Thanks to anyone in advance for your input on this issue. As we all know times are tough and as a result departments are looking for money and savings any way they can get it. In our situation, we have several county VFD's that serve the rural areas and one combination department that serves the residents within the city limits as far as fire protection. The city department is funded by (obviously) tax revenues mostly. All rescue calls no matter the type or location within the county are currently handled by the city FD. The EMS is operated and funded by county government. So in these times, the city is re-evaluating their budget and has decided to ask for reimbursement for calls outside the city limits (primarily rescue calls) at a cost of about a thousand dollars per call. This would be paid by the county government, not the individual VFD's.
The county has proposed training the EMS crews and VFD's in extrication. etc.. and purchasing equipment to be placed on one of the units at the EMS station. Then when the call drops, they would dispatch EMS along with the appropriate VFD to complete the rescue. My question is the following:
Does anyone have experiences different or similar to these and how did they work in each case? We are in the preliminary stages of discussion at present but I think it would definitely behoove us to make sure our county officials are properly informed prior to them making any decisions that will affect the VFD's or the citizenry. Fortunately, the county officials do seem willing to listen and hopefully take the time to make an informed decision. We would greatly appreciate any and all input on this subject!!! Thanks and be safe!
The county has proposed training the EMS crews and VFD's in extrication. etc.. and purchasing equipment to be placed on one of the units at the EMS station. Then when the call drops, they would dispatch EMS along with the appropriate VFD to complete the rescue. My question is the following:
Does anyone have experiences different or similar to these and how did they work in each case? We are in the preliminary stages of discussion at present but I think it would definitely behoove us to make sure our county officials are properly informed prior to them making any decisions that will affect the VFD's or the citizenry. Fortunately, the county officials do seem willing to listen and hopefully take the time to make an informed decision. We would greatly appreciate any and all input on this subject!!! Thanks and be safe!
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