Image via WikipediaThe transition from MAST to KCFD has hit a bit of a speed bump in the Northland, highlighted by the article in the KC Star. KCMO alderman Ed Ford is excited ("That's great news") on word that ambulance response times have improved in KC North. The target is response within 9 minutes, 90 percent of the time. It had been as low as 70 percent and apparently the most recent data shows 85 percent.
Trouble in paradise...
The times in the Southern Platte County Ambulance District are not so rosy. The contract goal with KCFD is 75 percent within 9 minutes. November numbers indicated a response rate of 55 percent. When asked about the response times, KCFD Chief Smokey Dyer said, "It is my firm opinion that the citizens of the South Platte Ambulance District are receiving outstanding emergency medical services" Really? Bobby Kincaid, chairman of the SPCAD, (yes, he ran for Presiding Commisioner) said, "I and the board will not go for a long period of time on this". No explanation. The last time the service was put out to bid there were no credible bidders other than MAST.
At an earlier SPCAD meeting this year (which I attended) Smokey seemed to insinuate the response times by MAST were not accurate, that weather and other issues were sometimes used to calculate the times. Could be.
In any event the situation is a bit troubling as the District pays KCMO $450,000 for ambulance service. What are the responses to WL? I am trying to find out.
3 comments:
Thank goodness for our police department.
I was shocked that KCFD charged $975 to go from Weatherby to St. Lukes on Barry....3.3 miles! Without lights/sirens.
Pretty good gig, now that they are the only game in town. No wonder they wanted in on the ....errrrr... I mean, they wanted all the action.
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