The model described in Chapter 1 of this plan is patterned after the Seattle EMS system. While being operationally similar, the Seattle EMS system is administratively simpler than the system in the rest of the county, because it serves only one jurisdiction. Seattle's population is approximately 550,000 and its employment is 470,000.
More people commute into Seattle to work than commute from Seattle to work elsewhere.
In addition, there is a large daily influx of visitors, shoppers, and business customers. Therefore, the typical workday population of Seattle grows to nearly 1 million. The engine and ladder companies, aid units, and four of the paramedic units are distributed in 33 fire stations throughout the city. The other two-paramedic units are stationed at Harborview Medical Center. Medical control, quality assurance, training, and certification for paramedics are provided by Harborview Medical Center and the University of Washington School of Medicine.