Firefighters from the Clinton Fire Department are seeking a couple avenues to better serve the community in a medical emergency.

Clinton Fire Chief Shawn Milton explains eleven firefighters are voluntarily basic EMTs and they are seeking upgrade two of their engines to what is called "Basic Life Support". Chief Milton says this is basically to supplement when Dr. John Warner Hospital Ambulances are on another call and they are called out waiting on Heyworth or Farmer City.

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Currently, firefighters can only give oxygen or sugar for diabetics. This upgrade would allow them to give out six medications. Chief Milton says the fire fighters are footing the bill for the equipment to put on each rig. The total comes to close to $14-hundred.

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Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters expressed concern over fire fighters voluntarily footing the bill for medication. Chief Milton explains they currently will use their equipment or medication until an ambulance arrives on scene. At which, the ambulance reimburses the fire department by giving them what they used from the ambulance supply.

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Mayor Peters also expressed concern over liability with the fire department issuing certain drugs. Chief Milton says there is liability for any call they go to. He assured the Mayor any exchange of medicine is documented by both parties.

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The Clinton City Council will vote to approve allowing the Fire Department to upgrade two of their engines to the Basic Life Support. Chief Milton feels the prevention part of the upgrade outweighs the cost associated with it.