Paramedic Shortage

Re “Proposal Targets Paramedic Shortage” Dec. 26, 1999.

The city’s priorities regarding our paramedic service are both mystifying and appalling.

Just a month ago, the mayor and City Council approved funding for new Fire Department helicopters and the relocation of paramedics to Van Nuys Airport, in record time, based on a task force recommendation (“Council OKs Upgrade for City Heliport,” Dec. 8). Now, Chief William Bamattre wants us to wait for paramedic service until next July so that he may experiment with a paramedic manning plan, ostensibly because of differences in opinion about the plan and the fact that some firefighters view paramedics as second-class members of the department.

It has been my personal experience, as a retired city chief negotiator, that this firefighter-versus-paramedic childish mentality has permeated since 1970. This issue should have been resolved years ago but, unfortunately, the lack of leadership at the top--both in management and the respective unions--has caused this attitude to continue to exist.

Who suffers? We, the citizens who need our excellent paramedic service. Case in point: In the 1998-’99 budget, funds were allocated specifically for a new ambulance and paramedic manning at Fire Station No. 70 in Northridge. We have been waiting over 25 years for an ambulance, since the station was built and promises were made.

The city charter provides that if any deviation (use) of budgeted funds in the amount of $5,000 or more that has been allocated for specific equipment and personnel (new ambulance and paramedics) [is] then used for other purposes, the general manager of that department shall inform the mayor and council immediately. Did Bamattre do so regarding the ambulance and paramedics at Fire Station No. 70?

It is imperative that the mayor and council act immediately to resolve this critical issue as the city’s No. 1 priority if we are to have a Class One Fire Department again.

No fire station should be without an ambulance and paramedics, as a 6 1/2-minute response time is not acceptable.

STEVEN A. MORGAN

Northridge