New FDNY order sending patients to closest hospital provokes backlash: ‘Stupid — in a word’

Source: New York Post

A new city Fire Department directive aimed at slashing the rise in 911 response times has provoked a huge backlash, with patients and hospitals claiming it’s actually jeopardizing safety instead of being a lifesaver. FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker imposed a rule March 12 requiring EMS ambulance crews to transport all patients — whether their condition is life-threatening — to the nearest hospital, not one where the patients have a relationship with their doctor or where they prefer to go. 4 FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker imposed a rule requiring EMS ambulance crews to transport all patients to the nearest hospital.