Dispatcher, ambulance shortages slow response in San Francisco

San Francisco Chronicle, April 14, 2008

An investigation of San Francisco's 911 dispatch system found that 27 percent of first responders arrive late on the scene of high-priority medical emergencies. Many of the delays are the result of slow processing of 911 calls. The review of about 200,000 emergency medical calls during a four year period found that at least 439 people died while waiting for a late ambulance or after delayed medical help arrived. San Francisco officials are exploring potential solutions to reduce ambulance delays.