WASHINGTON (ABC7) – The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS) rolled out third party ambulances to transport patients with minor injuries or illnesses on Monday, according to a release from the DCFEMS.According to the release, the DCFEMS will begin using the ambulances from American Medical Response (AMR). Over 20 ambulances will operate in Washington between the hours of 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. seven days a week.
DCFEMS will respond and arrive first to 9-1-1 calls to determine the kind of medical attention needed, and if the person requires transportation to the hospital, according to officials.
“D.C. Fire and EMS is still responding to 100 percent of all 9-1-1 calls,” said Deputy Fire Chief Rafael Sa’adah.
JEMS: AMR Selected to Operate Ambulances in Washington, D.C.
JEMS: AMR Prepares to Operate in Washington, D.C.
The release added that people with minor injuries or illnesses, like colds, ankle sprains, and “general non-acute sick calls” will be transported to the hospital for medical treatment by the AMR. However, people with life-threatening or time-sensitive injuries or illnesses will be taken to the hospital by the DCFEMS.
“We will only activate AMR after we have assessed the patient and determined this patient is safe to transport them through basic-life support,” Sa’adah added.
Sa’adah said the demand for EMS is increasing significantly from year-to -year. He said in fiscal year 2015 they saw a 15 percent increase and transported over 117,000 people, which is an all time record.
“The amount of demand is simply outstripping the available resources that D.C. Fire and EMS has,” Sa’adah said.