City to be more selective in dispatching ambulances

[mobey]

Lomi Kriel - Express-News

Of 18,179 traffic accidents in that time period, only 25 percent required hospitalization, and of 1,677 medical alert alarms, fewer than 13 percent.

Of 18,179 accidents up to 4500 patients sustained injuries serious enough to require being addmitted to the hospital.

With these numbers, it is clear to the ambulance management that we must send at least 1 ALS unit to EVERY accident scene, no matter how minor it may seem.

There now the argument is made the other way, using the same info

[JakeEMTP]

Of 18,179 accidents up to 4500 patients sustained injuries serious enough to require being addmitted to the hospital.

With these numbers, it is clear to the ambulance management that we must send at least 1 ALS unit to EVERY accident scene, no matter how minor it may seem.

There now the argument is made the other way, using the same info

Exactly. Using the same figures as the Chief, 218 out of 1677 medical alarms required the patient to be admitted to hospital.

I don't know, but that sounds as if an ALS ambulance should be dispatched to every call. Wait, let's dispatch a engine, with a medic, then call for an ambulance because the pt. actually does require a trip to the hospital. That sounds much better :roll: ](*,). Delaying definitive pt. care is not the answer. EMS is not about making money especially for a City run service. IT IS ABOUT THE PATIENT! Cancel the order for the new engine (with grant money I'm sure) and purchase 5 ambulances. That is being more fiscally responsible.

[Just Plain Ruff]

Exactly. Using the same figures as the Chief, 218 out of 1677 medical alarms required the patient to be admitted to hospital.

I don't know, but that sounds as if an ALS ambulance should be dispatched to every call. Wait, let's dispatch a engine, with a medic, then call for an ambulance because the pt. actually does require a trip to the hospital. That sounds much better :roll: ](*,). Delaying definitive pt. care is not the answer. EMS is not about making money especially for a City run service. IT IS ABOUT THE PATIENT! Cancel the order for the new engine (with grant money I'm sure) and purchase 5 ambulances. That is being more fiscally responsible.

But that huge red fire truck is prettier than the ambulances. It's all about visibility people, visibility.