Jan 15, 2008 11:58 pm US/Eastern
Nutter Considers Solution To Aid Phila. Paramedics
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Michael Nutter (File)
CBS
Mayor Michael Nutter is considering a solution that could have more qualified emergency workers answering calls for help in Philadelphia.
Under city charter, all Philadelphia employees have to live within the city's limits.
However, some Philadelphia paramedics have said that rule has created an emergency, stating that the residency requirement has increased the shortage of paramedics.
"Right now, we are in a crisis situation with our medics and I believe they have to lift the residency requirement so we can get some qualified people in here," explained Billy Gault, Vice President of the Firefighter's Union.
A report released by the city's controller office a few weeks back said there are currently 244 paramedics in the city.
Over the past three years, Philadelphia has had an average of 45 unfilled paramedic positions.
"Lives are definitely at risk right now," Gault said.
The residency requirement makes it so that paramedics have to live in Philadelphia for a full year before they can take a test and apply for the job. And it could potentially cut down on paramedics relocating to the city to take a position.
"That doesn't make any sense and we need a change in the law, and we would have to pass an ordinance to remove that particular restriction, that is something that I am exploring," Mayor Michael Nutter said.
The report stated that the city is having difficulty recruiting paramedics because of heavy work loads, and responding to 8,000 calls a year, instead of a recommended maximum 3,000 calls.
"This is not just a problem affecting Philadelphia, there is a shortage all across the country," Nutter said.
The Fire Department did not have an official comment concerning the residency requirement.
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