PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh city officials say they are still committed to a plan to transfer first responder work to the fire bureau, despite the paramedic union’s rejection of that proposal.
The proposed plan would create a joint paramedic-firefighter unit for more complicated rescues, according to the Post-Gazette.
The city also proposed equipping vehicle extrication equipment on fire trucks, cutting down on the need for paramedics needed on call. Officials say with this plan, more ambulance crews could be allocated to peak call times.
City consultants say the plan is the most efficient and cost-effective; the fire bureau has trained many of its members to be “all hazards” crews that can respond to a variety of emergencies, such as vehicle extrications and medical crises.
However, paramedics, who have been working without a contract since December 2010, voted 134-0 on Friday in rejection of the proposed plan.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said that despite this, he “remains committed” to the plan.