City officials analyze emergency response delays in recent ambulance calls

The City Council of Carmel-by-the-Sea convened for a special meeting on May 5, 2025, to address various public safety concerns, particularly focusing on emergency response times for ambulance and fire services. The meeting began with a review of the monthly performance metrics, revealing that the city achieved only 83% of its goal for Code 3 ambulance calls, which is set at a target of 95%.

Council members expressed concerns regarding the response times, prompting a detailed examination of specific incidents. Commander Treher provided insights into three notable cases that exceeded the five-minute response benchmark. He explained that response times can be affected by various factors, including the time of day and the challenges of locating addresses, especially during nighttime.

The first incident discussed involved a response to an expected death at Monteverde and Ninth, where the fire department took 5 minutes and 43 seconds to arrive. Commander Treher noted that the early morning timing likely contributed to delays, as personnel may not have been immediately available.

The second case, at Casanova and Thirteenth, involved a fire alarm that took 7 minutes for the fire department to respond. The delay was attributed to confusion over the address provided by the alarm company, which did not match local cross streets.

The third incident, at Guadalupe and Second, involved a tree branch falling on a roof. The fire department's response was delayed due to safety concerns regarding downed power lines, which required careful assessment before proceeding.

While all three incidents fell outside the desired response time, Commander Treher emphasized that the delays were not solely due to distance but rather a combination of situational factors. The council acknowledged the importance of these discussions in understanding and improving emergency response protocols.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring response times and addressing any underlying issues to enhance public safety in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Further follow-up actions were anticipated as the council seeks to ensure that emergency services meet the community's needs effectively.