Epoch Times
NEW YORK — After the city’s Fire Department (FDNY) removed neighborhood volunteer ambulances from its 911 system, local officials and volunteer ambulance leaders urged the FDNY on Tuesday to rethink its decision.
Funded by residents and a government grant, the 36 community-based volunteer ambulances respond to about 10,000 to 15,000 emergency calls annually throughout the city. FDNY’s booting of the ambulances in January due to a financial shortfall was seen as another step toward eradicating them completely from the emergency medical response system.
“We must support our lifesaving volunteers, not shut them out,” said Council Member Elizabeth Crowley (D-Queens). Today’s economic challenges have forced the city to make crippling cuts to our emergency medical services citywide. In the last year alone, three hospitals in Queens have closed and ambulance tours have been cut.
Full story: Officials make plea over ambulances