Central Dispatch staffing and ambulance call load
Summary
The fire department's new ambulance service launched July 1 and is hitting its targets — about 67 calls a day, under 8-minute average response times, and a 15% refusal rate. Eight ambulances are housed permanently in stations (six 24-hour, two peak-hour). Residents can expect faster EMS response.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 26, 2026.
Impact analysis
Flat budget request with no new positions.
All Evansville residents needing emergency medical response, especially in neighborhoods near the eight stations.
Current dispatchers carrying extra load while short-staffed during the 14–16 week training period.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Joint City/County Budget Hearings - Aug 26, 2026
Dispatchers are working short-staffed while absorbing fire department ambulance dispatch duties — over 2,000 emergency medical runs in July alone. A flat budget funds two training classes to move toward full staffing of 35 dispatchers.
Evansville Fire Department Merit Commision - Jul 14, 2026
The fire department's new ambulance service launched July 1 and is hitting its targets — about 67 calls a day, under 8-minute average response times, and a 15% refusal rate. Eight ambulances are housed permanently in stations (six 24-hour, two peak-hour). Residents can expect faster EMS response.
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