CLEVELAND — The aging condition and disrepair of a Cleveland ambulance fleet sparked an investigation concerning possible public safety risks.
Although the investigation failed to identify any direct links between the fleet’s condition and unsafe patient transport, it did turn up some interesting findings.
WKYC launched the investigation, revealing the majority of Cleveland’s 32 EMS ambulances have over 150,000 miles. Of that amount, 19 have over 200,000, including four with over 300,000. Ambulances were also found with broken dashboards, balding tires and duct tape sealed windows.
The investigation compared Cleveland’s ambulance fleet to that of Pittsburgh and found that Pittsburgh has 36 rigs compared with Cleveland’s 32 rigs. Pittsburgh units average 77,000 miles; Cleveland’s ambulances average 203,000 miles. Also, Pittsburgh has no vehicles with more than 175,000 miles — Cleveland has 21.
“I’m not surprised because when you look at the wear and tear that our EMS vehicles take, and the amount of runs it’s going to add up,” said Councilman Mike Polensek, who sits on the safety committee.
EMS Union President Orlando Wheeler acknowledged the issues of age and mileage, but contends that all the vehicles are maintained regularly and safe for both drivers and patients.