On July 8th, Portage Council decided that the city would no longer be automatically sending the Portage Fire Department to assist EMS at the scene of an accident. The decision sparked immediate concerns from safety advocates, including union leaders and MGEU Paramedics.
“There’s no question in my mind that this decision will have negative, and potentially life-threatening, consequences on patients and paramedics alike and should be reversed,” says MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky, who spoke to Council last night.
MGEU EMS Local 417 President Brent Curry also presented to provide the perspective of EMS personnel working on the front lines.
“These restrictions will affect the safety of Paramedics as well as the public, and on behalf of paramedics and as a Portage resident I want to say I am profoundly disappointed,” he said.
Curry drew attention to the fact fire fighters have specialized skills to identify and limit potential hazards at a collision scene in order to make it safer for other emergency responders.
“Air bags can be one of the biggest concerns we face. If these are not disconnected properly they can cause a deployment secondary to the collision. Fire fighters have specialized training to perform this task. We do not… I ask you on behalf of all Paramedics for you to reconsider your decision so we can be safe and go home to our families.”
Council will consider the presentations made by the MGEU and other safety advocates, along with a final report by consultants who have been hired to assess the fire department.
Portage Mayor Earl Porter says he expects the consultant’s report to be finalized sometime in September and hopes to settle the matter in October.