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13 <br /> � � � � !/� <br /> `''��t..�� P:�. l ti:- � �" 'v. � € � :.�5¢ =.a. � h f.`�-k S� ,� � T—s: i o <br /> ` �1� �" ����:��;, e �� :..� e, ,..+„v.:����:-w.�s.�:�:.,:.��.� ;�� <br /> F3a6, S. .sv�ia.�b ..'G� V.�e�,9 � �,� -.> u� es?'a. <br /> o�. <br /> 19 <br /> appropriate time frame to allow for adjustments in purchasing, planning,and borrowing. <br /> Annual review and renewal at the time of budget allocations would in effect extend the contract <br /> for another five years,safeguarding the interests of both parties. Neither party benefits when <br /> the ability to provide emergency services is jeopardized,or when the viability of long-term and <br /> expensive capital planning remains tenuous. <br /> Obiective B:To engage in a conversation with the Orange County Board of Commissioners for <br /> reimbursement for the provision of first responder EMS services. <br /> Background: Providing emergency services is not free,even when volunteers are used. Orange <br /> County, like all other counties in North Carolina, has a legal responsibility to provide emergency <br /> medical services. Fire departments are under no obligation to provide these services,yet they <br /> are dispatched to and expected to perform first responder services at medical aids. <br /> OCCA members expect that fire departments be compensated for the marginal cost of providing <br /> first responder service.These costs of doing business include fuel for transport to non-fire calls, <br /> additional training for firefighters expected to perForm emergency medical services, and medical <br /> supplies.These costs incurred in the provision of first responder service are all currently borne <br /> by individual departments.Orange County collects substantial fees for EMS services,though fire <br /> departments are not reimbursed for their contributions. <br /> Obiective C:To have a joint discussion with Orange County Emergency Services and the Medical Director <br /> to develop strategies to adequately use EMT-based Basic Life Support(BLS)capabilities within the <br /> co u nty. <br /> Background:South Orange Rescue Squad is a valuable force multiplier for Orange County,with a <br /> large base of Emergency Medical Technicians(EMTs). Many fire departments also have <br /> members who are EMTs.These employees are dissuaded from career progression and higher <br /> certification because of limited career opportunities with Orange County Emergency Services, <br /> the only Advanced Life Support(ALS) provider in the county. <br /> The Orange County ChieYs Association expects to use this discussion to review criteria for first <br /> responder dispatch. If necessary, limits should be negotiated for first responder dispatch to <br /> preserve fire protection coverage,the top priority for fire departments.The OCCA expects to <br /> always be involved in the decision making process. <br /> GOAL VIII: Fostering Increased Public Awareness <br /> Obiective A: To develop ongoing strategies to foster greater public awareness of how emergency <br /> services are delivered and to highlight the role volunteers play in providing services. <br /> Background:As the MMA Consulting Group noted in their recent report,"Orange County has a <br /> „zo <br /> complex and sophisticated fire and rescue system. The OCCA looks to proactive y engage <br /> members of the public and elected officials to better convey the roles and responsibilities of the <br /> fire and rescue services in Orange County. <br /> 19 G.S.§160A-57.58 <br /> 20 MMA Consulting Group,April 2011,p.1 <br /> 12 <br />