04-21-1975 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Horace Leecing, M.D., 2117 North Flower, former member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Paramedic Services, stated that he had been a general practitioner for 47 years; that in responses to questionnaires sent to participating hospitals and to interested citizens, the consensus was that another paramedic team is essential; that most people have some type of insurance; and that a very significant part of the necessary revenue could be obtained threugh implementation of a fee system as recommended bM the Committee. There were no other proponents or opponents; the Clerk reported that there were no written communications; the Mayor closed the public hearing. In response to Councilman Ortiz, the City Manager stated that there are some major problems with private paramedics in Orange County: they are not available; they are not authorized to use emergency radio equipment; and they are not being certified by the County Health Officer. In response to Councilman Bricken, Chief Judd stated that approximately two-thirds of the calls received-by the City's Paramedic Unit are transported to the hospital by private ambulance service. The consensus of the lengthy discussion among Cgu~cilmen was that a Paramedic Program is expensive; that it,will be difficult to fund, particularly with the Council's commit- ments to the Crime Abatement Program; that the services are necessary; that the City's program is an excellent one that has been overburdened; and that at this point something has to be done to relieve the pressures on the system and effect cost avoidance at the same time. ORDINANCE NS-1255 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OP THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE B? ADDING SECTION 14-25 PROVIDING ~qrHORITY TO BSTABLIS~ AND COLLECT FBBS FOR PARAMEDIC SERVICES was placer on first read- ing on motion of Councilman Yamamoto, seconded by Mayor Garthe, and carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Yamamoto, Garthe, Evans, Brandt NOES: Bricken, Ortiz, Ward ABSENT: None The motion further provided that: t. _The City.continue to utilize fide-fighter/paramedics :to provide mobile intensive care treatment fer the citizens of Santa Aha; 2. That no consideration be given to cont~acting with a private ambulance company because of the.inherent problems that go along with such a centract; That one additional paramedic unit, manned by fire- fighter/paramedics be provided as soon as possible, so that better paramedic services will be available to the citizens; CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 163 APRIL 21, 1975