Closure of HMC’s two hospitals increasing 911 calls

The closure of HMC’s two hospitals has actually led to an increase in 911 calls.

That’s according to EMS officials.

The increase has at times taxed the city’s ambulance service.

As a result the city has turned to its partners, the federal fire department and American Medical Response to help shoulder The load at no cost to the city or patient.

"Rather than send one of our own ambulances all the way across Oahu we’re going to utilize one of our partners if they’re the closest available ambulance. Your bill whether or not it’s from the city or AMR — if the bill is generated through 911 it will be exactly the same," says Dr. Jim Ireland, EMS director.

Ireland says a recent analysis by the state shows EMS response times have improved since the closure of the two hospitals.

He says the reason is because the city has more ambulance crews scheduled.