Baker City Fire Department should continue as ambulance provider

We are gravely concerned with the potential of changing Baker City ambulance service to a contractor instead of continuing the excellent service provided by Baker Fire Department. We support continuing to use the Baker Fire Department for the ambulance service.

We observed contracted ambulance attendants recently in another community care for a family member. They were scheduled for transport from a hospital to a treatment facility and return. They were very late, nearly causing our family member to lose his appointment. He was in a great deal of pain and very cold. They were not respectful of his condition, handled him poorly, did not provide a blanket or protection from the weather (raining) during transport, and worst of all, they did not know where they were going and missed the location several times. We made a complaint, but the community said that this was the only ambulance service available and they were contracted. We have not used the current Baker City Fire Department ambulance service, but know friends that have. They are reported to be very prompt, caring and careful with the patients. They certainly know where they are going as well.

Another significant reason to keep the ambulance service with the Fire Department is that it allows the Fire Department to keep the permanent staff they currently have. This helps our community twofold; by keeping qualified firefighters on hand that are also trained as paramedics. We get more bang for our bucks this way plus we continue to employ folks that live in and contribute to our community. Also, if a private ambulance company takes over then the city fire department will most likely lose much of their capabilities for fire suppression and rescue due to reduced staff.

Baker Fire Department staff are dedicated employees that provide important professional services, both medical and fire suppression, as well as fire prevention education and other services. Baker Fire Department staff have knowledge of the people who live here and where the medical services are located.

Please support keeping the ambulance service with the Baker Fire Department.

Dorothy and Bob Mason

Baker City