New Regulations May Hinder Smaller OK Fire Departments

New state regulations are taxing some smaller fire departments when it comes to giving medical care.

The new rules require fire departments to be Emergency Medical Responder certified and operate under a medical director.

If they don't meet those requirements, people who live in those areas may have to wait longer for another department who does, or, for an ambulance to arrive.

While this isn't an issue for larger departments, it could affect smaller volunteer departments.

Cleveland Fire Chief Ryan Murray said he knows of a few volunteer departments who will need to get a medical director.

"There's doctors out there that are more than happy to help you out with the medical director role. Some may charge a little bit of a fee, and some may not; it just depends on who you talk to," Murray said.

The deadline is September 11th, but State Department of Health officials say they will be flexible with fire departments.