Mich. FD launches ambulance service to reduce response times [Video]

By Bill CareyEMS1

FLINT, Mich. — The Flint Fire Department is placing its own ambulance in service to reduce response times for city residents.

Due to a regional shortage of ambulances, Flint residents frequently face prolonged waits for emergency medical transportation. Genesee County 911 regularly operates in “crisis mode,” often with just one ambulance available for the entire 600-square-mile area, the city stated in a press release.

The ambulance will be ready to handle Flint emergencies once approved by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services and Genesee County Medical Control Authority, which will review an application in June, WJRT reported.

“There have been times when our crews waited for 30 minutes to an hour for an ambulance to arrive at the scene of an emergency,” Flint Fire Chief Theron Wiggins said. “This is an unacceptable situation, and I know this ambulance service is going to save lives.”

The ambulance, costing approximately $225,000, is …