Recent developments have caught my attention regarding the ongoing dispute between Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) and the Peoria Fire Department. This turf war, which had been quiet for several years, seems to be stirring once again. Back in the day, both entities clashed over who would handle paramedic services and patient transport within Peoria city limits. Eventually, AMT struck a deal with the city, agreeing to pay $85,000 annually, adjusted for inflation, for exclusive patient transport rights in Peoria. In 2009, this agreement was amended to permit the fire department to operate three advanced life support (ALS) engines. Now, the fire department is seeking approval for a fourth ALS engine stationed at House 19, located on the northwest side of the city. This area is close to the new Louisville Slugger complex and The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. The cost for this additional engine is approximately $5,000. However, some argue that Peoria's current services are sufficient and don't require this expansion. Peoria Fire Chief Charles Lauss and Rick Waldron, president of Peoria Firefighters Union Local 50, insist that this move is not an attempt to replace AMT. "We have an existing agreement," Lauss stated. "We cannot enter the transport business unless we give AMT a five-year notice. Our goal is to improve our services and strengthen our collaboration with AMT." Currently, Peoria firefighters provide basic life support, while only the three paramedics assigned to the ALS engines and AMT staff are at the ALS level. Both Lauss and Waldron, himself a firefighter-paramedic, view the addition of a fourth ALS engine as beneficial for the community and a way to enhance relations with AMT. "As long as we get a medic to the scene quickly, that's what matters most," Waldron emphasized. He believes that having more paramedics on standby ensures faster response times and better care for residents. However, officials from AMT, a non-profit organization providing ambulance services in the Peoria area for years, hold a different opinion. They argue that increasing the number of paramedics might negatively impact service quality, as there may not be enough demand to maintain proficiency among all personnel. "Providing the best service doesn't mean doing everything; it means doing the right things," said Andrew Rand, AMT's executive director. He referenced two letters written last year by Dr. Matthew Jackson, head of the Peoria Area Emergency Medical Services system, addressing the issue of paramedic oversaturation. According to Dr. Jackson, Peoria has around 6.4 paramedics per 10,000 people, significantly higher than many U.S. cities. Studies show that excessive paramedic numbers can worsen patient outcomes, particularly during critical situations like cardiac arrests. This decline occurs mainly due to skill degradation from diluted experience. Despite these concerns, Lauss remains confident in his team's capabilities. "Our paramedics receive all necessary training hours and exposure. Moreover, many of them work for other agencies on their days off to keep their skills sharp," he explained. Currently, the request for the fourth ALS engine is under review by the PAEMS director. Following this, the City Council will likely discuss the proposal at a future meeting. Tube Roller,Furnace Rollers,Cantilever Roller Table,Stainless Steel Tube Furnace Roller Taizhou Xinyuan Machinnery Co.,Ltd , https://www.xinyuanmachinery.com