Pinellas County is pushing cities to decide on a possibly cost-saving proposal from some area firefighters. 

An advisory group for Pinellas County's ambulance services is recommending that county commissioners hire a consultant to look at a proposal to have firefighters transport patients to hospitals.

The proposal, which was created by Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Lt. Scott Sanford and Lealman Fire District Capt. Jim Millican, would change to the way crews respond to medical emergencies in Pinellas County. 

Right now, firefighters arrive at a medical emergency and treat the patient. A separate ambulance then takes the patient to the hospital. 

Sanford and Millican say that under their plan, patients would arrive at the hospital more quickly because firefighters would be able to treat them and also take them to the hospital. They also say their proposal would save taxpayers money.

The deadline for the county to notify the current ambulance service provider whether or not it is going to extend its contract another three years is Jan. 1.

Fire Chief Robert Weiss and city leaders meet to discuss the proposal at a special meeting Dec. 5 at .

"We're thrilled that the (advisory group) has asked the county to commission an unbiased, outside evaluation of fire-based transport, because we know this is the model saving money and delivering superior EMS service to the vast majority of Floridians. If other counties can save both money and lives, we're sure we can do it here too," said Sanford.

Many other counties in Florida already use this type of firefighter-based transport. (see accompanying map)

Pinellas County does not have a single fire department that takes care of the entire county. There are 18 individual fire districts that serve different-size communities with different needs, which complicates the issue tremendously.

Millican and Sanford have been pitching their plan to Pinellas County's fire districts. So far, nine of the 18 fire districts support further evaluation of the emergency transport plan.

If you go:

Two meetings are planned to talk about the proposal.

What: Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater hosts a public hearing with Pinellas County officials, emergency management staff and the public

When: From 2 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 30

Where: Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. N., Pinellas Park

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What: Fire Chief Robert Weiss, the City Council and the public

When: 9:30 a.m. Dec. 5

Where: at , 112 S Osceola Ave.