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CLEARWATER, FL -- Pinellas County Commissioners approved a resolution that will cost people their lives, firefighters and paramedics said Friday.
When seconds count to save lives, Pinellas rescue units average four and a half minutes to respond. The Commission approved a plan today to relax that standard to seven and a half minutes.
County EMS Chief Craig Hare says it will save $18 million a year, because EMS can move rescue ambulances out of quieter stations and put paramedics on engines. The move will eliminate five rescue units and dozens of firefighter or paramedic jobs.
St. Petersburg Firefighter Winfred Newton, who is also the union president, told abcactionnews.com, "When people tell you it's only a couple of minutes or so, try holding your breath for a couple of minutes. See if that works out okay for you. This is serious business."
Clearwater Fire Rescue lieutenant Paul Capo said, "There is no way you can eliminate firefighter positions, or units, and not decrease the level of care through Pinellas County."
Pinellas County has 19 different fire departments, which are funded in large part by the county.
