Firefighters face crisis as ambulance demand skyrockets

During a recent council meeting, members expressed gratitude for the efforts of public safety teams and highlighted community events aimed at fostering engagement and safety. Council member Fogel commended the Parks and Recreation department for a successful Fourth of July festival, acknowledging the hard work of public safety workers during the holiday. Council member Baxter shared a personal experience, praising the professionalism and quick response of emergency services after a 911 call.

The meeting also featured a significant address from Kevin Pletzky, president of the firefighters union, who raised concerns about the increasing demand on emergency services in Lexington. He reported that from January 1 to July 8, 2023, there were 1,425 dispatches for surge units—ambulances staffed during peak demand periods—leaving fire engines without crews. Pletzky emphasized the strain this places on firefighters, who often have to choose between responding to medical emergencies and maintaining fire truck availability.

Pletzky referenced a 2013 strategic plan that called for additional ambulances when dispatch numbers exceeded 3,000 per unit. He noted that the busiest ambulance was dispatched over 5,800 times in the past year, highlighting the urgent need for more resources. He urged the council to prioritize funding for additional personnel and ambulance crews in upcoming budget discussions, framing it as an opportunity to enhance service delivery in light of the city's growth.

As the council prepares for its summer break, the discussions underscored the critical need for improved emergency services to meet the demands of a growing population, with calls for immediate action to address staffing shortages and resource allocation.