American Fork to add paramedics

AMERICAN FORK (AP) — American Fork still plans to add paramedic service despite losing some state funding. City ambulances are staffed by emergency medical technicians, who are limited in what drugs they can administer. Certified paramedics have fewer restrictions. The new paramedics go on duty Nov. 15. Two paramedics will be on call at all times to respond to emergency calls. EMTs will still run the ambulances and the paramedics will travel separately when needed.

Fire Chief Jay Christensen says the money for paramedics was already earmarked and should not be cut if there is a budget shortfall, which some city officials have said could be $1.2 million.