The D.C. fire department has chosen a private ambulance company with a nationwide reach to help augment its own fleet, which has been troubled by delays in responding to emergencies and unable to keep up with a surge in 911 calls from a growing population.
Colorado-based American Medical Response, a subsidiary of Envision Healthcare, was the lead bidder for a temporary contract that begins in 30 days, reflecting the situation’s urgency. After about a month, new bidding will take place for a permanent contract, and AMR can bid again.
Thomas Milton, a spokesman for the ambulance company, declined to comment Tuesday. The private ambulances will handle low-priority calls, a shift that officials say will free up D.C. emergency workers to focus on calls involving patients with more serious injuries or illnesses. The company already works in the District and contracts with the city to help out at special events. Officials said that firefighters, many trained as advanced-life-support paramedics, will continue to respond to all 911 calls. They will evaluate patients “to determine the level of medical care and resources required, including how the patient will be transported to the hospital,” according to a statement.