DeKalb County develops plan addressing slow ambulance response times

In an effort to tackle the issue of delayed ambulance response times, DeKalb County has proposed a new plan that includes the establishment of three coverage zones: northern, central, and southern. This strategic initiative will utilize 34 ambulance units during peak daytime hours, with a distribution of 8 units in the north, 12 in the central zone, and 14 in the south. During peak overnight hours, the plan calls for 27 units, ensuring a responsive service at all times. This proposal follows a series of investigations by Atlanta News First, which revealed that American Medical Response (AMR), the county's ambulance provider, has consistently failed to meet mandated response times, with delays rising from 16 minutes to 21 minutes over four years. Changes to AMR's contract with DeKalb County include revised fees for delays and a reduction in the response time for priority 1 calls from 12 minutes to 11 minutes.

Additionally, the county is responding to concerns raised by Brookhaven, which sought to operate its own ambulance service but was denied by the Georgia Department of Public Health. By implementing this zoning strategy, DeKalb County aims to enhance the availability of medical resources and improve overall emergency response for its residents. The hope is that these changes will significantly reduce response times and improve patient outcomes in critical situations.