During Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Emergency Medical Service (NOEMS) lost their offices and more than half their ambulances. Three years later, they are still operating out of trailers and continue to have a shortage of ambulances.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that NOEMS has so far been denied a permanent home for their 103-paramedic staff, and is still waiting on 15 emergency vehicles.  NOEMS Director Dr. Jullette Saussy said, “We can deal with the trailers, but the ambulances are a non-negotiable need.”

NOEMS responds to 700 calls each week.  A speedy response is critical to save lives.  For example, human brain cells begin to die after only a few minutes without oxygen. The National Fire Protection Association’s national standard demands that 90% of calls be responded to within 8 minutes.  However, in 2007, NOEMS only responded within 12 minutes 75% of the time, and in the first quarter of 2008, response times were under 12 minutes less than half the time. [Source: City of New Orleans Public Safety Scorecard.]

The Times-Picayune reports that the city has not yet begun the bid process to purchase more ambulances, and it will take at least 120 days after that process is complete before the vehicles are delivered.   NOEMS could more quickly purchase eight “sprint vehicles” — Ford Expeditions or Explorers — to transport patients, but the city administrative office said it wants to wait for federal funding for the ambulances.