ORD-2011-047 Budget Ordinance Amendment #5-B - Study for EMS Services & E911 Communication Center

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L To address the growing need to provide upgraded service to the northern and western areas of Orange County, the department needs to establish stations strategically located to adequately serve the community. Stations should be established north of US 70 and in the southwest area of Orange County to address rising response times. Whenever practical, new stations should be co- located with VIPER tower locations to share backup generation systems, safe traffic access. Not including the land cost, a station is estimated to cost between $500,000 and $600,000. The attached map indicates general areas where stations should be placed to best serve the County. The limited roadway system in the rural areas necessitates the distribution of stations to adequately deliver acceptable response times while partnering with first responders for their immediate basic care skills. An adequate matrix of stations allows for system flexibility to address call surges, crew and unit transfers supporting personnel development and sufficient resources to accommodate MCIs and disaster event response. Further, placing additional units in strategic locations helps to reduce response times to allow for fire departments to clear medical scenes, provide assistance necessary during fires, evacuations, extended events, hostage situations and mass gatherings. Growth of the system allows for backup capability to provide for first responder support and protection as necessary during fires, evacuations, extended events, hostage situations and mass gatherings. Equipment Needs The department has very limited capabilities to manage a multi- casualty incident (MCI) or significant surge in activity with current equipment. A 1990 converted delivery truck has been used in the past as a hazardous materials /command unit, but its extended wheelbase and mechanical and electrical issues make it difficult to use. Current trends in the industry are to design multi -use (MCI /Rehab /Evacuation) capable units to handle multiple uses. In the event EMS had to treat 25 -50 trauma patients as would be seen at a school bus accident, the department would be hard - pressed to safely or effectively accommodate this need. Concurrent with the need to "treat" trauma victims, as the population ages more events surrounding nursing and assisted care facilities will be experienced. Whether to cool or heat evacuees or rehabilitate first responders at all types of events, a replacement of the department's multi- purpose vehicle is warranted. Cost is estimated at $50,000 for converting (re- tasking) an older F450 ambulance. Cardiac monitor - defibrillators currently in the department's fleet are rapidly nearing their life expectancy. In 1999, Orange County paramedics were trained to record and interpret 12 lead electrocardiograms and to thus recognize acute heart attacks. Medtronic Lifepak 12s were purchased and have since been the standard of care. These units are 12 years old and must be replaced within the next 12 -18 months. The Medtronic Lifepak 12's are no longer manufactured and are replaced by the newer model Lifepak 15's, which cost approximately $36,000 each to provide excellent standards of patient care. These monitors allow paramedics to monitor critical vital signs during treatment and transport. The entire fleet of fourteen (14) needs to be replaced and an additional six (6) should be added to accommodate additional medic units and the increasing numbers of special events. At the current per unit cost, the total would be $720,000. Laptops are used to record patient data at the scene; securely submit patient reports; and incorporate Global Positioning System (GPS) "reckoning" for responding units. Units must be