Newark firefighters will be dispatched to all life-threatening calls beginning this weekend, officials announced Friday — a change that prompted the city’s fire and police unions to raise concerns about training, equipment and compensation.
University Hospital will continue to provide ambulance services to the city, but firefighters will also be dispatched in life-threatening situations.
“We’re adding that on to the police officers and the EMS workers that already respond because we know that time is of the essence in those types of emergencies,” said Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara. “We just want to be certain we’re using every resource available so we can save as many lives as possible.” University Hospital’s EMS respond to more than 100,000 calls per year and has a staff of 250 EMTs, paramedics and dispatchers, according to the agency.