Agenda - 03-17-2009 - 7b - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 doing things from a different perspective; procedures are being written to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements; operations at all levels are being reviewed to ensure they reflect best practices; and a staff of future leaders is developing. In 2008 the new Orange County Emergency Services Headquarters and Emergency 9 -1 -1 Communications Center, which houses the County's Emergency Operations Center, opened in the Meadowlands. The 800 MHz VIPER radio system continues to be implemented for the majority of emergency responders within the community. The three municipal police departments were the first to execute the changeover with the new system being adopted by the fire and rescue agencies within the next 30 -60 days. The radio project had been a priority for the Department since 2002 and with the concerted efforts of all Department members the system will be fully functional and providing a greatly enhance level of interoperability in 2009. Emergency Services must look to the future to ensure its ability to address increasing demands for service both internally and externally. In order to assure a strategic path is set, the Department initiated the Prometheus Process; a planning process to develop strategies for addressing current and future challenges. The process includes input at all levels of the organization, allowing vetting by management and staff to address current and future issues. Improvements Needed Since 1995 emergency medical services (EMS) calls for service have increased from 6,000 to the current calls for service workload of 13,000 +. What has not changed commensurate with steady increases in call volume is the amount of resources available to Emergency Services. In 2005 there were 3112 transport units and in 2009 there are 4 units. In 2006 it was estimated that at least 5 transport units should be available 24/7. As the population continues to increase in size, age, and physical condition the need for transport units, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics and supporting infrastructure becomes more acute. The need exists today for six paramedic -level transport units. Response times do not meet targets set in the Department's system plan. In 2001 the Department set a goal of 12 minutes for a paramedic to reach every patient. Today the time to reach a patient is 17 minutes and rising. Information relayed to responders has become truncated due to mounting call volume and worker fatigue. A 90 second "out of chute" time is the State EMS standard — meaning from communicator receipt of the 911 call to communicator contact to the EMT or Paramedic is not to exceed 90 seconds. Orange County cannot sustain this standard without additional communications personnel. Appropriate resources must be available to assure an equitable and high - performance service delivery system. Those resources include: medical, supervisory, communications, logistical and planning personnel; a reliable fleet; safe, clean facilities to house personnel; training commensurate with advances in medical treatment to maintain high levels of system fidelity; equipment to protect personnel and basic needs such as patient supplies and equipment; uniforms and personal protective equipment. Additional investment in the 800 MHz radio system is necessary for reliable interoperability and countywide reception fidelity. While it possesses many advantages over the current mixed - spectrum system, full utilization of 800 MHz technology and adequate field personnel safety depend upon continued investment. K