VIDEO: The Sterling Heights Fire Department has launched a new technology-driven emergency response program designed to save lives by ensuring the right resources reach emergencies faster.
The EMS Peak Demand program is the first of its kind in metro Detroit and comes in response to a sharp increase in 911 calls throughout the area.
The new system has already shown promising results since launching eight days ago.
“This program has been up and running for 8 days. They took about 39 calls in those 8 days, and that equates to 8 percent of the call volume,” said Kevin Edmond, Sterling Heights Fire Department chief.
The EMS Peak Demand units are staffed with four newly hired EMT firefighters and are designed to take pressure off Sterling Heights Advanced Life Support units.
“By sending these people out on the low basic calls, we keep our paramedics available for the heart attacks, strokes, trauma, and breathing difficulties,” Edmond said.
