Thomasville to roll out emergency medical dispatch training; officials warn residents not to burn during state fire alert

Council members on Monday approved a dispatch agreement with Clark County Emergency Management and heard a timeline for emergency medical dispatch (EMD) training meant to let 911 telecommunicators provide medical guidance until first responders arrive.

The attorney described the agreement and training plan; classes are scheduled at the end of this month and twice next month as the county and city prepare to implement EMD. The meeting recorded a target implementation date of June 1 for the county‑wide EMD portion.

Roy Waite, who addressed public‑safety concerns, explained the state forester had issued a fire alert that limits state burn permits to certified prescribed burners and urged residents not to burn outdoors. “So while it’s technically not a burn ban, it is a fire alert,” Waite said, adding that the state will issue permits only to persons certified in prescribed burning and that the city itself has effectively suspended outdoor burning inside municipal limits after a recent ~50‑acre fire at the north end of town.

The council also approved a resolution recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, noting the increased responsibilities telecommunicators now have through location services such as RapidSOS and additional training requirements.

What happens next: Dispatch/County Emergency Management and Thomasville staff will complete EMD training and report on progress toward the June 1 target; residents are advised not to do outdoor burning while the alert is in effect.