3 ambulances could have helped D.C. officer

WASHINGTON – District of Columbia officials say there were three city fire department ambulances that could have transported a seriously injured police officer who had to wait 15 minutes for an ambulance from Prince George’s County.

A report from the city’s deputy mayor for public safety has found that three ambulances were improperly out of service when the officer was struck on March 5. All were within 4 miles of the scene.

The city has 39 ambulances. At the time, 30 were responding to calls, and six were out of service for legitimate reasons.

Seven employees are being disciplined for failing to follow protocols. The report says safeguards have been implemented to prevent similar incidents.

The response to the injured officer has fueled debate about whether the fire department has adequate resources.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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