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Mayor says city will review fire chief’s ambulance recommendations as supervisors press for funding
Summary
Supervisors raised a sharp concern about ambulance shortages and long waits for transport; Mayor Lee said he’s reviewing recommendations from Fire Chief Hayes White and Department of Emergency Management but warned the city faces a structural deficit that will complicate funding decisions.
Supervisor Breed told the Board of Supervisors that ambulance shortages and “medic‑to‑follow” incidents have risen sharply and that San Francisco’s Fire Department estimates it needs about $9.8 million to add ambulances and personnel to meet its exclusive operating area obligations.
Mayor Lee told supervisors he recently met with Department of Emergency Management Director Anne Konenberg and Fire Chief John Hayes White to discuss the issue. He said the central question is which provider transports patients after stabilization and outlined the background of the exclusive operating area (EOA). The mayor said the EOA was reinstated in 2012 and required the fire department to respond to a minimum of 80% of 911 calls.
Direct quotes and key points - Supervisor Breed: the city’s “medic to follow” calls have “increased over 500% since 02/2008” and are “happening an average of 8 times each day.” She cited reports of waits of 15 to 40 minutes for ambulance transport. - Mayor Lee: “To be clear, everyone in San Francisco who calls 911 and needs medical attention receives it in 5 minutes or less.” He said the issue is which ambulance service transports patients to the hospital and that he is “reviewing” Chief Hayes White’s recommendations. - Mayor Lee: the city is operating with a projected $66,700,000 deficit for the FY2014–15 budget, and funding choices will require “hard choices and trade offs.”
Context and next steps Chief Hayes White laid out recommendations to bring the department into compliance with the EOA; Mayor Lee said he will evaluate those recommendations and work with the board. The mayor did not commit to a specific funding amount or a deadline for decision in the session. Supervisor Breed said the fire department estimated $9,800,000 would be needed to provide new ambulances and personnel; she asked the city to “provide sufficient funding in this year's budget” to meet the EOA.
This matter is now pending further review by the mayor’s office and the board during the budget process.
