Title
Update on Fire Department Challenges and Mitigation Efforts
Description
This report provides an update to the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee on the Fire Department’s mitigation efforts to address identified challenges related to service delivery.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
As discussed at the November 9, 2023, Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee meeting, the Fire Department identified multiple challenges that included staffing, high call volume, and longer than desired response times. Due to these challenges, the Fire Department developed a comprehensive plan to address the current and ongoing needs.
Over the past six months Fire Department staff have been able to implement a variety of solutions as part of a comprehensive plan. These solutions are having a positive impact on the identified challenges.
Key focus areas include the following:
Increased Staffing Levels
With the additional positions in the current Fiscal Year (FY) and the proposed additions in FY2023-24, the Fire Department will be able to increase staffing levels by 140 full time employees (FTE).
Increased Training
Fire staff projects that the Fire Department will need to increase sworn personnel from 1,798 to 1,940 by 2028 in order to continue providing high quality service to the community. Plans were developed and implemented to increase Firefighter Recruit and Paramedic training over the next several years. Current projections demonstrate that the Fire Department will be able to meet the projected needs.
Dispatch Nature Code Review and Revision
Dispatch nature codes allow the Fire Department to efficiently dispatch the appropriate fire resources needed to address a 911 call. Current dispatch protocols are being reviewed and revised to ensure community needs and firefighter safety are being addressed in today’s changing environment. The Fire Department will continue to leverage data-driven approaches and industry best practices to deliver the most appropriate resource utilization while improving community outcomes.
Telehealth 911 Calls for Service Diversion
The Fire Department has implemented the 911 call diversion program. When appropriate per dispatch protocols, call diversion enables the Fire Department to connect a 911 caller with a Telehealth medical provider, eliminating the need for an emergency apparatus response. This program is focused on connecting the caller to the most effective and efficient response possible and ensures the applicable deployment of emergency services.
Modifications to Deployment of Peak Time Rescue (ambulance)
As part of the Fire Department’s ongoing efforts to ensure emergency response units are effectively deployed, adjustments to Peak Time Rescue units (i.e., ambulances) have been made. Peak Time Rescue units have shifted from 10-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts, allowing for greater response system coverage.
Ladder Company Conversion
Consistent with the goal to have all front-line emergency response units provide advanced life support care, Ladder Companies continue to be converted to Advanced Life Support (ALS) from Basic Life Support. ALS certification will ensure that Ladder Companies will have two paramedics on each unit, allowing for a higher level of emergency care to be provided on scene.
Addition of Fire Stations
The Department is currently in the process of constructing Fire Station 62 and Fire Station 74. Planning progress continues to be made through collaboration with multiple City departments. Four additional fire stations are included in the proposed General Obligation Bond that will be considered by voters in November 2023.
In conclusion, these efforts have allowed us to better manage the demand for service while increasing system capacity, resulting in positive impacts to the identified challenges. We continue to see progress to include a 90 percent reduction in responses to certain low acuity nature codes, allowing fire apparatuses to remain in service for higher priority emergencies. The Fire Department will continue to seek improvement opportunities while expanding our ability to deliver quality services to our community.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Fire Department.