EMS Feud Erupts in 911 Threat

An on-going, long-term feud between San Joaquin County (Calif.) and the Stockton Fire Dept. over handling of EMS 911 calls may have led to a firefighter’s threat during a 911 call he made to American Medical Response (AMR). Fire chief Ron Hittle said a firefighter had been suspended with pay during an investigation into the call. The county shifted EMS 911 call handling to AMR last year, but the city has appealed that decision in court, arguing it should be able to directly handle EMS 911 calls within the city. During this recent call, a “Tony Silva” asked for an ambulance for his father, but apparently became upset with the 16 questions the AMR dispatcher asked him over 2 minutes 16 seconds. “Just send an ambulance,” Silva said. He hung up and later called the Stockton FD directly for help. During the call, Silva said, “I oughta go shoot the (expletive) supervisors for hiring you dumb (expletive).” The dispatcher did send an ambulance mid-way into the call, but didn’t tell Silva that a unit was enroute during the continued questioning.