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9‑1‑1, EMS and fire chiefs brief House finance committee on fleet, staffing and jurisdictional gaps
Summary
Officials outlined ambulance and fire‑truck procurements, EMS recruitment challenges, the 9‑1‑1 bureau’s restricted funding model and a jurisdictional dispatch issue that committee members said needs clarification after a fatal flooding incident.
During the April 29 hearing, leaders of Puerto Rico’s EMS, 9‑1‑1 and Fire Corps described immediate equipment deliveries, planned fleet renewals and continuing difficulties recruiting and retaining frontline personnel.
Lede details and why it matters Emergency Medical Services, the 9‑1‑1 bureau and the Fire Corps told the House finance panel about multiple upcoming vehicle deliveries and about gaps that could affect response times, especially if recruitment and retention goals are not met. Lawmakers pressed officials for details about funding sources because several programs — ambulances, special equipment and station repairs — rely heavily on federal grants or restricted funding streams.
Key agency updates - EMS (Abner Gómez Cortés): The EMS bureau reported a consolidated budget request near $29.74 million and said purchases are under way for 42 new ambulances to replace older units (eight were already in…
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