CONTACT:        Timothy Wilson (FEMS)

(202) 673-3298; [email protected]

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The following is a statement provided by Acting DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief Gregory M. Dean in response to the evaluation released by the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor (ODCA) on implementing recommendations of the Task Force on Emergency Medical Services:

“Coming into office, Mayor Bowser initiated a top-to-bottom review of DC FEMS and embarked on a nationwide search for new leadership. I have been on the job for six weeks and we are hard at work to implement the Task Force’s recommendations.

“Under the Bowser Administration, the Department has taken steps to enhance our EMS system by increasing the number of ambulances during hours of peak demand; deploying additional personnel to our hospital liaison program to improve patient transfer at select hospitals; and collaborating with the Office of Unified Communication (OUC) to strengthen network connectivity with FEMS vehicles.

“Additionally, we have recreated the position of Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services. This role will be filled by former DCFEMS Interim Chief Edward R. Mills, III.  We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Jullette M. Saussy, MD, an experienced emergency medical practitioner, to serve as Medical Director for the Department. These hires emphasize a stronger departmental commitment to patient care.

“There are challenges before us, but it is our responsibility to rise above them. I am committed to taking a collaborative approach, with the support of the broader community and the Council to achieve our goal of providing the highest quality of professional and compassionate pre-hospital care to people who need it. I also thank the Auditor’s Office for their thorough review of the District’s compliance with the recommendations of the Task Force.”