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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-09-13, Page 15THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2007. PAGE 15. The recommendation to approve afirst response agreement between thecounty and the Blyth and BrusselsFire Departments sparked debate at county council Sept. 4. The Huron County emergency medical services bylaw for a tiered response agreement with local fire agencies was given final reading this past July. Blyth and Brussels departments have obtained their municipal council (North Huron and Huron East respectively) approval to proceed with enhancing their response capabilities to include several other situations beyond those in the agreement. In his information to county council, David Lew, manager of land ambulance operations, said he had contacted the London Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC) for comments. “They don’t see themselves as party to the agreement, but will implement the conditions to the best of their ability,” said Lew. The expectation of first response,Lew explained, is to reduce the timeprior to a trained individual arrivingon the scene before EMS arrival. “Itmay ensure a quicker response to thecitizen for the incidents described inthe addendum (to the original agreement).” His report maintained that the budget impact on the county should be minimal. Central Huron councillor Bert Dykstra wondered where lower tier stands in this agreement. “Do we need to set up some kind of agreement with the department.” Some Hullett residents in Central Huron are served by Blyth. “Does Central Huron have to agree to first response,” said Dykstra. Lew explained that lower tier municipalities that want first response will sign on and CACC will have it in the computer system. “It’s going to make it quite confusing, if Central Huron is part of Blyth Fire Department, but not first response, isn’t it?” Dykstra asked. Lew said he had been under the impression that the fire boards had approved the agreement, but hadbeen led to believe since this was notthe case. “I think it’s up to lower tierto decide if they want to participate.”Morris-Turnberry councillorDorothy Kelly, whose municipalityis served by Blyth, Brussels and Wingham departments also expressed concerns about confusion as well. John Bezaire, Central Huron councillor and chair of the health, ambulance and social services committee said that CACC had the ability to dispatch services as outlined. Should a municipality say they don’t want it, “it’s not fundamentally any different than it’s been. It’s just a matter of where the line moves.” “But is it fair,” asked Kelly, “that some of our residents can get it and others can’t.” “Some would suggest it’s up to lower tier to decide,” said Bezaire. “But I think it’s a good thing. I will voice my view on what Central Huron should have.” Huron East councillor Joe Seili said the decision to be a first response team was brought to hiscouncil by the Brussels firefighters.“They wanted to take the training.The coverage will be the same. It’sup to your department to make therecommendation to council. It’s notfair to force other departments to do this.” Chief administrative officer Larry Adams attempted to clarify that the recommendation before council had little to do with the concerns expressed. “This agreement is between upper and lower tier. The issues you’re dealing with are up to lower tier to decide who receives what services.” “But the last paragraph says, ‘there is no intent by Huron County EMS to place additional burden onthe local municipalities.’ But ourswill have to pick up cost.”Adams re-iterated that this wouldnot be the case if Central Huronsimply decides they don’t want firstresponse. “CACC will send out first response as stipulated. This agreement has been kicking around for a year. It lays out the parameters.” Seili expressed puzzlement too at Dykstra’s hesitation. “Blyth has been first response for a while now. They’ve been doing this for years. It’s nothing new. Why are you arguing now?” Dykstra and Kelly opposed the recommendation. Continued from page 12 Many family and friends helped to celebrate Ross Procter’s 80th birthday on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 9 at the Belgrave Community Centre. A delicious lunch, including birthday cake, was served by the Belgrave United Church Women. The community extends special birthday greetings to Ross. The community extends congratulations to Tania Pletch, Andy VanBeek and Makayla on the birth of Taylor Anne born on July 13 at Clinton hospital. Jennifer Cook and Mitchell Harris were married on Sept. 1 at the home of the bride’s parents, with the reception following at the Belgrave Community Centre. The community extends congratulations and best wishes. The community extends birth- day greetings to Deb Reid on the celebration of her 50th birth- day. First response raises debate at county council Now is the time! Preharvest Glyphosate FOR WHITE BEANS, SOYBEANS, ALSO WHEAT STUBBLE with a 120' Boom - makes less tracking WILMAR EAGLE - 120 FT. BOOMWalton Elevators Walton 519-887-9261 1-800-786-1476 Also ~ Off-farm trucking available at reasonable rates Good supply of Wheat Seed available • Soft White • Soft Red • Hard Red Everything you need for Preharvest Parrish & Heimbecker Limited WE ARE READY FOR HARVEST RECEIVING • White Beans • Soybeans • Corn Parrish & Heimbecker Limited Brussels Ag Society receives donation Cherry Hoste, manager of the Brussels CIBC presents a cheque for $500 to David Blaney, president of the Brussels Agricultural Society. By Bonnie GroppThe Citizen Friends gather for birthday