Non-Emergencies Clog Providence Ambulance Use

Providence, R.I.’s public safety commissioner says at least half of the Fire Department’s 32,000 rescue runs each year are for non-emergencies such as taking the same drunken person to the hospital repeatedly.

The Providence Journal reports that Commissioner Steven Pare says the department’s response to genuine emergencies is hampered.

Officials are developing policy changes that could include caring for intoxicated people without using fire-rescue units.

Another proposal would limit the number of ambulances for non-emergencies.