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78 <br />ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA <br />WEAKNESSES OF THE FIRE, RESCUE, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES <br />The weaknesses in the fire, rescue, and emergency services system are <br />discussed below. <br />SECONDARY ANSWERING POINT AND DISPATCH <br />Orange County and the University of North Carolina have not yet. established <br />a formal agreement regarding a system for back-up dispatch services. The University <br />of North Carolina dispatch center has the capability to receive 911 calls. The <br />University has the capability to provide dispatch services for Orange County during <br />an emergency. A formal procedure or agreement is currently under discussion <br />between UNC and County officials. <br />UNDER FUNDID SERVICES <br />Several County-wide emergency service functions appear to be underfunded. <br />Emergency medical services may lack the financial resources necessary to meet the <br />demand for services. In addition, technology needed to generate management <br />information is lacking. <br />LACK OF USABLE DATA <br />Data concerning,emergency service responses and dispatch call processes are <br />not consistent with industry best practices and national consensus standards. Data <br />deficiencies will make it difficult to identify service trends and performance <br />deficiencies. <br />STRAINID RELATIONSHIPS <br />Relationships between County officials and volunteer fire and rescue agencies <br />are strained. Poor relationships may make operational coordination difficult. <br />HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE <br />Technician level hazardous materials response is obtained from the City of <br />Raleigh Fire Department. This causes a delayed response to incidents which involve <br />the sudden release of hazardous materials. Although a risk assessment may not <br />justify a fully developed hazardous materials response team, the issue should be <br />explored. <br />ELIlI~VATION OF MANAGEMENT POSTI7ONS <br />The Department of Emergency Services has had a reduction in the number of <br />middle management positions. The positions of Deputy Director/Fire Marshal, <br />{~ MMA CONSULTQVG GROUP, INC. 75 <br />