WASHINGTON — A spokesman for D.C. Fire and EMS says it will start using private ambulances next month. The temporary contract begins in…

WASHINGTON — A spokesman for D.C. Fire and EMS says it will start using private ambulances next month.

The temporary contract begins in 30 days with American Medical Response.

NBC 4 reporter Mark Segraves first reported that the employment postings on AMR’s website show the emergency response organization is now hiring EMTs for “DC 911 EMS operations.”

The positions that pay $20.41 an hour are for employees responding to both emergency and nonemergency calls in the District.

The move to include a third party ambulance service to supplement D.C. resources is part of the reason outgoing medical director for D.C. Fire and EMS, Jullette Saussy, resigned. Saussy wanted to improve the District staff’s provision of medical care before adding staff and equipment.

Saussy resigned in recent weeks after seven months on the job.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has said she’s committed to reforming the department and improving patient outcomes.