Peace River Town Council has voted to discontinue medical co-responses from the fire department at their latest meeting. Councillor Orren Ford says council made the move because with the co-responses in place, residents were paying for the same emergency service twice. From now on, when a resident calls 911, they get a choice as to which emergency service they need. He says whey they choose medical, the fire department no longer responds, just the ambulance does. Alberta Health Services makes the decision on if the fire department goes to the scene if the situation requires it. Ford says while it does raise some questions, including on the length of service times, he says the change will mean no differences in risks to local residents. He adds when dispatchers move to their new location beside the hospital after its constructed, residents will see an up to three minute decrease in response times. Ford says council studied the issue for 3 to 4 months before making their decision.
– Posted by BET
