(Cushing, Okla.) Fire Chief Brent Kerr and Deputy Chief Chris Pixler had a big announcement at Monday night’s City Commission meeting – Tuesday, Aug. 17th will mark the start of phasing in paramedic level ambulance service in Cushing.
“We are very excited to announce this first step in the process to bring paramedic level services to the citizens of Cushing,” Kerr said.
Paramedic service will be offered on a limited basis depending upon Fire Department staffing and call volume. According to Chief Kerr, the call volume continues to be on the rise. “We’ve had almost 1200 calls since January 1st.”
Initially there will be five paramedics available to provide services. It is anticipated that the number of paramedics will continue to increase through 2012. At that point, paramedic services are expected to be fully staffed. Currently the Fire Department has three additional firefighters/emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in paramedic school scheduled to graduate in June, 2011. Additional EMTs will start school in Feb. 2011 and graduate in 2012.
“The process to bring paramedic level services to the citizens of Cushing started over two years ago,” Kerr said. “It’s been a big effort by the City, Cushing Regional Hospital Foundation and Central Technology Center. We’re definitely very excited that it’s starting.”
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