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Fire chiefs warn Bladen County commissioners that lift-assist calls strain volunteers, may have insurance gaps
Summary
County fire chiefs relayed concerns that volunteer firefighters called to assist EMTs with heavy-lift patients are making frequent calls, risking recruitment, and may not be covered by volunteer insurance; commissioners asked staff to explore solutions.
Fire chiefs and at least one commissioner told the Bladen County Board of Commissioners that frequent "lift-assist" calls are straining volunteer fire departments and may expose volunteers to uncovered liability.
A commissioner relayed concerns brought by local fire chiefs: volunteers who respond to assist emergency medical technicians with heavy-lift patients are sometimes deployed multiple times per week and, the chiefs say, the volunteers’ insurance may not cover injuries incurred during those lift assists. "When they're called out to do lift assist for the EMTs, that insurance would not cover them should somebody get hurt," the commissioner said.
Speakers said the high frequency of such calls is making it harder to recruit and retain volunteers. The board discussed possible responses, including reviewing EMT pay, clarifying training and response protocols, and coordinating with county human resources and legal staff on coverage and liability.
The board directed staff to consider the concerns and report back; no formal policy change or funding decision was adopted at the meeting.
