Tulsa Fire Department Adding Staff To Fill Possible EMSA Response Gaps

The Tulsa Fire Department plans to add five companies of firefighters Thursday night to offset any potential impact of an increase in EMSA response times. The extra firefighters will be available starting at midnight, in case the fire department experiences an increase in workload.

Fire Chief Ray Driskell told the City Council he was sure the plan would ensure public safety, but he wasn't sure if the extra help would be needed or not. He plans to use the companies for at least a week, while the impact is clarified.

The plan will cost $63,000 for the week. The firefighter paramedic teams will use grass rigs to answer calls during the testing period, according to Driskell.

Read TFD's letter to the Tulsa City Council regarding the increase in response times

10/31/2013 Related Story: EMSA Increases Response Time Allowance