The Cascade Fire Department is developing a BLS transport program to handle rising low-acuity calls and reduce delays when private providers are tied up on higher-priority emergencies

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Cascade Fire Department is exploring a new ambulance transport program as non-life-threatening medical calls continue to increase.

The department responds to about 3,000 calls each year, including more than 1,000 lower-acuity medical calls, FOX 17 reported.

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Township officials said the proposed transport program could help address a service gap in the Kent County community.

According to the West Michigan Regional Medical Control Consortium, EMS in Kent County is provided by several agencies, including American Medical Response and Life EMS Ambulance.

Cascade Fire Chief Adam Magers said the department has spent 18 months reviewing call data and found unsustainable trends, with falls, lift assists, medical alarms and general illnesses placing growing demands on crews.

The low-acuity “med three” responses include minor injuries, illnesses, psychiatric evaluations and lift assists. Officials said those calls face ambulance delays when private providers are handling higher-priority emergencies.

The township board approved the fire department developing a basic life support (BLS) transport program. The proposal would add an ambulance and staffing, with costs supported by insurance reimbursements and transport revenue instead of a new tax increase.

If approved, Cascade would become the first Kent County fire department to provide its own ambulance transport service. Fire department leaders said they have reviewed similar programs in Ann Arbor and Barry County as they develop the proposal.

The proposal will now be refined, including staffing, equipment, billing and operations, before presenting a final plan to the township board in August.

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