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ORANGE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE STUDY <br />OI~;ANGE COUNTY EMS <br />1 <br />2 We recommend the Division increase the number of "IRV" Medics from the current <br />3 5 per shift to 8 per shift, including a shift supervisor. <br />4 <br />5 We recommend the Division increase the number of EMTs per shift from 6 per shift <br />6 to 10 per shift and the number of active on duty ambulances from 3 to 5. <br />7 <br />8 The above three recommendations are based on an ever growing amount of <br />9 research that is confirming when emergency services workers are on duty <br />10 consistently more than the above standard, their mental acuity and skill functioning <br />11 are compromised. Orange County has been fortunate to have dedicated personnel <br />12 who have been willing to work these hours. But the strain is evident and it is a <br />13 matter of time before a serious lapse of judgment or less than acceptable standard of <br />14 care results in a tragic outcome. <br />15 <br />16 The Division needs to improve its relationship with the fire departments. First <br />17 Responders are a key to the success of the program. They perceive that they are a <br />18 step child of the program and they do not receive the support in terms of training <br />19 they need and recognition they deserve. We recommend the Division establish the <br />20 position of Training Officer and the responsibilities of this position include ensuring <br />21 that fire departments receive the training they perceive necessary with the <br />22 recognition that they are not employees with a static work schedule. <br />23 <br />24 We recommend that the Division deploy a medic unit and transport unit at the <br />25 Orange Rural Station 2 location on Phelps Road. This provides excellent access to <br />26 both the Caldwell District and Cedar Grove. It also provides excellent response to <br />27 incidents in the northern area of Hillsborough and Orange Rural's response district. <br />28 <br />29 We recommend that the Division make permanent its IlZV unit in Efland. Besides <br />30 serving Efland, this unit can also serve Cedar Grove, and Orange Grove. <br />31 <br />32 Given the County's land use plan, we do not believe that it will be necessary to <br />33 deploy a unit in either Caldwell or Cedar Grove in the plaruvng horizon. <br />34 <br />35 <br />91 <br />