Trending Topics

Seattle fines ambulance company for slow response times

In 2016, AMR was fined nearly $900,000 for late responses ranging from a minute to more than an hour

By EMS1 Staff

SEATTLE — The city of Seattle has fined AMR hundreds of thousands of dollars for slow response times.

According to AMR’s contract with the city, crews must respond within 10 minutes, KIRO7.com reported. The city’s firefighters call AMR to transport patients when a situation is not a life-threatening emergency.

In 2016, the city fined AMR $896,220 for late responses ranging from a minute to more than an hour.

AMR told KIRO7 reporters that the company is dealing with a 32 percent increase in transport over the past five years. They also said increased traffic congestion contributes to slower response times.

WHAT TO READ NEXT
Multnomah County officials issued a warning in August about 14% of calls that warranted penalties
Our cohosts discuss the importance of upholding the greatest standards of ethics and responsibility, even when not in the public eye
EMS officials in Cayuga County are looking at how to deal with increased calls as AMR prepares to leave at year’s end
Dr. Andra Farcas takes the helm of Washington County Ambulance Service as Dr. John Collins retires