Bill Text: MI HR0032 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the city of Detroit and the Detroit Fire Department to increase the operational effectiveness of the Detroit Emergency Medical Services Division.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-02-23 - Referred To Committee On Local, Intergovernmental, And Regional Affairs [HR0032 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HR0032-Introduced.html
Rep. Tlaib offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 32.
A resolution to urge the city of Detroit and the Detroit Fire Department to increase the operational effectiveness of the Detroit Emergency Medical Services Division.
Whereas, As Detroit grapples with its serious financial problems to build a future, there is virtually unanimous agreement that public safety must be at the core of reforms that are needed. Until people feel safe, all other efforts will be inadequate in reshaping the community; and
Whereas, A key component of the public safety network for any city is the emergency medical services available. For the people of Detroit, the viability of this network has been seriously diminished through the deterioration of the capacity of the Detroit Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS) of the Detroit Fire Department to meet the needs of the people; and
Whereas, The Detroit EMS has been decimated by cuts and a lack of vision over several years. The unit's loss of effectiveness has been well documented on numerous occasions, including in 2006 and 2007 audits. Detroit EMS technician positions have been cut dramatically; lengthy response times put people at risk; critical equipment has been decommissioned; fleet vehicles are plagued by a lack of maintenance; training, especially to develop cohesiveness with other public safety entities, is deficient; grant opportunities have been ignored; safety steps for EMS are not followed; emergency cardiac care services are significantly inadequate; dispatch capabilities through the 911 system are a failure; and the lack administrative effectiveness and leadership are making the financial situation even worse; and
Whereas, The erosion of the effectiveness of the Detroit EMS is the result of much more than finances alone. Better decision making, more farsighted leadership, and higher standards of administrative conduct could go a long way toward maximizing resources and increasing the level of public safety the people of Michigan's largest city expect and clearly deserve; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the city of Detroit and the Detroit Fire Department to increase the operational effectiveness of the Detroit Emergency Medical Services Division; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Mayor and the City Council of Detroit.
