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6 <br />ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA <br />The County-wide emergency communication system is the basis for the <br />integrated emergency response system. The Department of Emergency Services is the <br />focal point for County-wide coordination of services. <br />The fire, rescue, and emergency services system in Orange County has <br />sufficient personnel, fire stations, and apparatus to provide services to the public. <br />However, increased coordination will improve overall operations. Chapter V describes <br />the strengths and weakness of the fire, rescue, and emergency services system in the <br />County. The chapter also identifies opportunities to enhance operations and threats <br />that may have an effect on service delivery. This SWOT analysis is the first step in <br />developing a strategic plan. Strengths are the conditions or circumstances which <br />enable the fire, rescue, and emergency service agencies to function effectively; <br />weaknesses are conditions or circumstances which prevent the fire, rescue, and <br />emergency services agencies from functioning effectively: Some of the principal <br />strengths of the system include: <br />D The volunteer fire department system is well organized and each <br />department has trained personnel. There are nearly 300 fire department <br />members. The departments provide fire suppression and the medical first <br />responder services. Volunteer organizations have generally adapted to <br />changes in demographics, commuting patterns, and service needs. <br />~ The Orange County Department of Emergency Services manages a <br />centralized emergency communication system which links all emergency <br />responders effectively. <br />D The Department of Emergency Services deploys four ambulances with <br />advanced life support (ALS) capability. This service is the basis for an <br />effective EMS system in the County. <br />~ The Carrboro Fire and Rescue Department and the Chapel Hill Fire <br />Department serve the densely populated areas of the County. These <br />departments respond to approximately 60 percent of the fire and rescue <br />calls for service in the County. <br />a The County's fire stations are generally well distributed and the combined <br />fleet of fire service apparatus is sufficient to allow departments to <br />properly address the risks faced within the County. <br />{V} MMA CONSULTING GROUP, INC. 3 <br />