NYC Sees EMT Shortage as Calls Rise

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NYC Sees EMT Shortage as Calls Rise

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

NY Post

June 15th, 2008

CRITICAL EMT SHORTAGE REAL REASON TO SWEAT

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

June 15, 2008 -- A shortage of medics and a surge in heat-related 911 calls left the city struggling to respond to medical emergencies last week - and the dangerous situation could worsen as summer intensifies and more FDNY EMS workers jump ship to become firefighters, sources told The Post.

Dozens of ailing people waited more than an hour for a response after dialing 911 last week. During one two-hour period on a sweltering afternoon, six calls were stacked up for more than an hour, and 12 were delayed more than 30 minutes, according to Emergency Medical Service dispatch records reviewed by The Post.

FULL STORY: http://www.nypost.com/seven/06152008/news/..._swe_115542.htm