New Okla. law to let firefighters transport patients

The legislation was created in response to a firefighter breaking the rules after waiting for an ambulance then transporting a child with burns in a fire truck

By Leila Merrill

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law Monday a bill that allows firefighters to transport patients under certain conditions, KFOR reported.

Sen. Darrell Weaver, (R-Moore), filed Senate Bill 1515 in response to a firefighter’s actions when he was dispatched to a child with second-degree burns on a majority of their body.

In January 2021, Oklahoma City Fire Maj. Corey Britt was called to a scene in which a child had burns all over her body, he waited for an ambulance, then he transported the girl himself without authorization. (Photo/Oklahoma City Fire Department)

In January 2021, Okla homa City Fire Maj. Corey Britt was called to the scene and asked for EMSA to be sent.

After waiting for an ambulance to arrive, he transported the child to the hospital in a fire truck even though firefighters were not authorized to transport patients.

For breaking the rules, he lost his leadership position at Station 34 but kept his rank and pay.

Under the new law that takes effect on Nov. 1, “a certified emergency medical response agency would be authorized to provide limited transport in an emergency vehicle after receiving the approval of appropriate medical control,” KFOR reported.

“Allowing emergency vehicles other than ambulances to transport someone to the hospital in an emergency situation or during a disaster – when every moment counts – will save lives and improve medical response times,” Rep. Mike Osburn, (R-Edmond) said. “I was glad to be able to secure House passage of this common-sense update to statute and happy to see it signed into law.”