COLUMBIA — The City of Columbia says firefighters will soon be able to drive Richland County ambulances.
A WIS investigation launched in April 2008 found that even if a firefighter is on scene at a Richland County 911 call, they are not able to drive ambulances to help out.
None of the counties surrounding Richland follow that policy, but it looks like that is changing. The city has agreed to the stipulations the county laid before them to change the policy, and Columbia has officially applied with DHEC to officially certify firefighters as first responders. (more…)
Also on SConFire…
- After Injury, FF’s Request Extension of Insurance – February 1, 2011
- Man Hit And Killed By Fire Truck – December 9, 2010
- Victim In Fiery Crash Identified – November 22, 2010
- State Fire News Roundup – June 27, 2011
This is good news. For over a year, I followed this issue on “Firefighter Hourly”
and commented on how “Dumb” the previous policy of not allowing firefighters to drive the ambulances when the incident patient required ALS treatment.
Looks like one benefit is, I would hope the Columbia Firefighters seek to have a
EMS percentage pay raise. 160 Hours spent at medical training is worth a 5% percent or more pay differential.
Then again this is Columbia, where their
were last I read a City manager and four assistant city managers each recieving more than $100,000 dollars a year in wages and perks.
Good job Columbia Firefighters!