'People are gonna die': LAFD paramedics raise warning signs about increasing 911 response time

Several LAFD paramedics told FOX 11 that 911 call response times are increasing. Staffing and other issues are partially to blame.
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[@adelmomontero3554]

That's why it is so important to be proficient in first-aid/cpr.

[@ScoobieSwisher7413]

Doctor make hundreds of thousands of dollars, you won't get shit for saving someone CPR, but I do agree with you.

[@MidnightPolak]

Yes, it's important, but ultimately an AED increases survival rates significantly. Also, you're going to need an ambulance with trained paramedics regardless. People don't just walk away after going into cardiac arrest.

[@winning3329]

Since rents are becoming unaffordable and medical people have to move out of Los Angeles people are going to have to be giving themselves cpr

[@TheHonestTruth]

and if you got funds.... buy and AED.

[@nofacenocase_304]

Definitely. Just as important as being proficient and haven taken at least one or more “stop the bleed” courses. The human body can bleed out in as quick as 90 seconds, before you even get off the phone with 911. Important to always remember that you are always your own first responder.

[@conjering]

The bonus pay for paramedics has not changed in over 20 years. I can go on for hours.

[@deer8341]

This is horrible. Consider how many raises a city council gives themselves. People really need to pay attention to what city and politicans are doing. That's how these things get out of hand. We're so fortunate to have our first responders--but politicians, don't get me started.

[@eckankar7756]

I was an ER RN for 20 years. In the past 5 years I've gotten a 51¢ an hour raise. So many patients with no insurance and the hospital taking the financial hit. I've been strangled 3 times by patients, knocked down, spit on, kicked, poop thrown at me. I risk my life every shift. We get so many overdoses and intoxicated patients that couldn't care less about their own health. I quit and many others are also. Nursing is a career not a prison sentence. I now do insurance reviews from home and make more than I did saving lives in the ER. EMTs make so little pay, get robbed and abused on the calls they make. It's not a career worth risking your life to do.

[@missf4681]

Not to mention they are attacked by yhe barbarians they are trying to help or their friends. The pay isn't that much considering what they have to ho through

[@conjering]

@@missf4681 a plumber gets paid more even if you are a Paramedic, hazardous materials specialist, USAR certified and have a bunch of state fire marshal certifications. A plumber still gets paid more.

[@winning3329]

Since rents are becoming affordable medical people have to move out of Los Angeles.

[@deezeliz]

In my city within Los Angeles county the streets are so congested that the emergency vehicles driving with light and sirens on have a hard time getting through the traffic. Plus with everything else going on it's crazy

[@Lifewithemerson323]

Just came back from Thailand there’s bumper to bumper traffic ambulance took 45 minutes to get 3/4 of a mile stop complaining. We are lucky here.

[@aznfriedrice415]

That's why they have a mobile response unit that a paramedic/paramedic supervisor is in a SUV. In the UK, they have paramedics on motorcycles that respond faster and the goal is to keep the patient alive until a ambulance comes to transport them into a hospital.

[@johncena9053]

It's systematically set up that way to keep you all in line and at an even slow pace, to keep an eye on all you sheeple slaves

[@genefogarty5395]

@@Lifewithemerson323 But we're not in Thailand, stick to the subject.

[@Lifewithemerson323]

@@genefogarty5395 you my mom shut up

[@littlerayofsunshine69]

I've had to go to the ER a couple times but didn't necessarily need an ambulance. Some of the problem stems from people like those at 5:30 calling in when a drive to the closest ER would've been the best decision to begin with. I've seen a couple times in the neighborhood when an ambulance sits outside a residence for half an hour then leaves without a patient because they refused treatment.

[@winning3329]

The problem is as rents keep climbing medical people have to move farther away. My friend who is a nurse she had to move to San Bernardino because she couldn't find anything affordable in Los Angeles

[@nofacenocase_304]

@@winning3329 in general it’s basically next to impossible to find ANYTHING affordable in California anymore 😓.

[@Zzz2x]

@@winning3329 how are you saying that affects wait times for emergency services?

[@elmo9293]

@@winning3329 oh yeah because an ambulance ride is so much cheaper lol

[@caronnotkaren4698]

do you realize how many medical calls are for drug addicts/ODs? How many calls are for mentally ill people having "episodes?" How many calls are from homeless folks who are cold and want a warm ER bed, some food etc? Calls from people who COULD go to eh ER themselves but they'd rather go by ambulance than get an Uber? It's not just a staffing issue, we have people who are abusing the system and people who are using drugs that basically stop them from breathing and those calls will get priority over everyone else except cardiac arrest cases.

[@86LukeM]

Same can be said for law enforcement. I know from experience, that people call cops/deputies for reasons not exactly for a good reason. One massive annoyance, civil disputes. They hate babysitting. I once fell asleep in my car outside of a 24 hour fitness. They called for an ambulance, I woke up to a paramedic asking, “are you okay?!” I was polite to the responder, but I was annoyed someone didn’t walk out to my car and check on me.

[@sandib4234]

Right!!

[@debrakleid5752]

The abuse is insane. I was a medic for about 10 years. There are a variety of reasons why an ambulance has taken so long to get to a call. Some may be due to no ambulances are available because they are all on calls or traffic is very heavy. A lot of people won’t stop at a green light when they see an ambulance with their lights and sirens are on trying to cross when they have the red light. I’ve seen 10 cars go through while we are waiting for traffic to stop. A lot of people call 911 because they don’t want to wait in the waiting room. They think that because they called 911 that they immediately get a room in the back and when I tell them it’s false and many still get put in the waiting room they don’t want to go. I’ve had to go by ambulance several times and twice they tried to put me in a waiting room when I had bad vital signs and shortness of breath. The medics refused to put me in the waiting room and waited with me and it took only a few minutes to get a room. I’ve gone by ambulance in critical condition as well. When I was a medic I had one lady call for a broken fingernail. Not a finger but the nail with 4 cars in the driveway. Most EMS systems they are not allowed to refuse to transport the patient. Very aggravating.

[@LACity68]

U nailed it Caron!!

[@shelleycharlesworth5177]

@@86LukeM what the hell are you falling asleep in your car for?

[@The_Quaalude]

There's so many people dying in LA, you can't respond to every call...

[@phyllispatterson312]

They should be able to respond to every call.

[@Brendatr0n818]

That means we'd all have to become paramedics. There are 9.83 million residents in LAC. :\

[@trentcruise3084]

You democrats voted for this, now live with it.

[@hectorp86]

Another thing people can do is take a cpr first aid class $80-$100. It's a 3-4 hour class, and they'll teach you how to perform cpr on adults, children, and infents. Also, we just have to be healthy. Medical teams are overwhelmed. It's very telling of the level of health in our population. There are plenty of online resources to research how to better take care of oneself as well as fitness establishments to help you get fit and healthy.

[@melissaspake7727]

Many Red Cross offer classes for basic first aid including CPR for free

[@melissaspake7727]

@T Raybern no not all. Close to me the only classes they currently offer cost $37

[@grayshell6925]

@traybern They are talking about receiving a certification. They are not free to receive class time and a certificate at a Red Cross facility/office.

[@grayshell6925]

​@@melissaspake7727 They are talking about receiving a certification. They are not free to receive class time and a certificate at a Red Cross facility/office.

[@murphski702]

A single person doing CPR can only last maybe 2 minutes at best. That is why we come with a whole team of people. CPR is tiring, one person isn't doing CPR for 15 minutes or more, not very effectively anyway.

[@Liberalcali]

Paramedics are all out having to deal with homeless people calling

[@phyllispatterson312]

That is a big problem right now.

[@LostintheHate]

Nonsense

[@nachc6459]

Politicians don’t care. Remember that when you vote

[@someguy9778]

Was she not giving CPR? Why wasn't she instructed to do it?

[@tomtoms15]

Who knows u kno.

[@livingmorbid]

These operators need more training too. They don’t analyze the full situation, missing parts of the story. Someone should have been instructing her or the neighbor on CPR

[@livingmorbid]

@Dat Boi 911 operators are trained to instruct someone to do CPR. Everytime you don’t feel a heartbeat

[@Thightanium19]

@datboi5227 It's called EMD, emergency medical dispatching. I would hope that it is nationally standard that all new and current 911 operators are trained in how to give instructions for the respected call. Child birth, cardiac arrest, difficulty breathing, or normal mundane stuff can all be given as pre-arrival instructions to the caller.

[@aznfriedrice415]

Usually if they have a shortage, LA County EMS Agency (Ambulance regulators for LA) should have authorized private ALS 911 ambulance company's to supplement this shortage or long response times. Most counties outsource their ALS transport or supplement City FD ambulances.

[@phyllispatterson312]

Good idea.

[@deer8341]

The problem with privatization is the escalation in the price of services. Once they get in there, the personnel suffer, so does the public. Too many high expectations and mouths to feed in a private company--all of them the wrong ones.

[@aznfriedrice415]

@@deer8341 The County usually cap these price of services as a flat rate no matter its a City FD ambulance or AMR,Falck, and etc. .

[@grayshell6925]

Alot of private ambulance companies dont staff EMTs on their transports or do not have the proper procedures and SOPs to handle trauma victims. Not to mention some dont have much equipment on the bus.

[@keithmayhew2161]

R.I.P..Mr.Michael Davis..My,prayers & condolences goes to his family & friends..Sorry,to hear about the lost..

[@petechau9616]

RecentlyI was in the Sheriffs Sub Station in Rosemead, Ca and I asked the Desk Officer how busy they were and he said sometimes they're going off one call and right on to another.

[@gregmccarter2176]

I gave a puppy cpr. The puppy fell out of a parked car.the puppy stopped breathing. I gave it mouth to mouth and gentle chest pats The puppy is doing fine now .now a grown dog at two years old

[@natalieaguilar472]

Gina Silva needs a raise. Her reporting is spot on and shines a light on the real issues in Los Angeles. She even provides feedback on how these problems can be solved. Thank you Gina for everything you do.

[@gregfalco4528]

Reporters know the REAL source of our society's problems. They don't dare report on it.

[@reneeneal5357]

Very unfortunate! There are a lot of us that would like to further our medical careers for EMT ,nurses etc..unfortunately education is too costly here!!! and there is no work school balance its either one or the other..so sad huge disconnect!! Profit over saving lives!!

[@phyllispatterson312]

Also, City of LA putting our lives at risk.

[@Kenwood709]

You do all that schooling and now you only make $25 hr. That's still not enough to live on in LA. That much pay in lots of other places is solid middle class still. Relocation costs are tax deductible too. Screw LA.

[@angli232]

In this day and age you rellay have to be self-sufficient!

[@Liberalcali]

Yup the government and the city is not any of our friends

[@Angiebanagie]

The dislike of EMS in the LAFD is deeply embedded since EMS was integrated into the fire dept in the late 70s. The fire fighting fraternity mindset has never really liked responding to EMS because: 1. it takes away from the fire station highjinks that single function firefighters enjoy. 2. Firefighters are like rabid dogs when responding to actual fires but complain when an EMS call comes over the radio or station PA system 3. staffing issues have always been a problem for LAFD paramedics to the point that paramedics sign up for overtime to get at least 4 overtime days(SOD) to prevent having to get forced to work EMS overtime after finishing a shift or avoiding a staffing call at home. 4. I think that changing he name from LA Fire Dept to a more appropriate LA Emergency Services will change the attitude that “we only respond to fires!”

[@melissaspake7727]

I was SOOOO very lucky when I needed help. The fire station was literally less than 1/4 mile away. Firefighters got to me within a couple of minutes.. they actually called for a helicopter but none were available, so they had to transport me via ambulance the 80 miles to our closest Trauma Center which was in downtown Atlanta. Had everything not gone down as it did, I definitely wouldn’t have survived the trip.. the paramedic in back with me needed help so they stopped en route to pick up two additional paramedics from another county.. I has been kicked by a horse that severed my splenic artery, and I was bleeding to death internally. I ‘coded’ during the trip, they didn’t give up on me.. had the ambulance taken 15 to 20 minutes to get to me, I certainly wouldn’t be here today

[@tamitatangoto5134]

What an interesting story to tell your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Children love blood and guts and Gore. 😥😜

[@normaaguilar777]

instead of sending all the money to Ukraine they should use it for ambulances or stations that need supplies

[@phyllispatterson312]

I agree, yes I want to aid other countries but not at the expense of our own lives.

[@adelmomontero3554]

They won't do that because their is too much money sending weapons to Ukraine and charging the tax payer.

[@donnastark906]

You are absolutely right! The Biden administration is the worse! These idiots need to get out of our COUNTRY ! They don't like the American people,they need to get out! They have destroyed our CPUNTRY! It's sooooooo sad!

[@KittensgiveMorbogas]

@@phyllispatterson312 no, no aid to any country, ever! Who’s giving money to help America? Who’s sending billions to America? Why are we ALWAYS giving hand outs to other countries? America is a laughing stock now, and we’re constantly being taken advantage of, especially from the 3rd world scumbags breaking into our country by crossing the borders with impunity.

[@Evettecord]

That money is stolen and gets kicked back to corrupt politicians

[@InuGrlYasha]

We have been having the same issue in the East bay as well. Took an hour one time

[@deer8341]

Sad. It is everywhere, though. Very few places are well run. Business is king. That's money in politics hard at work.

[@Mustang69GTR]

Yea it’s crazy definitely over crowded hospitals, understaffed, lot of calls, traffic, not enough fire stations and not enough EMT’s/paramedics. Take it from someone who works for 911 emergency services, we have to figure something out.

[@darius501]

Thank you yes something needs to be done and not just in LA Detroit and everywhere else

[@jerradwilson]

LA City Fire needs to take note of how LA County Fire does things. LA County Fire contracts with private ambulance companies to provide BLS transport but has its own county paramedics that respond in utility pickup trucks. Calls that don't end up requiring paramedic transport immediately free up the County paramedic to respond to the next call. Then the private BLS ambulance takes the noncritical patient and gets stuck at the hospital, which can be a long wait at the hospital if ER wait times are long. If the patient is critical and requires a paramedic, then the County paramedic rides with the patient to the hospital, while his partner follows behind in the pickup. Having paramedics tied up at hospitals with noncritical patients is not efficient.

[@phyllispatterson312]

Yes, very true.

[@frstrspndr1478]

If LAFD gave their paramedics on engines the ability to administer medications and use the advanced procedures that would improve things a lot.

[@LACity68]

@@frstrspndr1478 the only meds they can’t administer is versed and fentanyl, they can administer all other la county protocol drugs and procedures if needed.

[@Dd1234g]

LAFD does the same thing bozo they have BLS ambulances called 800’s. Station 41 has rescue 41 and rescue 841.

[@jnuval]

Another thing I've noticed is that people driving don't move towards the curb when emergency vehicles are flashing their lights and blaring their sirens. It's like a deer in the headlights. Give emergency vehicles their space!

[@debrakleid5752]

Many won’t stop if they have a green light and EMS have the red light. I was a medic for many years and would see a lot of cars go through their green light instead of stopping. I’m sure they would scream at EMS if the6 needed them as to what took so long. I’ve seen people race us to avoid pulling over. It’s nuts.

[@colleen31]

People need to understand the only person that can save you, is you!

[@TS-mq1fj]

I just retired from 30yrs in Fire-EMS. The public at large has become so codependent on looking for the Government and Politicians to solve and do everything for them. When Politicians and Elected and Appointed officials are held to the level of responsibility that they hold their subordinates too, then it will improve exponentially.

[@genefogarty5395]

I was an EMT after college, gave it up because it wasn't worth my time and my full time job needed my full attention. I did a tracheotomy in a gas station parking lot after I left the system because the response time was abysmal and the guy would've died otherwise. Thank heavens for good Sam laws. Most people don't even know how to perform chest compressions or the Heimlich maneuver.

[@teresacorley7874]

Then why do we pay so munch on are property taxes for ambulance services and schools and colleges and police and they can't provide us adeguite services

[@TIMCOWBOY1971]

This is great 👍 news reporting! If we can send millions of Dollars to Ukraine 🇺🇦 then we should be able to build more fire stations in the community. This issue needs to be throughly addressed by the LA City Council! I spoke with a LA City Fire Fighter a few years ago, and he told me that the LA City Fire Department receives over 1,300 medical calls a day. The LA County Fire Department in Inglewood has to cover a lot calls in Los Angeles.

[@sallyphillips9175]

You do realize that the money sent to Ukraine comes from federal coffers, while money for L.A. fire stations is a local budget item.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

We can apparently take in and support hundreds and even thousands of UDAs yearly, yet can't take care of our own. It's problematic for sure.

[@tammanyfields3583]

Sad... can you imagine an Earthquake! massive fires as well as many other situations.

[@phyllispatterson312]

Tammy, no I can't imagine what it will be like. In a City the size of LA this is way below what the minimum standards should be.

[@phyllispatterson312]

We will all be sitting ducks.

[@keepmycash]

The truth is.....make better choices in your eating habits and exercise. Be responsible about having to need ambulatory services in the 1st place.

[@Bear_toe]

It’s more important for our local county commissioners to be getting paid $200K and plus… than having good services.

[@thebronzetoo]

You voted for this, LA!! DEAL with it!!

[@DialloMoore503]

Has nothing to do with politics, so shut the fuck up.

[@thebronzetoo]

@@DialloMoore503 LOLOLOLOLOLOL!! It has EVERYTHING to do with politics, dunce.

[@TheHonestTruth]

Why does the ambulance not immediately go to the following emergency?! Waiting at Hospital 4 HOURS?!

[@LACity68]

If no bed available at hospital then the la city medic has to wait for an available bed to give report and transfer of care. It’s policy, can’t dump them in the hallways

[@standtall7646]

In California: YOU CAN THANK GAVIN NEWSOM FOR THIS B.S.!!!! HOW FAST WOULD RESPONSE TIME BE TO PELOSIS HOME? NEWSOMS HOME? You guessed it. 5 MINUTES! If only she knew CPR :(

[@debbiekosareff1747]

Best to have a nurse on your street and hope she s home.

[@mesofly6969]

If the fire department would train their firefighters to be paramedics, full-fledged. Let them check out a small drug bag, I mean, if only one firefighter from that truck company has the authority to administrator meds, this could save a lot of life's for you all. I think the fire chief is blowing smoke up the city's ass. Why can't you bring in outside ambulance companies/paramedics. So much could be done here, but it doesn't seem like they want to get the ball moving. In the long run more calls equals more revenue for the department. That's why I think that the outside companies are not allowed into the city. It takes revenue away from the department.

[@LACity68]

Lundquist that’s exactly truth. They don’t want to give up the funds.

[@Go4it-5287]

Here’s another stat…. 43 years ago (1980) LAFD had approximately 105 fire stations. Now, 2023, after 43 years of expansion, LAFD has approximately 105 fire stations. Go figure…..

[@______-id5ud]

It’s not just LA. I work for a FD in a Borough in western PA and we wait on average 24 minutes for a transport unit. We’re on scene within 5 minutes with a paramedic squad but we don’t transport. This is an issue that is costing lives.

[@Liberalcali]

All my neighbors and I agree to take each other to hospital so we don’t need paramedics

[@phyllispatterson312]

Sadly that has become the norm for many ppl.

[@Liberalcali]

@@phyllispatterson312 hospital is like 2min away

[@desertrat1357]

Well don't vote Democrat.

[@aznfriedrice415]

It's not political. It happens in republican states as well. Shortage of paramedics is due to poor pay or treatment from employer and from the pandemic. Burnout is high in this field.

[@The_Quaalude]

You really think the EMT cares about who you voted for?

[@aznfriedrice415]

@@The_Quaalude Most of the emts have some right wing views (mostly 2nd amendment).

[@TheStreetAngel]

Unfortunately Los Angeles has just gotten outrageously overpopulated which has decreased the quality of life, and increased crime/accidents, and demand on all of the humanitarian services.

[@boodahheadfive9555]

They should look into contracting with Private Ambulance companies like AMR, so if there's no LA paramedics available, they can send them,....just a thought.

[@mardobardogardo4930]

Didn't they fire a bunch of people recently for not taking something ? i cant remember !

[@Alex_Amoroso]

Mate if you can’t take a vaccine like 300 million ppl did then you shouldn’t be treating these ppl

[@mardobardogardo4930]

@@Alex_Amoroso how many have you taken ?

[@Alex_Amoroso]

@@mardobardogardo4930 vaccines ? Lol

[@stacyw.1863]

Rhetorical ?

[@eckankar7756]

How about some of these people go to school, get their EMT licenses and work on ambulances? They whine about others 'not doing their jobs' then step up and YOU become an EMT and help the situation. Be a part of the solution, not just whine and cry as a victim.

[@debbiekosareff1747]

Make sure your hoses work, and you know where the hydrant is.

[@boston312]

15 minutes is actually pretty fast. I know of homicide victims who waited 30 mins to an hour in SouthCentral and Compton

[@ryancowell2910]

I live in a part of LA that borders another city. There have been more than once where the neighboring city's fire station has responded too my community's emergency medical calls.

[@TheSeji]

15 minutes is an average response time.Learn CPR and use it!

[@DucatiQueen]

Honey, we live in Las Vegas and when my husband called 911 a couple years ago……for chest pain……….HE WAS PUT ON HOLD ! READ THAT AGAIN 😡

[@christopherstone6962]

Stop responding to emergencies at homeless encampments/shelters/supportive housing, I guarantee you that's half of all the calls now

[@debbiekosareff1747]

My son worked as an emt for a while long ago, he said they had all kind of calls. I just dont see why they send the firetruck with the ambulance. When there s no fire.

[@robf.8484]

There is EMT's and Paramedics that work on the Fire Truck also. The Ambulance has 2 people. You need more people on a lot of the calls because they might weigh a lot, not many people are skinny and light to lift. They may have to bring that patient down or up numerous steps in their house, and a lot of people's homes are filled with junk and make it difficult to get to the patient. Trust me, you should see the way people live. It's crazy. I've been a Paramedic for 30 years and we all have all kinds of back problems lifting patients. A lot of people call for a ambulance and they really don't need to. There is a lot of people that abuse it. But we have to respond and find out what's wrong. LA City Fire department responds to over 1 million calls a year.

[@OldTimerGamer6351]

A critical patient needs more than the two paramedic on the ambulance. For a Cardiac Arrest, The two paramedics are in the back of the ambulance giving cardiac arrest drugs, defibrillation and talking to the MICN at the hospital. One engine firefighter is doing chest compressions or ventilations. The other engine firefighter or the captain will drive the ambulance to the hospital with everyone else in the back treating the patient. And the engineer will drive the fire engine to the hospital by himself to pick up the firefighters at the ER.

[@billbun6077]

That’s so sad that the man passed away, my condolences

[@bogartperalta87]

That’s the wife’s fault she could of done cpr and save his life. Sorry NOT SORRY.

[@billbun6077]

@@bogartperalta87 she probably did. Might not have been trained either. I’d love to watch you try to do CPR on someone who is a loved one of yours. You are a piece of garbage

[@bogartperalta87]

@@billbun6077 you are a piece of shit and is people like you wasting resources due to you’re lack of knowledge and laziness to learn basic life shit. Yes I have done cpr not only on my own family members but also many patients that have coded during my shift. Again sorry NOT SORRY

[@billbun6077]

right, well why don’t you go back to your war torn Eastern European shithole. You clearly have an IQ lower than the temperature on a January day in Wisconsin. Welcome to healthcare muffin, want a medal? Maybe you should consider a different career because you clearly don’t give a shit about anyone but yourself you self absorbed piece of garbage.

[@brittanybutler3465]

@@bogartperalta87 she probably doesn’t know how to. she also was most likely not told to do so and how to do it. you can’t blame the wife bc she may have not known what was going on w her husband.

[@Ryan_Dahlia_Bella_Zoe]

They should start using private ambulance companies to help with the situation

[@TheFamousRleon]

This’s scary! LAFD must rethink to rebuild their first responding procedures, otherwise they could go on strike and cost more lives if not around.

[@conjering]

Everyone upstairs in the city know what the problem is, it’s not a secret, sometimes the fire Chief address the problem, but it’s not even up to the chief, someone else has to approve it. It would be easier of the fire chief was an elected official.

[@tomtoms15]

Its*

[@darius501]

I really believe every hospital needs a redo cause here in Detroit we have a wait time of 4-8 hours in the er you will mess around and die waiting on them just to see you not give you a room crazy

[@amsequeira2282]

Paramedics / EMS, Fire Dept & Law Enforcement have to run all over the place. From emergency to emergency. They are overwhelmed. Under funded. Its common sense why it takes long to arrive.

[@phyllispatterson312]

All it takes is common since that unfortunately our City of LA council does not see or chooses to look the other way.

[@phyllispatterson312]

That's true but it shouldn't be.

[@leechjim8023]

They are elected officials. It is the citizen's responsibility to elect capable people! They need to get the knuckleheads out.

[@solosoyuna7784]

Just be ready to drive yourself to the hospital in case of emergency or another person if you stop to render aid. Don't even waste your time with car accident calls for paramedics. They don't come out in LA county unless someone's dying. You have better chances if you are ready to drive yourself.

[@phyllispatterson312]

I agree and that is a very sad way to live.

[@debbiekosareff1747]

Cars dont pull over, they are suppose to but dont.

[@sunnymade678]

Let 50 million over the border and see if it gets better. Probably less in the budget now.

[@gpg9516]

I agree holistically.

[@XHollisWood]

Tragic story. limited resources and large population is unfortunate

[@livingfrugalwithashley3618]

Most people that call for an ambulance are not insured and do not understand what is a life threatening situation therefore there is not enough ambulances for death or life situations.

[@fightingtosurvive6527]

I'm a retired EMT, and you're right - that's exactly what it is, most people will use ambulances as a cab to get to the hospital.

[@ednamedina5111]

In Puerto Rico we suffer the same problem for years, and worse. People die sometimes waiting 30 minutes and that is from Ambulances. Also, on the traffic rarely someone moves to let the ambulance pass, everyone drives like nothing happens. We don’t have Fire Stations ambulances.

[@nobull4414]

I started as an EMT-1 in 1975 in Los Angeles, then Paramedic in 1977 until 1990, calls per unit were just as busy then as they are now. This will never change.

[@LACity68]

Are u sure? Does that include the 8 million homeless in LA???

[@nobull4414]

@@LACity68 From 1975 to 1977 I averaged 17 runs per shift.

[@LACity68]

@@nobull4414 hmmm, that’s strange cuz in my current 20 yr career the stations in the downtown that were once considered sleepy hollow are no longer. Were u at 9’s skid row???

[@katblu8874]

If u want to find where the problem areas are, then start at the top. Find out what the budget is for the LAFD and go from there. Also there are privately owned ambulance services that could be hired to help take up the slack. But definitely start at the top, with the mayor. I know the mayor is supposed to be nonpartisan but u can find out a lot about a person's party affiliation by how they lead. Hopefully the new mayor will do a better job then Garcetti ever did.

[@rougecampos317]

Ems and paramedics don't get paid enough ...they put their lives on the line everyday day and get paid penies

[@sandrataylor8966]

Many health insurance plans offer CPR classes. I always keep aspirin in my medicene chest for heart attacks or stroke. I also keep a tourniquet (if used write the time started on the injured person's forehead). Prepare to transport others. It can take a long time for 911 to answer the phone, let alone for 1st responders to come. Paramedics are often the last to arrive.

[@linsieryan6149]

The public needs to know cpr and first aid!

[@SHGT500]

The worst part is the "died suddenly" I've been seeing a lot of this lately this is what happens when you're forced to take something experimental all these BS heart issues

[@grayshell6925]

You do realize people die suddenly right? Way before any covid vaccine. Its called sudden cardiac arrest for a reason. You can literally have a brain aneurysm at any point and die for little apparent reason.

[@darius501]

I have sickle cell and just can't imagine something like this and I was treated the best when I went to la coming from Detroit they were really great when I went but couldn't do or go through this

[@kingmalco845]

This been a problem in LA very typical

[@leechjim8023]

Absolutely no excuse for this in a high tax state!!!

[@majorphenom1]

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾

[@scalecraft4663]

According to my local FD in LA, most of thier calls are running around for homeless.

[@lunam7249]

this is becuse Emergency techs busy saving homeless druggies!!!❤

[@gregfalco4528]

If Emergency Services and no good anymore, it's time to stop giving them tax dollars.

[@shkn4406]

That is far from the reality. Emergency services like the LAFD are very good at what they do but the higher ups are not keeping their promises when it comes to funding the new stations and coverage.

[@gregfalco4528]

@@shkn4406 Lol...I'm betting none of those "fire-fighters" are making less than 6-figures with their added overtime. But keep rooting for them, even when it takes them 20 mins to arrive after your mom stops breathing.

[@shkn4406]

That man was a resident of Sylmar I believe. The Sylmar Fire Station 91 coverage area is one of the largest areas in LA and only has one fire/paramedic station. How are they supposed to handle all the calls if there isn’t an adequate number of stations and paramedics ? These men and women are being overstretched having to cover other areas. The City needs to get it together. The population rate will continue to grow and response times for emergencies will continue to extend.

[@privacy-555]

Do you have to drive yourself or your loved ones because that service to call for help? Is it expensive bill?

[@jerrybond1757]

Working ems is a joke with joke pay.if the public cared which they don't. The pay would be better and the attrition rate would be lower.but who cares?

[@jeffpatch5]

How about telling people that call 911 for NON emergencies that we aren't coming out for your shit. THAT's the reason... That and EMD... What a waste

[@medic2807]

Bring you sick kid to the ER, instead of being part of the problem.

[@nunya3461]

It doesn’t help that these 911 operators have such outdated technology in finding these ppl. I worked for AAA for decades & even THEY have better GPS spotting that 911 or the cops.

[@meadking4694]

When I worked on the ambulance, our gps system would stop working.

[@Stargazzer811]

The biggest change that can be made is to the engine companies. Start allowing the paramedics on those companies to do the needed things to stabilize patients without an ambulance having to be there. Other departments in other states do it, so why the hell doesn't LAFD? Why this instead of more stations? Because it takes time to build more stations, whereas all that's needed to alter what the medics on engine's can do is policy changes, which take far less time (weeks instead of months). I do agree LA could do with 3-4 more stations, and certainly an increase in available personnel. I know the Skid Row station is still the busiest in LA and their medics and engine run non-stop, all day and night.

[@SethMaxx1994]

One thing that LAFD should do is send EMS Supervisors for first response

[@wendolin]

Don't they suggest giving chest compressions?? Did they operator not suggest that?

[@mskharrazi3075]

Why do LA city officials make so much money yet we people suffer like this with not enough EMS

[@leonlol8652]

Fun Fact: in Germany it is normal That a Ambulance Need 10-15 Minutes to Come to a emercency

[@pntdblack]

It all come down to bad government management of tax spending priorities. Government needs to take care of it's tax paying citizens before they spend money/funds on special interest and illegal immigrants so these kinds of incidents don't become worse!

[@AllenMitchellGardner]

🙏

[@Aviation2620]

Protocol is to send a fire engine or fire truck if an ambulance is not available

[@mariasanteramo2233]

Some people find a way to sue the city and waste available resources of the city, some people think only of themselves , don't care about this situation

[@phyllispatterson312]

Also, some ppl really care about the lives of people in the City of LA.

[@Zzz2x]

If they can’t make it more than 5 minutes they should call and let the person know so they can make the decision of what’s best for their situation

[@dbyers3897]

It would sure help us if everyone drove without their phone or buds. Pay attention & pull over when a siren approaches. You may help someone you know & love.

[@robbieogle8622]

I went into SVT and my heart rate shot up to 212. It was my first cardiac situation. I called 911 myself. The ambulance driver kept asking if I had done fentanyl. Im like huh? Ive never done any drugs and dont even drink. Then they kept asking my social security number for the amvulance driver as Im hooked to all the heart leads. I was so mad thinking about this. I had full insurance too.

[@murphski702]

One, we need that demographic information to identify you from potentially another patient with the same name. Second, we aren't ambulance drivers. Do you call them police car drivers or fire truck drivers? I'm sure he asked if you use any drugs, tobacco, or alcohol, because that is part of our medical screening to rule out certain things.

[@darius501]

@@murphski702 you really said that like you was mad or something that the person said was a lie sorry you work for someone that's not on they shit right now use that same energy to tell your people to do better and stop taking up for them y'all worse then the police with that like no one that works there can do no wrong

[@murphski702]

@@darius501 Right, because you obviously know what's going on. Sentences and punctuation, try it sometime and people can understand you better. My people do an excellent job. But hey, keep getting mad at the people who are actually out there to help you. Don't like 'em? Don't call 'em!

[@darius501]

@@murphski702 and trust me I would not go to the hospital if I wasn't bron with sickle cell and two I don't call the police or nothing why because I'm one that doesn't need them so just keep taking up for the people you work with like y'all do and try to make things better o that's too much like right

[@murphski702]

@@darius501 Bro, if you have sickle cell, first off I'm sorry you go through that. I've seen how painful that can be. Second, if the medics taking care of you are not nice or are treating you badly, please talk to their bosses. People with your disease get treated very poorly in and out of the hospital for some reason.

[@blokkparty]

The cherry on top, you are probably gonna pay more than your monthly mortgage payment for that call!

[@standtall7646]

Maybe..., more than your house value, if the Elite Psychopaths keep it up.

[@glitcherPROXx]

Man I worked in LA as an EMT with the FireDepartment as an explorer and on a private ambulance they got all those private companies they should be able to call for extra help instead of holding all the calls to themselves

[@mrengine9]

Yeah, that's why contracts exist. It would help if they used more organizations though but California is weird about that.

[@hc507]

When people fought to get those who flip burgers $15, but none of these other jobs have increased a wage in a stressful service, this is what happens.

[@daaa8477]

learning CPR

[@rickallman1318]

Till these issues are addressed within LAFD, Dispatchers need to make the callers aware of the delays and give them the option to get to the hospitals themselves! But wait, now the patients could die waiting to be admitted! Big, big problem!

[@kb9liq]

In the county seat of the county north of me they have seen 45 min response times on 911 calls so 15 minutes is nothing

[@kb9liq]

And sadly the news reports the new service in town will have a certain number of units on the street and the truth is they are only under contract to have half that number on duty. Our news will not report on that

[@rmart8827]

HONESTLY, as a citizen watching this, are you going to complain about how expensive it is to live here if they say we have to pay a little more in taxes to fund the extra resources? Will you stand up against illegal immigration (not just from our southern borders but from everywhere) to get our population in accordance for our resources? Will you, the drivers who don't pull over for emergency vehicles, or block them because you're distracted or have your sounds system blaring and murdered out windows going to do what you can to help prevent delays? Will you...this can go on and on but you won't until it's you or your loved one that needs help.