Charlotte Firefighters are waving a red flag about a new change to city policy in how first-responders are dispatched to medical calls.
The change was announced last week.
It creates a type of response being referred to as a “Sierra Call.”
WBTV Investigative Reporter David Hodges says the change comes as MEDIC struggles with staffing issues and to keep up with call volume. When you dial 911 for an ambulance, many people are often surprised to see fire trucks respond to the scene first.
“Why is a fire department here? Well, because we can respond quicker,” said Timothy Bell, from the Charlotte Firefighter Association 6660. Bell, secretary of the local firefighter union, says the recent change in their response procedures is already creating headaches and potentially dangerous situations.