Cleveland area mayors raise concerns over Hatzalah Cleveland's emergency response practices

Concerns over public safety took center stage at the University Heights City Council meeting on April 21, 2025, as Chief Perko revealed troubling issues with the volunteer emergency medical service, Hatzalah Cleveland. The fire department has faced significant delays in emergency responses due to residents being advised to contact Hatzalah instead of calling 911, leading to at least 30 incidents where help arrived late.

In a collaborative effort, mayors and safety directors from University Heights, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, and South Euclid signed a letter to Hatzalah's medical director, Dr. Rafi Israili, outlining their concerns. The mayors had previously invited Hatzalah to discuss a memorandum of understanding to improve coordination, but the group declined to meet. Chief Perko emphasized the critical importance of calling 911 first, stating that delays in emergency medical treatment could cost lives.

The meeting also touched on other community matters, including financial updates from the Department of Finance, which reported strong revenue collections and successful completion of the ARPA funding report. Public safety announcements included reminders about spring hydrant maintenance and fire safety precautions.

As the council continues to address these pressing issues, the message remains clear: in emergencies, residents are urged to prioritize calling 911 to ensure swift and effective medical assistance.