Union Complaint Scuttles Corpus Christi CP Program

A grievance filed by the union representing its firefighters has led the city of Corpus Christi to scuttle a planned community paramedicine program.

The city announced its withdrawal of the program late last week, KIII news reported. It was to be funded by a three-year, $865,000 grant from the local health department.

The program was intended to reduce nonemergency calls from chronic 9-1-1 overusers. The city would have hired two paramedics and two nurses to venture out into the community to help those who frequently call for ambulances inappropriately get matched up with community services to better meet their needs.

A city spokesperson said fighting the grievance would have been too difficult at a time when Corpus Christi is already immersed in bargaining on a new contract for its firefighters.

“They have said through their grievance that they feel like it should only be sworn firefighters [performing the new duties],” spokesperson Kim Womack told KIII. “We disagree, and at that point we’re just kind of throwing up our hands and saying ‘OK, we’re done.’”

“I’m upset. I’m not happy,” added Fire Chief Robert Rocha. “I’m disappointed that the program will not go forward.”

Rocha said he’d like to attempt another program in the future. For more, see www.kiiitv.com/story/26107710/city-declines-grant-for-community-paramedicine-program.