SANTA CLARITA : Supervisors Order Ambulance Inquiry

Concerns raised about the service being provided to Santa Clarita by Wilson Ambulance caused the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to call Tuesday for an investigation into the alleged problems.

Among the most serious allegations leveled by Canyon Country residents and a competing ambulance service was that Wilson’s ambulances were late in arriving at emergencies.

Supervisor Mike Antonovich had also asked that extension of the county’s contract with Wilson Ambulance be postponed until the issues could be addressed. But county attorneys reported that the contract had already been extended for another year just a few days ago.

According to the attorneys, it takes about a year to phase out one ambulance service and contract with another, so the extension would not preclude taking action against Wilson if the alleged problems are found to be serious.

Antonovich also called for a meeting with Wilson Ambulance, county health and fire officials, the Santa Clarita city manager and a representative of a competing ambulance service, Santa Clarita Ambulance.