Lee County Board of County Commissioners Sends Proposal to Special Magistrate
October 26, 2011
Representatives of the IAEP spoke before the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on October 25, regarding the proposed change in servicing in Bonita Springs. The IAEP joined with the members of Local 533, supervisors with Lee County EMS of Florida, at the meeting at which a recent proposal to shift the most urgent medical transportation calls in Bonita Springs to the town’s fire department was discussed.
“I joined fellow IAEP National Representative Ken Skaggs and Director of Organizing Bryan Hamrick before the Board to stress how EMS should remain in the hands of EMS professionals,” said IAEP National Director Phil Petit. “We respect the work the Bonita Springs firefighters have done and continue to do, but we believe the proposal at hand would not represent a more cost efficient system, nor improve the quality of care currently being provided.”
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners ultimately decided to send this issue to a special magistrate who will review all of the facts and make a non-binding and impartial decision in regards to the EMS services in Bonita Springs.
“While the IAEP was hoping for a decision not to move forward with the Bonita Springs proposal, the decision to send the item to a special magistrate is a step in the right direction,” said Petit. “All of the facts need to be considered by an impartial party and we strongly believe that leaving the current system in place will ensure that the residents of Bonita Springs will continue to receive high-quality and lifesaving services throughout the future.”
The IAEP thanks all of the EMS professionals from Local 533 and Lee County EMS, as well as those from numerous surrounding counties, for appearing in support of Lee County EMS.