Firefighter's EMS Plan Gaining Support

Pinellas County's Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (EMSAC) is now recommending that County Commissioners hire a consultant to look at a proposal to have firefighters transport patients to hospitals.

The proposal, which was created by Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Lt. Scott Sanford and Lealman Fire District Capt. Jim Millican, would change to the way crews respond to medical emergencies in Pinellas County. 

Currently, firefighters arrive at a medical emergency and treat the patient. A separate ambulance then takes the patient to the hospital. 

Sanford and Millican say that under their firefighter-based transport plan, patients would arrive at the hospital quicker because firefighters would treat patients and also take them to the hospital. The pair also says their proposal would save taxpayers money.

"We're thrilled that the EMSAC has asked the county to commission an unbiased, outside evaluation of fire-based transport because we know this is the model saving money and delivering superior EMS service to the cast majority of Floridians. If other counties can save both money and lives, we're sure we can do it here too," said Sanford.

Many other counties in Florida already use this type of firefighter-based transport. (see accompanying map)

Millican and Sanford have been pitching their plan to Pinellas County's fire districts. So far, nine of the 18 fire districts support further evaluation of the emergency transport plan. Sanford and Millican anticipate additional agencies will also support the proposal.

Later this month, Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, will host a public hearing of Pinellas County officials, emergency management staff, and the public to discuss EMS transport services in Pinellas County.

A hotline has been set up for citizens to voice their opinion about the firefighter-based transport plan. The number is (727) 346-8911. 

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