by KYW's Mike Dunn

Philadelphia's fire commissioner was in the hot seat on Wednesday, with members of City Council questioning him on why he has so many unfilled openings for paramedics.

Fire commissioner Lloyd Ayers (in file photo at right) admitted at a City Council budget hearing on Wedensday that he's currently short 31 paramedics -- about 10 percent of the total complement of nearly 300..

Councilman Frank Rizzo asked Ayers why he doesn't ask for a waiver to the city residency requirement to fill those openings:
 
"I just can't imagine, knowing that we've got vacancies, and we're not doing what we need to do!"
 
Ayers said that outsiders hired in the past for paramedic openings frequently don't stay very long in the job.  

In the meantime, Ayers said, lesser-trained emergency medical technicians handle calls:

"I don't really have a concern based on the numbers. Eighty percent of our calls are for basic life support that emergency medical technicians can handle."

But there's money in Mayor Nutter's new budget to hire 80 more paramedics. Ayers admits it will be summer of 2009 before all 111 slots are filled.

(Photos: Phila. Fire Dept.)