Leaders of Baltimore's firefighter union are sounding the alarm as EMS crews are having to respond in SUVs due to ambulance breakdowns and repair issues.
In an interview with WBFF Fox45, Rich Langford, president of IAFF Local 734, expressed concerns about the number of ambulances that are unavailable, and raised awareness to the city's aging vehicles.
“We already have long delays without EMS units because of staffing issues, crowding at the hospital – but when you have four more broke down that puts us from 28 units to 24 units transport,” Langford told the TV station. “So now that makes the whole situation even worse."
One of Langford’s concerns with the SUV concept is that crews are unable to transport patients, causing delays in getting hospital care for patients.
Baltimore fire officials conveyed they are working to get parts for vehicle repairs and struggling to get them in a timely fashion like other jurisdictions.
