Firefighters in Collier County can’t use life-saving drugs in certain areas

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COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- Firefighters in a newly created fire district in Collier County can’t use life-saving drugs in certain areas. Now, the district is asking commissioners for help.

Firefighters and paramedics with the North Collier Fire District use advanced techniques and medicine that could save lives. Unfortunately, they’re not allowed to provide that same level of service in half of their district until county commissioners sign off on the move.

“Once they approve us it will take an additional 30 days just to get the remaining pieces of equipment up,” said Deputy Chief Jorge Aguilera with the North Collier Fire District.

Firefighters are concerned county staff won’t put the item on July’s agenda because advanced life support has been a political point of contention for years.

Collier County has said in the past it wants to limit the number of people who administer life saving drugs, so they have more experience with them. But, North Collier firefighters say more availability of the drugs will save lives.

Right now, the county provides one vehicle with Advanced Life Support for the 164 square miles of the district.  The North Collier Fire District says it will triple that amount.

“Adding the additional coverage will have a positive result in improving response times,” said Aguilera.

WINK News contacted county leaders to find out when the item may be on the agenda.  Trust WINK News for the latest updates.

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