GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Firefighters are often the first responders in a medical emergency, but not in Grand Rapids Township. The firefighters are trained for it but the township has a contract with an ambulance company and has for years, to respond first.
"It also makes it tough on the morale of the residents here, because they're left wondering, well, I can see the fire station right around the corner, why is there nobody coming?" said
Anthony Mojica, former Grand Rapids Township Fire Fighter.
Tuesday night's Grand Rapids Township Board Meeting was filled with concerned residents. Justin Sheldon, who's also running for township supervisor, said one of the major concerns is that township firefighters can not be first responders in a medical emergency. An ambulance responds first and then determines whether firefighters are needed.
"Currently the situation is, is that our fire department is told not to respond to medical emergencies unless they are requested by an ambulance. We are the only township in the county that operates in that fashion," said Sheldon.
"The fire department does not run any medical calls. As a matter of fact, the only medical calls they're allowed to respond to our what we call class one or CPR in progress calls, and those are only calls that they can run once they are confirmed by an ambulance service," said Mojica.
Resident Charles Dykstra said this issue has significantly impacted the community.
"It's sad to hear that if there's a fire truck, you know, a quarter of a mile away, and he can't stop at my house because I'm having a heart attack, that's pretty sad," said Dykstra.
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to the supervisor of the township, Michael DeVries, about the issue. He confirmed the township contracts two ambulances to respond to medical calls and said it's difficult to respond to individual issues without complete information. Mojica said he hopes the fire department situation will soon change.
13 ON YOUR SIDE will continue to reach out to township leaders to continue to get more answers about residents' concerns.