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4 <br />ORANGE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE STUDY <br />INTRODUCTION <br />1 14. We developed and have provided criteria for identifying the future need for <br />2 services, including the data needed to address anticipated service demands; <br />3 15. We evaluated the current countywide public education programs on public <br />4 safety and have made reconvnendations for adding to those programs to add <br />5 to the self-sufficiency of the public in disasters. <br />6 <br />7 Timing <br />8 <br />9 The engagement has extended beyond the expected 90 days from the date of <br />10 execution of the contract. This is primarily due to interview timing, requests for <br />11 additional interviews, expansion of information gathering relative to EMS, and the <br />12 difficulty in obtaining data from many of the departments. <br />13 <br />14 Difficulty in obtaining the data probably related to some skepticism by the <br />15 departments as to the "real reason" for the study. The County clearly lacks <br />16 credibility in the eyes of many of the volunteer departments, including rescue <br />17 squads. Many continued, in spite of protestations to the contrary, to believe the <br />18 engagement was initiated in order to "drive the volunteers out of business". This <br />19 trust divide is something the County must overcome because of its i.mplications <br />20 on the longer term recommendations as well as the atmosphere in which <br />21 emergency services is delivered. <br />22 <br />23 <br />24 Defcnitions <br />25 <br />26 This portion is intended to ensure that all who read this report understand the <br />27 terminology that is used. While those involved in emergency services understand <br />28 the terms, not all in County Administration or those in policy roles may. <br />29 <br />30 EMT - Emergency Medical TecYinician. This is the level between medical first <br />31 responder and paramedic. In Orange County, EMTs staff the County's transport <br />32 ambulances. They may be paid staff or volunteers. <br />33 <br />34 Gpm - Gallons per minute. This refers to the capacity of a pumper (or tanker) <br />35 engine to distribute water. This is important in terms of extinguishing a fire but <br />36 also in terms of the measure used by ISO in rating a depariment. Based on the <br />7 <br />