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.
- PUB DATE: 2/17/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: washington post

The Oak Lawn firefighter accused of making phone calls to sex lines while on duty has been fired. Firefighter/paramedic and former union officer Robert Lanz was terminated Monday for “violations of multiple departmental rules and regulations.” Oak Lawn Fire Chief George Sheets sent Lanz a letter on Feb.
- PUB DATE: 2/17/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: oak lawn patch

A massive cleanup is underway in Tacoma following an apartment complex fire. The fire happened around 6 p.m. at the 12-unit Lakeside Landing Apartments on South 12th Street. While no one was hurt, one woman had to be rescued from a window about 20 feet of the ground. The woman's son-in-law who lives in an apartment unit in a neighboring building spotted the flames.
- PUB DATE: 2/17/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: king 5

A massive cleanup is underway in Tacoma following an apartment complex fire. The fire happened around 6 p.m. at the 12-unit Lakeside Landing Apartments on South 12th Street. While no one was hurt, one woman had to be rescued from a window about 20 feet of the ground. The woman's son-in-law who lives in an apartment unit in a neighboring building spotted the flames.
- PUB DATE: 2/17/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: king 5

A spokesman for D.C. Fire and EMS said it will start using private ambulances next month.

The temporary contract begins in 30 days with American Medical Response.

The positions that pay $20.41 an hour are for employees responding to both emergency and nonemergency calls in the District.

The move to include a third party ambulance service to supplement D.C. resources is part of the reason outgoing medical director for D.C. Fire and EMS, Jullette Saussy, resigned. Saussy wanted to improve the District staff's provision of medical care before adding staff and equipment.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has said she's committed to reforming the department and improving patient outcomes.

For more information, view wtop.com