CLEVELAND — According to a report released by the Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees, 58 percent of the city's emergency vehicles are rated in "poor" condition and are beyond the recommended six-year lifespan.
The report sent to News 5 shows more than half of the EMS fleet has more than 200,000 miles, the association is now urging Cleveland city council to find more funding during capital budget talks this coming spring.
Eleven of Cleveland's 36 ambulances have more than 300,000 miles.
Cleveland Councilman Kevin Conwell, who is a member of the city finance committee, told News 5 the report creates some real safety concerns, especially with EMS now responding to more than 100,000 calls for help annually.
"It's very important that the employees are riding safely, it's very important that people are safe," Conwell said.
"I sit on the finance committee, and you made sure that I have the report, and it's very concerning to me."
The Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees told News 5 it believes four new EMS vehicles are needed every year to maintain safety, and said currently only two new vehicles are set for this year.
Conwell said he's contacted the Cleveland Safety Director, and is now planning a series of ride along trips with EMS crews in the coming weeks, to get a better handle on the condition of vehicles on the road.
"I'm glad that you gave it to me now, before the capital budget comes up, and then we can start talking about it, to champion it in that direction," Conwell said.
"I want to see what we have in the capital budget because I haven't visited the capital budget as yet."
"I've been in the general fund budget, which just ended today, and then I'll move over to the capital budget, and that's on the top of my priority list."
You can read the full report below.
Cleveland EMS 2019 Fleet Report by Wews WebStaff on Scribd
