As formerly somewhat rural areas gain residents, more "urban" services are required.
"In a business where minutes can mean lives, Oakland Township Fire Chief William Benoit thinks he can save both. His department hopes to cut paramedic response times from as much as 15 minutes to less than five by hiring six township paramedics by Nov. 1. In the rapidly growing communities on the outer edges of Metro Detroit, the number of hospitals hasnt kept pace with the population. As a result, Oakland is joining Macomb Township, Plymouth Township and at least three others in improving the immediacy and quality of care they can render at the scene of a medical crisis. 'When you had mostly farmers in northern Oakland County, it wasnt much of an issue,' said Bonnie Kincaid, executive director of the countys medical control authority. 'Now, youre getting families moving out here, and they expect the service.'
Thanks to Richard Layman

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