### Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council's Public Health, Safety, Justice and Equity Committee met on April 27, 2026, chaired by Council Member Hamill with members Huffman and Williams. The committee considered a single ordinance that would establish financial penalties for licensed care facilities that misuse the 911 system for non-emergency lift assistance. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Non-Emergency Lift Assist:** When fire department personnel are called to help move or lift a person who has not suffered a medical emergency or trauma, such as helping someone move from a chair to a bed. **Licensed Care Facilities:** Facilities paid to provide medical services including assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and adult family homes that employ medically trained staff. **Community Paramedic Program:** A fire department program that identifies frequent users of 911 services and provides education to reduce inappropriate emergency calls. **Hoyer Lift:** A mechanical device used in care facilities to safely lift and move patients who cannot support their own weight. **Make the Right Call Program:** The fire department's educational outreach program that provides decision-making tools to help care facilities determine when to call 911. **Surge Capacity:** The fire department's ability to respond to multiple emergency calls simultaneously without compromising response times. **Cost of Transport:** The average $3,000 cost the fire department charges Medicare and Medicaid for ambulance services. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Dan Hamill | Council Member, Committee Chair | | Hannah Stone | Council President (participating) | | Council Member Huffman | Committee Member | | Council Member Williams | Committee Member | | Council Member Cotton | Non-committee me…