Port Preps for Paramedic Upgrades

The expects to upgrade from EMT service to paramedics after state approval next week, and the Common Council offered its support on Tuesday.

“An improvement in public safety and it’s budget neutral.  It doesn’t get much better than that,” said Alderman Dan Becker.

At the Common Council meeting Tuesday night, Fire Chief Mark Mitchell explained that .  Already the city and the county medical director have endorsed the proposal, and state approval is expected next week.  

Mitchell explained that paramedics are medical professionals who have received extra emergency training.  He pointed out that to become a paramedic, one must undergo two years of training as compared to six months for EMTs. 

Thiensville is the only community in the county with paramedic service. Mitchell pointed out that having certified paramedics in Port Washington would be an asset to the area. 

“We’d be able to help out some of our neighboring communities,” he said.  

The change to paramedics will come at some cost to the city, though Mitchell said an increase in ambulance fees will cover that cost. Another meeting will be required to finalize those details.

In the end, Mitchell said, “everyone will benefit.”