San Francisco has proven that it can be done; increasing services even during budget cuts! Long Beach is not just lagging behind in reforms; it is lagging behind the will to do anything which the unions oppose.

It is time to separate the fire department from the paramedic services in Long Beach for many reasons. Time spent directly on fire services could be monitored better in addition to the excessive OT expenses that add to the budget deficit. Reforms are needed and the separation of the fire and paramedic services would be a good first step. Only then will we be able to find the waste and the actual time spent on both.

Comments by Kathy Ryan, LBTA

Posted by Kathy Ryan, LBTA
Fire Department reaches ambulance response goal By: Brent Begin
Examiner Staff Writer

March 1, 2010 SAN FRANCISCO — Ambulance response times throughout The City have for the first time in recent memory surpassed the Fire Department’s goal.

A report released Thursday shows that all 10 fire battalions responded, on average, in less than 10 minutes to nonemergency ambulance calls between Jan. 9 and Wednesday.

The Fire Department has been working to improve response times while balancing budget cuts and geographical issues. The southern neighborhoods of The City have long lagged behind the denser-populated northern neighborhoods for ambulance response.

The department has moved ambulances out of fire stations and instead placed them throughout San Francisco, where they can be dynamically deployed and reduce response times.

Fire Commission member Victor Makras said it was the first time in 28 years the department has met the goal of responding to all calls in less than 10 minutes.

“Chief Joanne Hayes-White and Deputy Chief Pat Gardner are to be commended for their efforts to provide this high level of service for everyone in San Francisco,” Makras said.

A report released in late January said eight of the 10 battalions were ahead of the 10-minute goal. The Ingleside and Sunset districts were 38 and 22 seconds behind the mark, the report said."

bbegin@sfexaminer.com

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Fire-Department-reaches-ambulance-response-goal-85791787.html#ixzz0hc8DQyXl