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Council approves Morganton’s participation in Burke County first‑responder program
Summary
Council authorized the Morganton Department of Public Safety to join Burke County’s first‑responder program so trained firefighters can provide basic life support on certain calls; liability and medical direction will be under the county’s EMS medical director.
Chief Ryan asked council to approve the city entering Burke County’s first responder program, which would permit trained firefighters to deliver basic life support (BLS) on certain incidents, such as vehicle crashes, while care is overseen by the county’s EMS director and medical director.
Chief Ryan said the change is not intended to have the fire division operate day‑to‑day medical calls: "I'm not asking that the fire division run medical calls on a day‑to‑day basis," he said, adding firefighters already respond to calls where their BLS skills can make a difference while EMS is en route. He reported the fire division has 27 personnel with 19 currently BLS‑certified.
Ryan explained the agreement shifts liability to Burke County when firefighters perform BLS under the county medical director's license. Council discussed the scope and implementation, then voted to approve participation in the program by voice vote.
The city will coordinate with Burke County EMS on protocols and training; council noted the action represents intergovernmental cooperation to improve emergency response.
