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Faster alerts for EMS frustrates Texas fire department

Fire officials attribute problem to way dispatchers handle calls

By Tony Plohetski
The American-Statesman

AUSTIN, Texas — In the 18 months he has shared a station with paramedics, Austin fire Capt. Les McKay has watched them frequently speed away to emergencies sometimes several seconds before he and his crew are alerted to a fire.

The time lapse has frustrated him.

“I’m not going to lie to you,” said McKay, who works at a station near U.S. 183 and Burnet Road in North Austin.

Full story: Austin paramedics alerted to reported fires ahead of firefighters