ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – An initiative in Tompkins County could help residents and emergency services workers.
The Department of Emergency Response is spearheading a pilot program designed to cut down on EMS response times and help overworked agencies and volunteers. They’ve compiled data that accounts for what agencies are capable of responding to, and when they’re most capable of responding to identify gap areas in service. Director Michael Stitley says the rapid response program would help…
Stitley adds the strategically placed response vehicles would be operated by EMT’s and be outfitted with necessary equipment. The vehicles would be…
The Department of Emergency Response is working with over twenty agencies on the program. They believe it will help cut down on response times and unnecessary responses, as well as increase the quality of service the public receives and spell agencies and volunteers that are stretched thin. It has the full support of the Fire Chief’s Association.
Early indications show there would be three rapid response vehicles placed in designated areas in the county, with some fluidity in location. The manned vehicles would likely be operated during the weekdays, when most volunteers of other agencies are at their day jobs.
The Department of Emergency Response is ironing out costs for the program including salaries and will present it to the Public Safety Committee later this summer.
