FRESNO COUNTY, CA (KMJ) – Overload conditions at emergency rooms are causing the Fresno County Dept. of Public Health to extend an emergency policy implemented last week that limits ambulance transport for certain patients.
The emergency policy prohibits transportation of patients with non-emergency medical conditions to hospital ERs.
The policy was implemented at the beginning of November by Fresno County’s Public Health Department and the Central California EMS Agency.
This policy was reimplemented in response to the increasing volume of pre-hospital calls, over capacity of local emergency departments, and due an increase in patient off-load times hospitals. These hospitals continue to operate at disaster levels and there is very low patient bed capacity. The hospital capacity and staffing issue has had a domino effect on the EMS system and this has caused more frequent and increased wait times for ambulances to turn over a patient to the hospital.
David Luchini, Director, FCDPH
The Health Dept. says if people do have an emergency medical situation call 911 or go to the nearest hospital but be prepared to expect delays in ambulance response for non-emergencies. EMS personnel who respond to the call will assess and refer the patient to visit their primary care provider, an urgent care, clinic, contact the telehealth line provided by their insurance provider or call back to 911 if
their condition worsens.
If seeking non-emergency care at the hospital emergency departments, the Fresno County Heath Department says to expect significant delays.
“The intent of this policy reimplementation is to reduce the impact of patients on the local emergency
departments and increase availability of ambulances to our communities,” says David Luchini, FCDPH
Director. “An ambulance will continue to be sent to all requests for service. If it is determined by ambulance personnel that the patient is stable and does not require emergency transport, EMS personnel will assess the patient and provide an appropriate alternative recommendation.”
