Baker City, Oregon Development News

Baker City Council Debates Medical Call Response Policy and Fire Engine Rotation

The council discussed the current medical call response policy and its impact on response times. Firefighters expressed concerns that the policy leads to delays in medical calls due to the need to decipher dispatch tones and assess call severity. They are worried about repercussions for not triaging properly, even with limited initial information. The discussion also touched on the city's past ambulance service, staffing levels, and the challenges of responding to calls when the primary ambulance service (Pioneer) is unavailable or has limited resources. The participants debated the criteria for responding to calls, the distinction between BLS and ALS calls, and the potential for micromanagement from the council. The conversation also included a discussion on the vehicle rotation policy, with concerns raised about equipment transfer between engines and the use of the most appropriate vehicle for emergency situations. The Chief clarified that the new engine has all the necessary equipment and that the goal of rotation is to ensure equipment is used and maintained, not to force the use of an older, less-equipped vehicle. The council acknowledged the need for a clearer plan and agreed to work on a revised agreement.