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
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