D.C. fire points to faster response times

There have been claims made that the D.C. Fire and EMS Department’s ability to respond to emergencies has deteriorated under the current fire chief. However, he is saying that ambulances and fire trucks are responding to critical calls faster.

Chief Kenneth Ellerbe says the improved responses stem from an effort that began in March and April to pay better attention to detail and institute management controls.

The department stated in a release that response times have dropped from an average of five minutes and three seconds in February to four minutes and two seconds by June.

Although the department is encouraged by the drop in response times, it appears that faster times are creating safety concerns for citizens and crew members.

The union says there has been a spike in traffic accidents involving fire trucks and ambulances since teams are trying to get to patients in less time. The union says the best way to shorten response time is to fully staff the D.C. Fire and EMS Departments.