Agenda - 10-03-2013 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Chief's Associatior _ _ _ appropriate time frame to allow for adjustments in purchasing, planning, and borrowing.19 Annual review and renewal at the time of budget allocations would in effect extend the contract for another five years, safeguarding the interests of both parties. Neither party benefits when the ability to provide emergency services is jeopardized, or when the viability of long -term and expensive capital planning remains tenuous. Objective B: To engage in a conversation with the Orange County Board of Commissioners for reimbursement for the provision of first responder EMS services. Background: Providing emergency services is not free, even when volunteers are used. Orange County, like all other counties in North Carolina, has a legal responsibility to provide emergency medical services. Fire departments are under no obligation to provide these services, yet they are dispatched to and expected to perform first responder services at medical aids. OCCA members expect that fire departments be compensated for the marginal cost of providing first responder service. These costs of doing business include fuel for transport to non -fire calls, additional training for firefighters expected to perform emergency medical services, and medical supplies. These costs incurred in the provision of first responder service are all currently borne by individual departments. Orange County collects substantial fees for EMS services, though fire departments are not reimbursed for their contributions. Objective C: To have a joint discussion with Orange County Emergency Services and the Medical Director to develop strategies to adequately use EMT -based Basic Life Support (BLS) capabilities within the county. Background: South Orange Rescue Squad is a valuable force multiplier for Orange County, with a large base of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Many fire departments also have members who are EMTs. These employees are dissuaded from career progression and higher certification because of limited career opportunities with Orange County Emergency Services, the only Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider in the county. The Orange County Chief's Association expects to use this discussion to review criteria for first responder dispatch. If necessary, limits should be negotiated for first responder dispatch to preserve fire protection coverage, the top priority for fire departments. The OCCA expects to always be involved in the decision making process. GOAL VIII: Fostering Increased Public Awareness Objective A: To develop ongoing strategies to foster greater public awareness of how emergency services are delivered and to highlight the role volunteers play in providing services. Background: As the MMA Consulting Group noted in their recent report, "Orange County has a complex and sophisticated fire and rescue system. "20 The OCCA looks to proactively engage members of the public and elected officials to better convey the roles and responsibilities of the fire and rescue services in Orange County. 19 G.S. § 160A -57.58 20 MMA Consulting Group, April 2011, p. 1 12 14