Transcare
1346-48 N Mascher St
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 267-773-8510

Hello? Anybody out there? At this very moment there are 3 ambulances that have been sitting there idling since 6AM. It is now 7:38. It's outrageous. I can smell the exhaust in my house.

This was last night, 3/16/10. 5 ambulances in a row sitting idling.

Thanks for this update, Joe.
We sent a letter to Transcare in January and have been working with Air Management Services (AMS) on enforcement. However, we've had some difficulty sorting out AMS policies around emergency vehicles. We'll keep at it, though.

The Clean Air Council Team
(215) 567-4004 x108

Thanks for your efforts. Regardless of policies around emergency vehicles, I can't imagine how this could be permitted in a residential area. The noise and exhaust fill our homes and is a health hazard.

If a bus, large commercial truck or construction equipment is observed to be running its engine while stationary, please report it to the Air Management Services Unit at 215-685-7580.

All other vehicles, (cars, pickup trucks, vans, motorcycles, etc.), please report it to the Police Department at 911. Thank you. (mb)

The idling goes on unabated. Usually starts around 5AM and continues through the day. I've seen city street signs that say "No Idling." Does anyone know how to initiate their placement?

Addditionally, they have expanded the garage and vehicles now idle on the 1300 block of No. Hancock St. as well as the Master St. side.

Hi Joe,
Thanks for continuing to keep us updated on this idling matter. Unfortunately, we have found out that emergency vehicles are exempt from idling laws. However, if you would like to approach the business and ask if they would be amenable to having a "no idling" sign hung up, we will hang one up for free.
Let us know,
The Clean Air Council Team
(215) 567-4004 x110

This is a tough situation

They clearly abuse this exemption. Their routine is to start the ambulance, roll it out of the garage to streetside. Then, while its running, load it up with supplies. This often takes an hour. Making matter worse is the drivers and employees also stand around shooting the bull or smoking cigarettes all the while the engines are running. Multiply this by the number of ambulances housed here (maybe 25?) and you can imagine the situation. An ambulance left running while the crew is inside a location picking up a patient--understandable. Just left running for heck of it? Should still be illegal.

The Medidock solves the problem of idling ambulances. See our website at www.airedock.com (follow link to Medidock)

I've heard that the reason the idle is because if they shut off, many of the on-board systems power down as well. While I can't stand it either, I think this one is acceptable and not an abuse.

Keep all the onboard systems powered up, the interior comfortable, and medications safe; use the Medidock. Stop idling! www.medidock.us.com

See the new website for Medidock www.medicaire.net