested the exemption to continue providing additional space for medical supplies and critical intervention equipment. Today's actions request a continued exemption from the spare wheel requirements for ambulance service providers operating in San Diego County effective on the date of approval formally given by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Due to state regulations, this exemption is limited to a period of two years.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Approve, for good cause and because the exemption is necessary for public health and safety, the action to request from the Department of California Highway Patrol (CHP), an exemption from the ambulances spare wh...
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