www.sdchamber.org

San Diego Medical Services Enterprise, the City of San Diego’s 911 Ambulance Provider

In case of a medical emergency, an ambulance arrives within minutes of a call; responders stabilize the situation and the patient is transported in a timely manner.  One may not think twice about medical responders, the ambulance company or the services they provide, but they are part of a strategically integrated system that few people are aware of.

San Diego Medical Services Enterprise (SDMSE) is the city of San Diego’s 911 ambulance provider.  SDMSE is a limited liability company formed between a private ambulance company, Rural/Metro, and the city of San Diego.  The city of San Diego contracted with SDMSE in 1997 to work with the city’s fire department, providing all emergency 911 paramedic transports to area hospitals.

SDMSE is streamlined with numerous checks and balances to benefit the city and taxpayers.  SDMSE is a fee-based ambulance system that is not subsidized by the city general fund.  In the last 10 years, SDMSE has generated an unprecedented $8.2 million in revenue for the city. 

SDMSE Distinctions & Contracts

• Winner of the 2007 San Diego County Taxpayers Association Metro Golden Watch Dog Award
• Largest medical transportation provider in San Diego County

• Paramedic 911 transportation provider in the cities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Elfin Forest, 4S Ranch and Rancho Santa Fe
• Preferred non-emergency transportation provider for Sharp Healthcare, Palomar/Pomerado and Kaiser Permanente
• Exclusive medical stand-by provider for Petco Park, San Diego Chargers, San Diego County Fair, Buick Invitational and dozens of other special events in the county

SDMSE CEO Spotlight

As CEO of SDMSE, Philip Forgione is responsible for the overall operational and financial performance of the largest ambulance transportation provider in San Diego. With more than 500 employees and 80 ambulances, SDMSE responds to nearly 100,000 calls for medical service.

Prior to coming to San Diego in 1998, Forgione was the national director of public affairs & corporate communications for Rural/Metro, which is a private sector leader in medical transportation based in Scottsdale, AZ.  Forgione directed, executed and supported corporate strategy as it related to marketing, issues management, government relations, legislative/regulatory affairs, media relations and external/internal communications.

Forgione is a member of the board of directors for the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, American Heart Association and the Advisory Board Member for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) San Diego. Forgione is also a member of the corporate council for the San Diego Opera and is on the host committee for “Opera in the City.” In September 2002, San Diego Metropolitan Magazine named Forgione to its “40 Under Forty” honor roll which recognizes San Diego’s outstanding young leaders based on professional success and community involvement. 

Forgione earned his MBA from Arizona State University in 1997, and Bachelors degrees in Journalism and Marketing from Syracuse University in 1991.  He currently resides in La Jolla, CA. 

San Diego Medical Services Enterprise

www.sdmse.com