Los Angeles County firefighters are transporting patients to hospitals in their trucks rather than ambulances, an unprecedented move required because of surging coronavirus cases within the county Fire Department and among paramedic companies.
That’s according to acting Assistant Chief Brian Bennett, who said during a recent report to the Carson City Council that 450 Los Angeles County firefighters have tested positive for the coronavirus and are off work, putting a massive strain on the emergency response system, both in the South Bay town and across the county.
“What that means is the firefighters that are working in the city of Carson and around the county are being asked to work extra hours, extra days,” Bennett said Tuesday, Jan. 4, adding that despite the staffing shortage, the department has not reduced any services.