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Council backs Oak Ridge Fire request for two ambulance-staffing waivers
Summary
Westfir council voted to send letters of support for two Oak Ridge Fire & EMS waivers: (1) allow ALS transport with a paramedic and a non‑EMT driver when needed, and (2) permit trained volunteers/medics to respond from home under set criteria. The chief said the waivers are rare but necessary.
The Westfir City Council voted to provide letters of support for two Oak Ridge Fire & EMS waiver requests that would allow the department to continue current staffing flexibilities.
Scott Hollitz, speaking for Oak Ridge Fire, said the agency is seeking renewal of a previous waiver that allows ambulance transports with a paramedic paired with a non‑EMT driver and a second waiver permitting some volunteers or medics to respond from home when certain training and certification benchmarks are met. "We desperately need that to be able to continue to provide ambulance service to the area," Hollitz said, explaining the waivers reflect infrequent staffing shortfalls rather than a routine change in standards.
Councilors discussed the requests and the scope of the waivers; one councilor made a motion to draft and sign letters of support for the two waivers, the motion was seconded, and both motions carried. Council recorded that the waivers are extensions of past practice and that the letters should specify the personnel and signature details required by the waiver applications.
The council did not set additional conditions on the letters; staff said sample letters were provided and will be finalized on city letterhead before submission.
