EMSA Will Continue To Provide Ambulance Service For Tulsa

Editors Note: An earlier version of this story mistakenly attributed a statement made by the President of the Tulsa Firefighters Association to the Tulsa Fire Department. NewsOn6.com regrets the error and has corrected the attribution.

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The City of Tulsa has decided to stick with EMSA after considering other proposals for emergency medical services, including the Tulsa Fire Department.

TFD had hoped to be an alternative to EMSA and transport patients by ambulance in addition to the first response they provide now. The department has been increasing its staff of paramedics over the last few years.

8/16/2011 Related Story: Tulsa Fire Department Wants To Be An Alternative To EMSA

The city went ahead and decided Friday to stay with EMSA, citing citywide support and satisfaction for the service. The decision is part of a normal review the city has every five years.

"After consultation with all parties concerned... I have decided that our current system has performed extremely well and I do not support a change at this time," Mayor Dewey Bartlett said in a press release. 

President of the Tulsa Firefighters Association Dennis Moseby made the following statement after the decision was made: 

We don't understand the process the Mayor followed to make a major decision that impacts the safety of the public. Our understanding was that this was going to be an open, at-length discussion allowing the public to fully understand what exists today and what improvements could be made in terms of accountability and efficiency.

Watch News On 6 Reporter Emory Bryan's report tonight for more on this story.