West Manatee Fire Rescue is pursuing multiple avenues to obtain a license to offer non-transport advanced life support services.
Chief Tom Sousa discussed the push with the WMFR board of commissioners at their Oct. 20 meeting, reporting that negotiations are ongoing with Manatee County. Resolutions of support from the island cities have been requested. Also, Sousa says there is an ongoing campaign to change the existing state law to provide expanded services.
Florida statutes allow counties to set standards for issuing a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which is required to perform ALS services.
At an Oct. 20 meeting, Sousa reported that he and five other local fire chiefs met with Manatee County public safety director Robert Smith and acting EMS Chief Paul Dicicco to discuss allowing their fire districts acquisition of the required license.
The chiefs were “pretty much” in agreement that their districts need the ability to operate non-transport ALS services, Sousa said.
“The idea they floated to us is hiring a county employee” with the districts sharing in the cost, Sousa said. “And they would put them on our fire engines and they would be firefighter-paramedics.”
Multiple members of the WMFR commission expressed reservations with the proposal from county officials.
“That’s common in Pinellas Park,” said Commissioner George Harris. “And there’s some ALS engines that are hardly ever staffed as a result of a shortage of paramedics. I would caution us to steer away from that direction.”
“They want to hire more people rather than use the qualified staff we already have,” said Chairman Randal Cooper.
The county plans to present a more detailed proposal in November, according to Sousa. “They have no alternative suggestions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Holmes Beach City Commission was scheduled to discuss a resolution Oct. 25 supporting the fire district’s efforts to receive the requested COPCN from the county.
The Anna Maria City Commission is scheduled to review a resolution Oct. 27 and Bradenton Beach commissioners also are expected to consider a resolution.
Sousa said WMFR would continue to support efforts by other counties to change state law to allow more qualified organizations to obtain COPCN licenses.
Cooper encouraged people to talk about the proposed legislation with neighbors and friends.
“It’s a no-brainer,” he said. “People are shocked to hear this is an issue.”