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S.F. supervisor calls for law change to establish EMS standards

She plans to draft a charter amendment requiring minimum levels of ambulance staffing and equipment for the struggling department

By Marisa Lagos
SF Gate

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Supervisor London Breed will announce Tuesday that she has lost confidence in the leadership of the San Francisco Fire Department, saying its inability to get ambulances to medical emergencies quickly is putting public safety at risk. She also wants a change to city law that would require minimum standards for emergency medical services.

The supervisor, a former member of the city’sfire commission, will stop short of calling for Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White’s resignation. But Breed said she plans to draft a charter amendment, which would have to be approved by voters, requiring the department to maintain minimum levels of ambulance staffing and working equipment.

The city’s five-member Fire Commission appoints the chief. The mayor appoints the commission and consults on hiring decisions.

Read full story: S.F. supervisor says Fire Department puts public safety at risk