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

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Comprehensive Assessment of Emergency Medical Services 48 and 911 /Communications Center Operations Study materials, and data clarification. Many, if not all of these suggestions were ultimately addressed in the report that follows and, frankly, made the report better for it. Following the initial draft reviews by the Work Group, the changes called for were addressed and represented by the consultant. A final draft was prepared by the consultant and copies provided to the members of the Board of County Commissioners. Following which, at their August 30th meeting, they were presented with a formal presentation of the study's findings, recommendations, and probable costs. Finally, through announcements via local media outlets, the general public was invited to an open meeting where they could receive and comment on the same findings, recommendations, and costs presented previously to the Board. This meeting was held the evening of September 27th REPORT ORGANIZATION The narrative and accompanying graphics and illustrations that make up this document are organized into seven (7) major report sections as follows: Section 1- Introduction Section2- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Section 3- County Population Section 4- 911 /Communications Center Section 5- Probable Costs Section 6- Implementation Schedule Section 7- Appendix Of course the majority of the almost 100 pages that follow are comprised of discussions regarding Emergency Medical Services (Section 2) and the 911/ Communications Center (Section 31. Subsequently, these two Sections are organized similarly and include the following sub - section headings: • Historical & Statutory References • Existing Conditions • Performance & Costs • Issues of Concern • Recommendations SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS The Issues of Concern identified and addressed for both EMS and the Communications Center are in fact "existing problems" that are impacting the level of service offered the Public Safety community and ultimately the citizens of the County, every day. They did not develop overnight. Hopefully, however, the work begun by the Emergency Services Work Group has perpetuated a more serious look at these issues. Hopefully as well, this report has begun to identify specific priorities that the County will now begin to address; "begin" is the key. While numerous recommendations are offered, together with a plan for implementation, neither can be said to be "etched in stone ", nor should they be. These recommendations will inevitably (as they should) be massaged, word - smithed, and perhaps re- prioritized. The challenge the County faces now -is to act, and do so as expeditiously as possible. Solutions for Local Government, Inc. 4