City Cast Portland
Why Portland ambulances are in shorter supply
November 30, 2023
Good morning, Portland! It looks like the mountains are going to get some snow starting today 🏔️ The Cascades, from Southern Washington to Lane County, may get up to 20 inches at lower elevations ❄️
What's CITY Talking About?
No Ambulances More Often
During the first half of the year, Portland emergency responders declared a level zero, meaning no ambulances were available, 10% of the time. By October, it was 18%. A new analysis suggests the Portland Bureau of Emergency Communication may be overusing that label. But there are now as few as 32 ambulances operating in Multnomah County, down from the usual 50. That’s due to a staffing shortage, which is a national issue. [Willamette Week]
No Anesthesia, No Surgeries
Providence Health has canceled several hundred surgeries through the end of the year, predominantly at Providence Portland and St. Vincent hospitals. The hospital system’s new contractor failed to hire enough anesthesiologists, even as it offered salaries above half a million dollars a year. [Oregonian 🔒]
Climate Means Wolverines Need Protection
Female wolverines make dens of snow in the spring to raise their pups. The species also uses the snow as refrigeration for meat they scavenge. But a warmer climate has meant less snow, and the population has fallen to just 300 wolverines in the 48 contiguous states. They’ll now be listed and given protections under the federal Endangered Species Act. [New York Times 🔒]
- Related: Do you know your Portland nature trivia? [City Cast Portland 🎧]
Sponsored Content
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What To Do
🎄 Portland Night Market | Thursday - Sunday | Various Times
This time there’s a holiday theme with wreath making, live ice sculpting, and an appearance from Santa. Thursday is a preview night, with ticketed admission; admission is free on other days. [Various Prices, Central Eastside]
📖 Timeless Feminist Wisdom: A Poetic Conversation Between Adela Zamudio and Adrienne Rich | Thursday | 6:30 p.m.
Scholars will discuss where the work of the late Bolivian and American poets often overlapped. [Free, Downtown]
🍄 Fungi Film Fest | Thursday and Sunday | Various Times
Our mushroom-obsessed city has now been hosting this festival for four years running. This year there are 20 short films, representing nine different countries. [$16.25, Nob Hill]
Today on City Cast
Do You Know Your Portland Nature Trivia?
City Cast Portland podcast contributor and journalist Erin Ross is quizzing host Claudia Meza and executive producer John Notarianni on the biggest local science stories; everything from tallying volcanoes to what’s plaguing Portland’s puppies. You can play along too and see how many you get right!
When they fly over your head, it sounds like a plane.
It’s good to be back. I’ll see you tomorrow!
— Rachel Monahan
Edited by John Notarianni
Free · Daily