Dayton Dragons install safety net upgrade, cancel city EMS contract

Tony Santillan started on the mound for the Dayton Dragons Aug. 1, 2016, against the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Field. CHRISTINE BATES / CONTRIBUTED

Tony Santillan started on the mound for the Dayton Dragons Aug. 1, 2016, against the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Field. CHRISTINE BATES / CONTRIBUTED

Thanks to safety upgrades at Fifth Third Field, the Dayton Dragons decided it no longer needed to staff Dayton Fire Department medics at home games.

“They did terminate the contract with the city to provide EMS services this season,” Dayton Fire Chief Jeffrey L. Payne said. “That is a direct result of them enhancing their netting in the stadium.”

The protective netting now covers all lower-level seating, and the height of the netting is raised five feet to better protect upper-level club seating and luxury boxes, Bob Murphy, the team’s president and general manager announced in August.

Dayton medics used to be stationed at the first and third base lines, where fans were more at risk from foul balls and flying broken bats.

“With the netting, hopefully there will be very little that will get through there,” Payne said.

If anyone has a medical issue at the ballpark, the Dragons, which is a Class A Cincinnati Reds affiliate, staff and supply a first aid room.

“And, as always, if there is anything that is beyond their staff to handle, they call 911,” he said, noting that there are procedures so the Dayton medics know the best ways to enter the facility to quickly reach a person in need of help.

A representative of the Dayton Dragons could not be immediately reached for comment.

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