How much longer will Detroit EMS be in crisis?

Is there no one in Detroit who can help EMS innovate through tough financial times?

By Art Hsieh

Editor's note: Detroit EMS is being criticized for allegedly not responding to a 9-year-old's fatal fall.

We've reported on the plight of Detroit EMS before. Here's yet another report where that city's public safety net is coming apart at the seams.

It's hard not to take this personally — Detroit has known for a very long time that the system is broken and its providers are frustrated and angry over their inability to provide service.

What is becoming increasingly clear is that tragic events like this one will continue to escalate, and more shame will befall the Detroit service.

EMS has to be innovative in tough financial times (heck, even in good times). Is there no one in Detroit who can make that happen?

Let's hope that these cases will get somebody to step up and prevent any further erosion of the safety net.

About the author

EMS1 Editor in Chief Art Hsieh, MA, NREMT-P currently teaches at the Public Safety Training Center, Santa Rosa Junior College in the Emergency Care Program. In the profession since 1982, Art has worked as a line medic and chief officer in the private, third service and fire-based EMS. He has directed both primary and EMS continuing education programs. Art is a published textbook author, has presented at conferences nationwide, and continues to provide patient care at a rural hospital-based ALS system. Contact Art at Art.Hsieh@ems1.com.

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Mike Whooley Thursday, July 19, 2012 5:52:03 PM Probably not going to happen, our brothers and sisters of Detroit EMS have been abandoned by their administration and the city. It's telling when they try to get a private service to take over and no one wants to even bid.

Pam Abbott Enz Thursday, July 19, 2012 5:58:42 PM That's pretty scary, but I hear nasty things about Detroit in general in terms of tax base being unable to support infrastructure. I feel sorry for the guys though..