Ft Wayne Times

July 24, 2024 - The op-ed below from Mayor Sharon Tucker appeared in The Journal Gazette on July 24, 2024.

Ensuring the safety and access to effective emergency medical care for residents of Fort Wayne is paramount. This responsibility lies with the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) and the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD).

For many years, Fort Wayne and Allen County have collaborated through an interlocal agreement to provide emergency medical services. However, this process has evolved and become more complex over time due to various factors.

Recently, members of City Council and the Allen County Board of Commissioners have expressed differing views on the TRAA staffing situation. It is clear that emergency medical services will not remain as they were in the past.

Since assuming office on April 23, my leadership team and I have been addressing the TRAA staffing challenges. We acknowledge that TRAA has faced staffing issues which have impacted response times. Additionally, the creation of fire districts outside city limits has diverted professionals from both TRAA and FWFD. Despite these challenges, both organizations continue to improve their service delivery.

Our goal is to ensure that public emergency services are maintained and enhanced in a manner that protects taxpayers. Residents should be reassured by TRAA's and FWFD's commitment to saving lives. My administration is dedicated to finding solutions suitable for Fort Wayne while collaborating with the Allen County Board of Commissioners for a unified approach to emergency care.

Action steps being led include:

- Requesting TRAA’s executive director and board of directors contract traveling EMS personnel to alleviate overtime burdens and staff stress.

- Encouraging TRAA to hire a trainer for onboarding new employees smoothly.

- Engaging in ongoing discussions with all involved parties including City Council and the Allen County Board of Commissioners to ensure public safety and excellent service delivery.

Redesigning our current EMS model is a priority requiring research, diligence, and time. Any changes must undergo rigorous testing to protect lives and taxpayer interests.

Reimagining EMS delivery in Fort Wayne necessitates open dialogue, collaboration, trust-building, appropriate concessions, and difficult decisions. By working together, we aim to build a stronger community focused on better serving the public.