By EMS1 Staff
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — In an effort to speed up response times and provide fast medical service, the Fort Wayne Fire Department is pursuing a takeover of the city’s ambulance services.
The department announced Tuesday it will begin taking steps to take control of the local ambulance service and its assets. If successful, the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority would be dissolved and its employees would be offered position with the fire department, reported wane.com.
“A commitment to the safety of residents is critical as we work each day to serve and protect Fort Wayne,” Fire Chief Eric Lahey said. “It’s important to continue to improve services provided to the public. It’s clear that having the FWFD lead emergency services will position us to provide enhanced and more efficient care to those in need of emergency medical attention.”
The department said they are first to arrive on scene 75 percent of the time and provide service until paramedics arrive.
Once ambulance services fall under the control of the department, officials said one paramedic will be placed on every engine, allowing for ALS to arrive on scenes faster.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Fort Wayne Fire Department to lead the efforts to increase the level of service and care being provided to residents in emergency situations,” Lahey said.
If the agreement is approved, the new model would begin July 1, 2018.