COLUMBIANA COUNTY Council plans probe into medical response

The public hasn't complained about the first-response system, an official said.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Council's safety committee will probe fire department allegations that the public may be in danger because of the city's medical response policy.
The committee scheduled the meeting for 4 p.m. Thursday at city hall.
The complaints have been voiced as council has discussed eliminating the fire department and forming a new fire district with Perry Township.
Councilman Greg Oesch, safety committee chairman, said he wants to find out "if there is a problem with our first responders." He also is one of two councilmen who are taking part in the talks with the Perry Township trustees.
Michael Burns, the president of Salem Firefighters Local 283, has questioned whether a woman he declined to name died because of the policy. He also has questioned whether the city could be open to a lawsuit if the police department doesn't respond.
The program
In March, the city began a new first-response program that prohibited the fire department from being the first responder.
Public calls for medical help are to go to police, which calls a private ambulance service that rotates on a monthly basis.
At the scene, police or the ambulance service can then call the firefighters for help if needed. Police reports indicate that still happens.
Burns has said the fire department relays any direct calls for medical help to the police department. But Burns has also said firefighters will respond directly despite the directive. That's happened at least once.
Oesch said the meeting will consist of the committee members talking to the police chief.
The committee meeting won't get out of hand or turn into a protest or demonstration. "I won't let it," he added.
Despite the allegations, Oesch said he hasn't heard one complaint from the public about public safety.
Council says the proposed merger talks stem from the city's shrinking budget. Forming the fire district could save about $700,000 in the first year, according to Councilwoman Nancy Cope, chairwoman of council's finance committee.
Oesch said, "We're trying to be proactive. We're trying to look to the future."
Oesch said other communities have all-volunteer fire departments. Salem council envisions the proposed fire district would be a mix of full- and part-time firefighters.
wilkinson@vindy.com