Interim Fire and EMS Chief Brian Lee announced today that the DC Fire and EMS department has expanded 24-hour emergency medical services coverage, citywide.

Four (4) additional basic life support (BLS) ambulances have been added to the current fleet, amounting to a 12 percent increase.  The Department has now expanded the minimum number of transport units on the street from thirty-three (33) to thirty-seven (37).  This expansion is being accomplished through the use of existing resources and personnel.

This action is in support of DC Mayor Adrian Fenty’s 100 day plan, which identifies improving emergency medical services as a top priority.

“We are moving quickly to meet the Mayor’s goals.  We will continue to set the very highest standards for speed of response and quality of care.” said Chief Lee.

The Fire and EMS department is also proud to announce that 18 of the city’s 33 engine companies are now Paramedic Engine Companies (PECs), including every engine company east of the Anacostia River.

The Fire and EMS department is also implementing several new initiatives to monitor and improve quality of care.  “It’s not enough just to get to the scene of an emergency quickly,” says Dr. Michael Williams, DC Fire/EMS Medical Director, “we must ensure that once we arrive, we deliver the highest quality medical care possible.”  That’s why the Department continues to implement the Electronic Patient Care Reporting System or EPCR; a new paperless way to track and improve patient care.