Saturday, January 12, 2013
Under the proposed change, firefighters and paramedics would no longer both be dispatched to minor 911 calls, such as those about a fall or a sick person.
Next week, Pinellas County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on a resolution that will change the way firefighters and ambulances respond to emergency 911 calls throughout the county. The vote is the third phase in Pinellas County's effort to streamline its 911 dispatch system. In September, the Largo City Commission supported Pinellas County Administrator Bob LaSala's recommendation to dispatch just Sunstar ambulances on certain calls for emergency service. "We have the Cadillac of systems in Pinellas County, and we can no longer afford it. We need to get costs under control," said Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala. Under the proposed change, firefighters and paramedics, or "first responders," would no longer both be dispatched…
Friday, September 21, 2012
Pinellas County Adminstrator Bob LaSala recommends dispatching only Sunstar units on certain calls and not the fire department too, according to a city report.
Changes may come to how emergency personnel respond to calls in Largo. The Largo City Commission supported this week the county adminstrator's recommendation to dispatch just Sunstar ambulances on certain calls for emergency medical services. In Pinellas County there is one ambulance provider, Paramedic Plus, operating under the trade name "Sunstar." Right now, the current dual response system requires both the fire department and an ambulance be dispatched on calls, according to a city report. The system is part of "priority medical dispatch" and uses an internationally recognized list of computer-generated questions known as "structural interrogation" to determine which services are needed for each 911 call, said Largo Fire Chief Michael…
Monday, June 25, 2012
From skim boarders to waders, young people often use flooded roads as playgrounds after bad storms. Here are five tips for staying safe.
Skim boarders, kayakers and folks just splashing around all seemed to have ventured out Sunday for a romp in the rain. Call it cabin fever — or just another weird Florida moment. But be warned: Floodwaters also may pose serious health risks. The waters are a problem when they contain fecal material, bacteria and viruses. And there is no sure way for the public to know if the flooded street or playground is safe. Public health officials offer the following tips for staying and playing safe: For information, contact the Pinellas County Health Department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.
pikehunter
8:50 am on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
This is retarded. If you have city fire ambulances, why do you need to have a secondary service? more ›