Although a contoversial paramedic staffing measure was passed by the Albuquerque city council, the issue is far from over.
Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo's plan was to switch from two paramedics on the ambulances to a medic and an EMT. That would free up one ALS provider to handle another call, KRQE reported.
Jaramillo also said it's been tough to recruit paramedics.
Mayor Tim Keller didn't veto it, but has filed a legal complaint against the council asking for a delay in implementing the ordinance.
The firefighters' union and the fire department leadership were at odds about the change.
Keller wrote in his complaint that the the council violated the city's Labor Management Rights Ordinance.
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
