SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- San Diego City Fire and Rescue Department Chief Colin Stowell is addressing the City Council Wednesday about concerns over the city's new ambulance provider.
In 10 weeks, Falck will be San Diego's new ambulance provider. It promises faster response times. But some worry it will not be able to deliver.
The City Council voted to partner with Falck as San Diego's new medical services provider and fix problems causing delays. Current company AMR was dropped.
But the transition has hit some snags. Falck has secured 34 new ambulances, half as what it promised so far. It is also having trouble hiring paramedics — it has hired 115 out of 148.
Terry Cunningham, of The Liver Coalition of San Diego, worries the new company won't be ready in 10 weeks.
"If you don't have enough ambulances how in the world are you going to help people in crisis?"
Fire Chief Colin Stowell says the areas where Falck is falling short do not put lives at risk.
Falk provided this statement:
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.
