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Why Some Are Concerned About San Diego's New Ambulance Service

Photo: Getty Images

San Diego City Council voted to drop the current company AMR and partner with Falck as the city's new ambulance provider, reports KGTV.

While the change is meant to address problems causing delays, San Diego City Fire and Rescue Department Chief Colin Stowell is addressing recent concerns from the public.

In 10 weeks Falck will be the city's new ambulance providing, promising faster response times. But some don't believe they will be able to deliver on that promise.

According to KGTV, Falck has only secured 34 new ambulances so far and that's half of what they promised. The company is also having trouble hiring paramedics, only hiring 115 out of 148.

"If you don't have enough ambulances how in the world are you going to help people in crisis?" said Terry Cunningham with the Liver Coalition of San Diego.

However, fire chief Stowell says the areas Falck is falling short will not put lives at risk.

Falk also released the following statement to put residents' minds at rest:

Falk is working closely with the fire chief and city leaders to address outstanding questions...despite the same covid-related challenges facing EMS systems nationwide, we are on schedule to respond to 911 calls on November 27 and are committed to fulfilling our commitment to deliver improved EMS services to San Diegans. When people need us, we will there.

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