OKCFD & EMSA To Work Together As EMSA Faces Staffing Shortage

A shortage of paramedics and EMTs is leading to a temporary procedural change for the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

On Monday, the department is expected to announce new actions when dealing with a patient suffering from acute coronary syndrome.

The classification covers a range of issues associated with a sudden reduced blood flow to the heart.

If the fire department medic diagnoses acute coronary syndrome on a scene and EMSA is unable to arrive within 20 minutes, the department will be authorized to take the person to the hospital.

Actions can also be taken if the EMSA supervisor doesn't answer the call after two attempts.

The medic will then provide a report to the hospital and to the EMS supervisor.

The Office of the Medical Director, EMSA and the Oklahoma City Fire Department will hold a news conference at 10:15 a.m. Monday to address the issue and the changes.