Ambulance Firm Alleges Las Vegas Fire Department Favors Wealthy Residents

A study paid for by a private ambulance company accuses the Las Vegas Fire Department of transporting more patients from wealthy northwest neighborhoods while leaving inner-city hospital transports to American Medical Response.

AMR general manager Scott White tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal he thinks the fire department cherry-picks calls from areas with higher incomes, more insurance coverage and a greater likelihood of payment.

The report by Applied Analysis of Las Vegas also concludes that some residents in wealthier areas wait longer for transport due to delays contacting AMR.

A new policy implemented March 3 went from an automatic dual ambulance response to as-needed calls to AMR.

Fire Chief Willie McDonald tells the Review-Journal he hadn’t seen the Applied Analysis report.

White says he wants the City Council to intervene.