THUNDER BAY -- The city is waiting to see what the province will do with a proposal to give fire fighters more responsibilities on medical calls.
The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association made the proposal earlier this year that a fire fighter could be trained to give certain drugs during medical calls. Known as a firemedic, association proposes certain cities could launch a pilot program to study the idea.
The proposal, which does not include Thunder Bay as a potential pilot city, was brought up again at the Association of Ontario Municipalities conference this week. Coun. Joe Virdiramo said Thunder Bay asked that it be consulted should the province decide to launch the pilot study.
"We're going to wait and see," he said.
"We're going to see what the government does with that issue."
Superior North EMS chief Norm Gale said council hasn't brought up the idea to him but as head of the Ontario Association of Paramedics Chiefs, the issue has been discussed provincially. So far though, Thunder Bay is not part of the plan.
"Council has not asked for my advice and opinion on any of those matters. Should they ask I'd be happy to provide it."
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Chief John Hay said the plan i sonly at the proposal stage.
"There's still a lot to learn about what we'd need to make it effective," he said.
And that's only if council one day decided to increase its service level. So far, he's waiting to see what the province does with the proposal.
