GA Department Updates Forcible Entry Policy After Investigation
Source Firehouse.com News
An investigation by WRDW has spurred a new forcible entry policy for Augusta firefighters, allowing them to use more discretion prior to law enforcement's arrival at medical calls.
The policy change came to the forefront after firefighters had to wait 15 minutes for law enforcement to arrive at a medical calls to gain access to the patient, Nichoel Gaither, who told a 9-1-1 dispatcher that they were unable to breath.
The caller died inside the home before firefighters were able to get to the caller to provide care, the television station reported.
The department’s previous policy required law enforcement to be on scene prior to firefighter's forcing entry at medical calls.
The new policy allows them to determine if they should make entry prior to law enforcement arriving.
“I look forward too presenting a final review to the commission and committee as well as best practices," Fire Chief Antonio Burden said. "...as part of that review I have institute a new forcible entry policy that is in effect and current as of today."
