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Flint Fire Department launches life-saving ambulance service

By Good Info News Wire

October 4, 2024

To combat long wait times for emergency support, the City of Flint Fire Department launched its own ambulance service. 

On October 1, the City of Flint Fire Department initiated its own ambulance service with the hope of decreasing emergency response times for Flint residents.This new service is a response to the countywide shortage of ambulances and EMS personnel, which has significantly extended wait times for emergency medical transport. Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley emphasized the importance of this initiative for saving lives within the community.

About the ambulances

The City of Flint will maintain two ambulances in active service, with a third ambulance available as a backup. The city’s firefighters, all of whom are certified EMTs (plus some with specialized training in pediatrics and trauma), are qualified to operate the ambulances and provide life support. This ensures that Flint residents receive prompt and effective emergency care.

Due to the ongoing countywide crisis, where often only one ambulance serves the entire 600-square-mile area of Genesee County, Flint’s new service is anticipated to alleviate the strain on emergency services. The city-run ambulances will operate exclusively within Flint, though private ambulance companies will continue to serve the area as well. Genesee County 9-1-1 will dispatch the closest available ambulance.

Funding

The ambulances’ funding came from a combination of opioid settlement funds and American Rescue Plan Act funding, following a proposal by Mayor Neeley and unanimous approval by the Flint City Council. This move is particularly geared towards improving emergency response for overdose cases, where rapid transport to medical facilities is critical. The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services and the Genesee County Medical Control Authority have approved the new ambulance service, which is now operational.

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This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The ‘Gander staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.Flint Fire Department launches life-saving ambulance serviceFlint Fire Department launches life-saving ambulance service

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