Council adopts file urging change of MFD, ambulance service providers

Today, (Tuesday, February 6) the Common Council adopted file #231588, a comprehensive resolution seeking greater change and accountability from the Milwaukee fire Department and ambulance service providers when they are dispatched for medical support. The resolution, introduced by Alderman Lamont Westmoreland, comes after an incident earlier this year in which a woman called 911 for support, was not located by the responding ambulance crew, and ultimately passed away.

“The event that took place several weeks ago that resulted in a loss of life was upsetting, and in my opinion very avoidable,” said Alderman Westmoreland. “This legislation passed today urges the Fire Department and our ambulance providers to revisit their standard operation procedures, and look into additional ways in which situations such as this one can be prevented in the future. We owe it to our constituents to offer the best services possible, especially in times of distress. I look forward to continuing this conversation and bolster our procedures with all the parties involved.”

The adopted resolution has three key pillars. First, the file urges the Chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department and all certified ambulance service providers operating within the City of Milwaukee 911 system to require responders to exit their vehicles and search for those requiring assistance at and beyond the location or landmark to which responders were dispatched, predicated upon the responders’ ability to visually and with certainty clear a reasonable area of any  victims who may have fallen down.

Additionally, the resolution urges the Chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department to conduct an analysis of existing and future technological capabilities to improve the potential for responders to locate cellular telephone 911 callers. Finally, the resolution urges the Chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department to review existing 911 dispatch protocols and to enhance such responses that occur for patients who are identified as being outdoors in extreme weather conditions.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.