Emergency calls in San Diego have jumped to 120,000 a year in the last 18 months, a hefty load for the private company that controls the city’s ambulances.

Rural/Metro has upheld its end of the contract, meeting the city’s requirement that ambulances arrive on the scene of serious emergencies within 12 minutes, 90 percent of the time.

But that record comes with plenty of exemptions, which disappear in a new proposal city leaders are considering. It’s been two years in the making, but the ambulance contract might be out to bid soon.

NBC 7’s Catherine Garcia and Voice of San Diego’s Liam Dillon explain what’s at stake in the impending shift of control.

Catherine Green was formerly the deputy editor at Voice of San Diego. She handled daily operations while helping to plan new long-term projects.

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