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Incident renews ambulance dispute in DC

“Time and time again, we’ve shown we can’t deliver service,” said Union leader Edward C. Smith

The Washington Post

WASHINGTON — An Advanced Life Support ambulance that was summoned Tuesday to treat an injured police officer took so long to reach the scene that a basic ambulance was eventually sent, according to accounts from the fire department and the firefighters union.

The incident raised new questions about the ability of the fire department to provide medical services in a timely manner.

The incident began shortly before 4 p.m. with a call about an injury to a police officer at 13th and Monroe Streets NE. The officer’s injuries were ultimately described as not life threatening. From phone logs that union members provided, it appeared that a fire truck was first to reach the scene. A paramedic ambulance was summoned shortly afterward. That vehicle was apparently sent at 3:55 p.m.

Full story: Incident renews ambulance dispute in D.C.