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East Cleveland's blended EMS and fire departments are currently without an ambulance. EMS responders will travel to give aid via fire truck, but can't transport anyone (cleveland.com file photo)

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio -- East Cleveland is was left without an ambulance after a loaned vehicle from Mayfield Heights broke down on Sunday.

So while firefighters can drive to a scene in their fire engine and give medical care, they are relying on mutual aid from neighboring departments to transport anyone to the hospital. The city's own three EMS vehicles aren't functional, but one might be up and running by this afternoon, East Cleveland Fire Chief Rick Wilcox said.

East Cleveland, in which all firefighters are paramedics, began using the Mayfield Heights ambulance Friday. Mayfield Heights recently approved its donation to the city, pending acceptance from East Cleveland city council, Wilcox said. The ambulance was towed back to Mayfield Heights Sunday.

For now, Wilcox said the department is urging residents to call 911 for medical transport only if the situation is life-threatening.

The East Cleveland Firefighters IAFF Local 500 posted about the situation on Facebook.

This article has been updated to show that East Cleveland ambulance service is back. Please see this article for updates.

