Burlington city officials announced a cooperative program with the city fire department and the University of Vermont Medical Center that will add paramedics to first responder teams.
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger and Fire Chief Seth Lasker want 9 paramedics – three per shift – posted to each of the two ambulances and to the fire department engine companies.
They say paramedics are able to make more accurate assessments of illness or injury; communicate more effectively with hospitals and more effectively deal with medical emergencies.
The paramedicine program will be presented to the City Council next week.