Mayor Neeley launches city-run ambulance service for Flint community

City of Flint Fire Department launched its own ambulance service on October 1, with the goal of reducing emergency response times for Flint residents.

The City of Flint will always have two ambulances in service, with a third ambulance as backup in case one of the primary ambulances needs repairs.

All City of Flint firefighters are certified EMTs and some firefighter/EMTs have additional training in pediatrics and trauma. All Flint Firefighter/EMTs are qualified to both drive the ambulance and provide life support.

A countywide shortage of ambulances and EMS personnel has resulted in long wait times for Flint residents who need emergency medical transport. “Crisis mode” has become routine for Genesee County 911; often only one ambulance is available to serve all 600-square-miles of Genesee County.

“When I was informed of the dire situation facing Flint residents due to the county-wide ambulance shortage, I immediately directed my team to bring an ambulance service back in-house within the Flint Fire Department,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “I want to thank Chief Wiggins and our entire team for moving so quickly and effectively on this initiative. They understood the assignment: Saving the lives of Flint residents. I’m confident that this will have a life-saving impact.”

The City of Flint ambulance service will operate exclusively in Flint, and will serve all residents, workers, and visitors in need within the city limits. However, the City of Flint will still be served by private ambulance companies as well. As usual, the closest ambulance available will be dispatched by Genesee County 9-1-1.

Addressing the Opioid Crisis
Mayor Neeley proposed and the Flint City Council unanimously approved the purchase of Flint’s first ambulance on March 25, 2024 using opioid settlement funds. The second and third ambulances were funded with a combination of opioid settlement and American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The city-run ambulance service is expected to be especially impactful for emergency response to the frequent overdoses in the City of Flint. Flint firefighters often administer Narcan onsite, but patients have remained stranded for up to an hour without emergency transport to a hospital. Now, with transport available, the City of Flint hopes to see improved outcomes for these patients.

The City of Flint ambulance service has been approved for operation by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services and the Genesee County Medical Control Authority. Genesee County 9-1-1 is ready to dispatch the ambulances beginning October 1, 2024.