University Heights fire chief warns volunteer EMS operating outside 911 system risks patient care

Fire Chief Perko told the University Heights City Council on June 16 that a volunteer emergency medical service operating in the city, identified in his remarks as Hatzalah Cleveland, is responding outside the 911 system in ways that have produced delays and operational risks. Chief Perko said those problems include a near two‑hour delay in activating advanced life‑support for an April incident because 911 was not called first, repeated handoff and communications gaps between volunteers and professional crews, and unclear medical oversight after Hatzalah’s medical director resigned. The chief said the city’s full‑time firefighter‑paramedics provide…