Usually when you dial 9-1-1, the first question you should hear from the dispatcher is, “What’s your emergency?” Imagine dialing those dreaded numbers only to find out that after you’ve stated your emergency, you are met with a response of, “Sorry, an ambulance isn’t coming.” While it sounds like an intro to a doomsday film, it’s actually a reality in Northern Arizona.

CAFMA has been seeking assistance in finding a solution to the ambulance response issues that plague the Quad City area.

I can tell you firsthand this is happening, and more often that you’d think. My beloved grandmother recently had a stroke and had to wait sixteen minutes for an ambulance to arrive. Sixteen minutes is unacceptable. Imagine if your child was choking, if your spouse fell and hit their head and was unconscious, or if a member of your family went into anaphylaxis; where not just every minute counts, but every second? Sixteen minutes would be too late, in many circumstances. The point of dialing 9-1-1 is to get an immediate response, and immediate assistance. It should help solve the problem, not be part of the problem.

I created this petition with the hope of requesting help and to spread awareness about the delayed ambulance response times within our community that our first responders are experiencing on a daily basis. Enough is enough!

Between July 2, and October 12, 2021; Prescott Regional Communications Center (PRCC) logged 400 instances during which AMR/Lifeline was at Level Zero, which means no ambulances were available. None. Could you imagine having a loved one unable to breathe and being told that no ambulance was coming? As a taxpayer, this is horrifying.

Currently, the only ambulance provider allowed by Arizona’s health department to operate in Prescott and the surrounding area is Life Line Ambulance. They are a for-profit company that runs underneath a larger corporation, called American Medical Response (AMR). Historically, AMR has not abided by their written agreements regarding response times. Rather than provide the promised resources, they typically choose to pay the associated fines. This defeats the intent of the contract, which is to provide lifesaving emergency services to our community.

This same Ambulance company sent a complaint letter to the Bureau of EMS claiming that the transport of an 8 month old baby was "not medically necessary," after it nearly drowned and had to be transported in a CAFMA rescue vehicle because the ambulance was 15 minutes away. Don’t our children deserve better?

CAFMA is trying to ensure our community is safe and has resources available for emergency situations. The call volume has been up 40% in the last 6 years and AMR is the only company that Central Arizona Fire and Medical, along with other neighboring departments has to use for a means to transport a patient to the hospital. It's the only company approved by the state to operate in that area, so there's no other option at this time.

Please note, CAFMA stated on Social Media "We ask that you be respectful and kind to our local AMR/LifeLine Ambulance employees. These folks are our partners and we have a great working relationship with the EMTs on the ambulances. Our issue is with AMR Corporate, and AMR Corporate alone."

I ask that we come together. We need to come together and express the urgency to expedite the Certificate of Necessity (CON) for Central Arizona Fire and Medical in Northern Arizona. Our first responders are telling us that they need help. These individuals put their lives on the line every day for you and your family. I ask you, as a community member and fire wife, to please sign this petition so you can show your support and repay their selfless actions. Our government officials need to be held accountable and provide our first responders with the tools they need to save lives.

Please share any experiences or information you have below or any other information you think would be helpful for this cause. 

If you would like to do more please contact DHS, state legislators, and the Governor’s office.

If you would like more information please see below.

https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/the-chiefs-desk-october-29th/

We will update information as it becomes available. Thank you everyone for all your support. #prescottstrong #levelupAMR