City Government

BFD Ambulance Issue Probably Not Dead

Despite direction from the Boise City Council, it appears the issue of who will operate the ambulances–and call the shots for medical calls–is still up for grabs if the BFD union Bros and Sis have a voice.

And based on what we hear from at least one candidate for VP of the union, he would like to see the union exercise its political muscle in a more traditional “labor management” role and have that voice heard. In his pitch for office, he notes the union has a “labor friendly” administration at city hall and the ambulance issue has been a union “top priority” that needs to be put to rest once and for all.

Ada County EMS and Boise FD have been meeting to hammer out agreements with regard to WHO is in charge at medical calls. The ordinance on the recent Boise city council consent agenda was the same one we saw last August which gave the fire chief command of medical, fire, rescue, and hazardous material calls.

The language of that ordinance and the new contract which gives Boise FD authority of the vast majority of the geographic area of Ada County signals to us a strong argument on behalf of the BFD to run the whole enchilada.

Comments & Discussion

Comments are closed for this post.

  1. “…..Despite direction from the Boise City Council, it appears the issue of who will operate the ambulances–and call the shots for medical calls–is still up for grabs if the BFD union Bros and Sis have a voice.”

    So the union is still trying to run the show…..wonder what the Mayor and Council say about that. And, I wonder what this does if anything to the efforts of ACP to build bridges and mend fences…

  2. Brianthedog
    Jan 2, 2010, 7:17 pm

    What did I tell you a few months ago? Oh, but no, you called me a pessimist or the glass is half empty sort of commentator. “I TOLD YOU SO DAVE.” This will happen and you will be left with your head spinning in circles wondering “what the %$#@.”

  3. I have it on good authority that the Ada County Paramedics are the BEST. Long may they provide the most professional and compassionate service possible. When the sirens sound, I hope the responders are ACPs. The issue of emergency care should not be a political battleground. Who the heck started this whole struggle for control in the first place?Drop it BFD. And, while I’m on a roll, CCDC either pay your bond or give the parking lot to the county. Problems solved.

    Thank you, and good night.

Get the Guardian by email

Enter your email address:

Categories