KERN COUNTY, Calif. | The Kern County Fire Department (KCFD) is pleased to announce that the official Medic Squad 42 apparatus has been placed in service today, replacing the temporary vehicle previously used for emergency responses.
Medic Squad 42 began operations on January 12, 2025, becoming the third unit of its kind within KCFD. Permanently assigned to Station 42 in East Bakersfield, this unit serves an area that experiences over 5,000 emergency calls annually. Staffed by a Firefighter Paramedic and a Fire Captain, Medic Squad 42 provides 24-hour Advanced Life Support (ALS) coverage, enhancing the department’s ability to deliver critical pre-hospital care while ensuring surrounding stations remain available for additional emergencies.
While awaiting the arrival of the new apparatus, Medic Squad 42 temporarily operated using a repurposed Battalion Chief vehicle to ensure no delay in service. With today’s transition to the dedicated Medic Squad unit, KCFD strengthens its commitment to providing efficient and effective emergency medical services to the community.
This expansion was made possible by Measure K, which has allowed KCFD to increase ALS staffing with 13 additional paramedics, further improving emergency medical response across the unincorporated areas of Kern County.
The Kern County Fire Department remains dedicated to delivering the highest level of fire and emergency medical services to our residents.
