Long Beach Cuts Emergency Response Times by 30 Seconds

When someone calls 911 in Long Beach, California, paramedics now arrive 30 seconds faster than before, and that difference can save lives.

The Long Beach Fire Department announced this week that strategic investments in emergency response are already paying off. By restoring a full-time paramedic rescue unit and adjusting staffing across the city, the department has dramatically improved how quickly help reaches people in crisis.

The numbers tell a powerful story. From January 1 to January 20 last year, Long Beach had zero ambulances available 52 times in just 20 days. This year during the same period, ambulances were unavailable only twice.

Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan credits the improvement to several smart moves. Rescue 2, which operated part-time during peak hours, now runs 24 hours a day in the downtown area. Engine 11 in North Long Beach added paramedic assessment capabilities, and Peak Load Rescue 13 relocated to the west side to cover more ground.

The changes came after the City Council allocated funds in the 2026 budget and approved a labor agreement with the Long Beach Firefighters Association. City leaders recognized that growing call volumes required more resources to keep residents safe.

"Returning Rescue 2 to full service is about making sure that when someone calls in Long Beach for help, there is a rescue that is ready to respond," said Second District Councilmember Cindy Allen. Long Beach now operates nine fully funded advanced life support ambulance units around the clock.

The Ripple Effect

The improvements reach beyond faster response times. Firefighters facing heavy workloads now have better support and resources to do their jobs effectively. Residents across all neighborhoods benefit from more evenly distributed emergency coverage.

The city continues investing in fire department infrastructure, with new Station 9 opening this summer in the Bixby Knolls area. The station will house a reassigned basic life support unit, further strengthening the emergency response network.

"In our ever-growing city that continues to evolve, the needs of residents, especially in times of crisis or emergency, remain a top priority," said Fifth District Councilmember Megan Kerr. Fire Captain Dennis Garrett emphasized that these resources play a vital role during periods of high call volume, strengthening operational readiness citywide.

When emergencies strike, 30 seconds can mean everything, and Long Beach just gave its residents 30 more reasons to feel safer.