Council asks fire department to review ambulance inspection program after TV report

The City Council on Oct. 3 directed the Fire Department to review the city’s ambulance-inspection program and requested that the County of Los Angeles and the California Highway Patrol review their inspection practices after a television investigative report aired problems with ambulance condition and equipment.

The motion, introduced by Councilman Tony Padilla, cited a Sept. 29 television segment on KMEX showing alleged mechanical defects, poor equipment maintenance and low oxygen levels in some ambulances. Padilla said the TV segment was "pretty disturbing" and asked the council to use it as a trigger for an immediate review. Assistant City Attorney Gail Weingard and Assistant Deputy Mayor Jaime de la Vega were present while Padilla explained the request.

The council first voted to approve the findings that the need to act arose after agenda posting; the council then approved the referral and report request. The item passed with a recorded 10-aye vote. The motion asked that findings and requests be sent to Transportation and Public Safety committees and for the Fire Department to return a report on inspection protocols and any recommended changes.