City Considers Changing Dispatch Policies

The central valley city of Lodi (Calif.) is considering a change in how EMS incidents are handled, both the incoming 911 calls and the radio dispatch of units. The city is among several that are caught up in a dispute with San Joaquin County over which agency should handle EMS 911 calls–the local city or LifeCom operated by American Medical Response. The county requires cities to immediately transfer calls to LifeCom, but several cities have refused to change their procedures. Lodi has an even more complicated situation, sending EMS 911 calls to the Stockton Fire Dept. for handling and dispatch. Under the new plan….well, it’s complicated. Read the full story here.