Shortage of ambulances on Cleveland streets – Cleveland EMS

I used to work for Cleveland EMS back in 1997-2002.  Even back then, I remember a day where I had to switch my ambulance twice in the same 12 hour shift due to breakdowns.  Or you might get the situation where you ended up as a third man because there were not enough squads.  Yes, the City of Cleveland has received some newer ambulances over the years, but we all know that Cleveland Streets can take a toll on any ambulance, and when you add weather, it gets even worse.

Fox 8 I Team, reported a story about the shortage, and part of it is below, I have included the link and source of the original article so that you can continue reading it, but a portion of it can be read now.

After 24 years of being an EMT and Paramedic, it is still one of the jobs I miss most.  I still have friends that work there, and always think I hope they can do their jobs well, in vehicles that will get them from point A to B.   Having a shortage of ambulances lengthens response times, and that can delay care to those who truly need it.  Check out some of the details below, and follow the link for the rest. ~Tom

The FOX 8 I TEAM is exposing a shortage of Cleveland ambulances on the streets. The EMS union is speaking out after a family waited 31 minutes for an ambulance.

The union shared with the I TEAM a document showing the city has failed to meet its goals for the number of ambulances on the streets more than 40 times since September. Often the city has been down one or two units at a time. But Union President Daniel Nemeth said, “It’s been stated the city staffs 18 ambulances a week 24 hours a day 7 days a week which we have shown that they have not done.”

Nemeth says a shortage played a role in the recent delay for the family of a 9-year-old girl suffering from seizures. Firefighters arrived as medical first responders. But the city confirms it took a half-hour for an ambulance to get there.  “So we lost a unit in the afternoon, but it opened up a couple hours later, and they got the call, but they were way outside the area when the call came in,” said Nemeth.

Read the rest of the story below.

Source: I TEAM: shortage of ambulances on Cleveland streets | fox8.com

How would you feel if you had to wait for an ambulance?  What if it was a loved one across the City that needed help?  What are your thoughts?

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