Dec. 29, 2022 An ambulance shortage sometimes leaves Contra Costa County crews unable to handle life-threatening calls.
Source Firehouse.com News
As the ambulance shortage continues across the country, a California county is urging residents not to call 911 unless it’s a true emergency.
“There (are) a number of different circumstances in our jurisdiction that we have down to zero ambulances available to be able to respond out those life-saving incidents,” Contra Costa County Fire Captain Steve Aubert told ABC7.
The county only has 30 ambulances to respond to emergencies, and that’s not enough.
“Our ambulance services have been impacted by the pandemic, by the recent events that are going on, but also a large use of the ambulance service just for normal calls going to the hospitals,” he says.
Hospitals are overwhelmed right now with flu and other ill patients.
Those experiencing chest pains, trouble breathing or severe pain shouldn’t hesitate to call 911. Residents should go to urgent care for other issues. And, ride shares ae available.
“Just because you want to an ambulance ride, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that’s going to get you into an emergency room any faster,” he explains.