The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Department hopes to improve response times by adding two new medical units at local stations.
The department has requested an extra $1.3 million in 2017 for the two medical units and 18 personnel needed to staff them. The units would be at Station 21 near Suwanee and Station 22 in the Centerville area – two areas where it takes first responders more than 10 minutes, on average, to reach people who need help.
Chief Casey Snyder said the department would like to reduce response times to 8.5 minutes on average – time he said can make a crucial difference in medical emergencies.
The request comes as the number of medical transports the department provides is on the rise. Gwinnett’s population age 55 and older also is rising, contributing to the higher call volume.
Snyder made the request during a presentation of his department’s proposed 2017 budget Tuesday. Gwinnett County department heads are laying out their budget proposals this week.
A citizen advisory committee will help County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash set budget priorities. She is expected to unveil her proposed budget Nov. 15.
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
