Pursuant to terms of the Air Ambulance Agreement (Agreement) and except as otherwise stated in the Agreement, costs for the program will be borne by REACH. REACH shall seek payment for all services relating to the program by directly billing and collecting from air transport patients and other persons for whose benefit such services are provided. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) has no responsibility to REACH or otherwise for the non-payment of bills by individuals or other responsible parties for the patient care and transportation services rendered by REACH.

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) currently participates in a cooperative program with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff to provide an aerial reconnaissance platform and rescue from remote areas. Unfortunately, this program does not provide for the transport of patients to a hospital. The program also has a limited number of days and hours during which it is available.  
  
In a new proposed program between the District and REACH Air Medical Services (REACH), REACH would provide flight services, including emergency and inter-facility air medical transportation, 24 hours per day. This is an opportunity to improve service delivery, patient access, and customer service through this collaborative provision of services.  
  
REACH is classified by the Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Services Agency as an air ambulance and rescue aircraft and is accredited and compliant with the Federal Aviation Administration and California Emergency Medical Services Authority laws and regulations for the provision of air medical transportation services.  
  
Pursuant to terms of the Agreement, REACH will provide flight services that are available to the District 24 hours per day and 365 days per year, except for maintenance and repair activities. The District will provide REACH with three captain/paramedics - one per shift - to help staff the helicopter. The captain/paramedics will be full-time employees of the District and will operate out of Buchanan Field. As part of the proposed agreement, the District will be able to utilize the REACH helicopter as an aerial reconnaissance platform for major incidents, aerial firefighting, and for rescues from remote areas. REACH will reimburse the District (wages and benefits) for the cost of three captain/paramedic positions, currently estimated at $76,988 per month.  
  
REACH will provide the hangar space for its aircraft storage and maintenance events. REACH is responsible for all fuel, maintenance, and associated costs of operating the aircraft.  
  
The term of the Agreement is effective for a period of five (5) years, commencing on effective date, and terminating on the fifth anniversary of the effective date. The District may extend the initial term for two (2) successive three (3) year periods. The Agreement may be terminated by either party at will and without cause with ninety (90) days prior written notice to the other party.

The existing program will continue with limited scope and availability.