A look at paramedic staffing in DC, other cities
Aug 15, 2013, 3:19 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) – The District of Columbia Fire and EMS department is trying to make do with less than half the paramedics employed by urban departments with similar staffing models and call volumes. Here is a breakdown of emergency medical call volumes and paramedic staffing in the district and similar departments, using data compiled by The Associated Press and the International Association of Fire Fighters. The medical call numbers are from 2011, the latest year figures are available. The total number of paramedics combines those on ambulances and fire engines.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
_ 130,000 calls
_ 35 paramedics on duty at any given time; 14 on ambulances.
COLUMBUS, OHIO
_ 137,000 calls
_ 96 paramedics on duty at any given time; 64 on ambulances.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.
_ 95,000 calls.
_ 68 paramedics on duty at any given time; 34 on ambulances. During peak demand, 80 paramedics on duty; 46 on ambulances.
MEMPHIS, TENN.
_ 106,000 calls.
_ 148 paramedics on duty at any given time; 36 on ambulances.
PHOENIX
_ 120,000 calls.
_ 166 paramedics on duty at any given time; 34 on ambulances.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
_ 131,000 calls.
_ 66 paramedics on duty at any given time; all on ambulances. During peak demand, 86 paramedics on duty; all on ambulances.
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