University Heights Fire Chief highlights risks of uncoordinated volunteer EMS response

In a recent City Council meeting held on June 16, 2025, the University Heights Fire Chief raised significant concerns regarding the operational challenges posed by the volunteer ambulance service, Hatzalah Cleveland. The chief emphasized the critical importance of calling 911 during emergencies, highlighting that the integration of volunteer services into the emergency response system must prioritize public safety above all else.

The chief's remarks followed a series of operational failures since Hatzalah Cleveland began its services in the area without prior notice. He detailed several incidents where delays in emergency response due to the use of Hatzalah's separate hotline resulted in tragic outcomes, including a case where a delay in contacting 911 contributed to a patient's death. The chief underscored that while volunteer services can play a supportive role, they should never replace the established 911 system, which ensures a coordinated and timely response from trained professionals.

The chief outlined the differences in training and capabilities between Hatzalah's volunteer EMTs and the full-time firefighter paramedics of the University Heights Fire Department. He noted that paramedics undergo extensive training, enabling them to provide advanced life support and critical interventions that volunteers are not authorized to perform. This disparity raises concerns about the quality of care provided during emergencies when volunteers operate independently.

Communication breakdowns were also a focal point of the chief's address. He explained that the parallel dispatch system used by Hatzalah leads to miscommunication and delays, which can jeopardize patient care. The chief called for a unified command structure and clear protocols to ensure that all responders are aware of each other's actions and can work together effectively.

In conclusion, the chief urged the City Council to support the establishment of formal agreements that integrate volunteer responders into the emergency response framework while maintaining high standards of care. He emphasized the need for community awareness about the importance of using 911 in emergencies and called for collaboration among city officials, emergency services, and community members to enhance public safety.

The discussions from this meeting highlight the ongoing challenges in emergency response coordination and the critical need for clear communication and established protocols to protect the lives of University Heights residents.