Buffalo Looking To Start It's Own Ambulance Service

One key responsibility a local government has is to provide emergency support for its residents. You see that in action every day when the police and fire departments respond to calls for service, when public works officials make critical repairs to infrastructure in the region, and when paramedics and hospitals need emergency medical service.

Like many places in New York State, the city of Buffalo does not operate its own paramedic and emergency transport service, it contracts with a private company to provide those services on the cities behalf.

Buffalo currently receives its services from AMR, which has served Buffalo since 2016, when it purchased Rural Metro Ambulance service and won a new contract. However, lately, there have been quite a few complaints against AMR, calling potentially slow response times dangerous and unacceptable.

According to the Buffalo News, one person in Buffalo's Delaware District had to wait 5 hours for an ambulance to arrive for their mother, who was having a heart attack.

To potentially change that, officials from the Buffalo Common Council called for the city to research the possibility of starting an ambulance service.

In a special meeting at Buffalo Common Council Chambers, a resolution was debated and passed advising the city to determine whether it can start its own service and giving city staffers six months to do the research.

If Buffalo started an ambulance service, it would become part of the Buffalo Fire Department.

Integrating ambulance services into the Buffalo Fire Department could potentially enhance the quality, response times, and reliability of emergency medical services for Buffalo residents, as well as better coordination during emergencies while aligning with the city’s commitment to public safety and health...
-Buffalo Common Council

Buffalo isn't the only local municipality considering starting an ambulance service. Erie County started its own ambulance service to help increase response times and efficiency as county officials have had complaints similar to those of city officials.

AMR officials have stated they will provide the Common Council with information in September about its response time and effectiveness.

Nearly 30 New York Hospitals Earn Near Failing Grade For Patient Safety

Take A Look Inside This Abandoned Hospital In Buffalo, New York

The Facebook page Abandoned and Beyond Buffalo, NY, takes us inside this vacant hospital that has been empty since 2017. There are plans to redevelop this massive property, but they have not come to fruition yet.

The photos shared here are meant for entertainment and educational purposes only. Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so, you risk bodily harm and/or arrest and prosecution for trespassing on private property. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you do not attempt to investigate the inside of abandoned buildings without proper knowledge, experience, and legal authorization.

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice