CLEVELAND --
A change in the way the city of Cleveland handles emergency calls is igniting controversy, with firefighters claiming that lives are at risk, reported NewsChannel5's Duane Pohlman.
NewsChannel5 uncovered a list of calls where fire crews will no longer automatically be called.
For years, both EMS and firefighters got the call, and many times firefighters got to the scene first, providing critical care when seconds count.
Now, Cleveland firefighters are confused and worried about a list of emergency calls in which firefighters will no longer automatically roll as first responders.
The list includes assaults, severe respiratory attacks, burns, choking, stabbings, accidents and emergency baby deliveries.
Cleveland Public Safety Director Marty Flask said the city is adjusting resources and will lean more heavily on EMS for medical calls, freeing up fire crews for other emergencies.
"This is about using your resources wisely and using them effectively," Flash said.
Despite the list, Flask insists firefighters will still respond to life-threatening calls.
Firefighters disagree, pointing to the list as proof that they will not get the call when they are needed most.
The city said the new policy has been in place for weeks and so far, on average, fire crews are getting only three fewer calls a day.
The fire union said it will continue to fight against the new policy.
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