Baltimore Fire Department to Downgrade EMS Units Amid Staffing and Financial Challenges

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Fire Department is set to implement changes to its emergency medical services starting next month, which will see the downgrading of four Advanced Life Support (ALS) Units to Basic Life Support (BLS) Units. This decision has raised concerns among local fire union representatives.

Matthew Coster, president of the Baltimore IAFF Local 734, expressed worries about the increased strain on paramedics, stating that they will need to work harder as emergency calls continue to come in. ALS units are typically equipped to handle critical situations such as cardiac arrests and gunshot wounds, and despite the downgrades, 17 ALS units will remain operational.

Baltimore is known for having one of the highest call volumes in Maryland, prompting questions about the potential risks associated with the reduced number of advanced units. Coster noted that the absence of sufficient units could jeopardize lives.

The downgrades are part of a data-driven initiative that has been in development for over a year, aimed at addressing staffing challenges and managing operational costs. District 4 Councilman Mark Conway, who chairs the public safety committee, highlighted that the department currently faces approximately 40 paramedic vacancies and 20 EMT vacancies, contributing to the need for this adjustment.

Last year, a paramedic in Baltimore became the city's highest-paid employee, earning over $358,000, largely due to overtime. The financial implications of staffing shortages have compelled the department to explore alternative solutions, including a pilot program for better dispatching of ALS providers.

In response to the high call volume, the fire department is also introducing a telemedicine initiative to connect low-acuity 911 callers with virtual consultations, along with nurse diversion programs to redirect non-urgent cases to appropriate healthcare services.

Concerns have been raised regarding the city’s $5.2 million budget for private EMS contractors, with union leaders urging for a more sustainable solution that involves investing in internal training for paramedics.

To address the ongoing staffing issues, the fire department plans to launch a recruitment campaign in the coming weeks.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR 2 News Baltimore (source).