VALLEY REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY

Transcription

1 2014

2 VALLEY REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

3 INSIDE THIS REPORT 4 // Administrator s Message 6 // Board of Governance Overview 7 // Who Are We? 13 // Employee & Community Recognition 15 // 2014 Major Achievements 17 // Administrative/Finance Report 18 // Operations 22 // Technical Rescue Team 23 // Technical Services 24 // Fire Marshal s Office 25 // Training, Safety and EMS 27 // Public Information and Education 29// Planning and Logistics 2 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

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5 ADMINISTRATOR S MESSAGE As we enter our ninth year of service, I am pleased to share with you the Annual Report of the activities and accomplishments of your fire department, the Valley Regional Fire Authority, for calendar year Creating a responsible budget that delivers highly effective and efficient services has long been a priority of our Board members and management team. This year was no As we strive to increase our professional capabilities, our operational supervisors will be embarking on a new training module for Incident Command. Our supervisor s primary responsibility at an emergency scene is the safety of citizens and responders. This contemporary model will different. Once again, we developed a budget which maintains services and invests in strategic initiatives that have been delayed during the economic downturn. We are committed to providing superior service to the citizens we serve at the most cost effective rate possible. be used by many of our neighboring response partners, so working off the same playbook will increase the safety at scene. We are always looking for available funds and grants to improve our delivery of service. In 2014, we Know that we always strive to maintain your trust and confidence as we make the important decisions ahead of us. received a federal grant to train the necessary personnel on this model, totaling $85,000.00, and delivery of this training is underway. I am pleased our personnel will Our Strategic Plan, as well as other important information, is available to you at receive this state-of-the-art training, and for the generous award from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant fund. My hope is this Annual Report we have prepared for you is informative. If you have any questions, please contact Work continued on developing strategies in an effort to me at AskTheVRFA@vrfa.org. advance our Strategic Plan. This plan lays out our goals and objectives, and plays a critical role as a road map of our continued delivery of superior service to the citizens of Algona, Auburn and Pacific. Three employee groups Eric E. Robertson Administrator focused on key areas, including receiving employee input, recognition of employees and retirees, and communicating our mission and achievements with the citizens we serve. 4 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

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7 BOARD OF GOVERNANCE MESSAGE As your elected Board of Governance members, we are pleased to share with you the many accomplishments of the Valley Regional Fire Authority during Our goal is to ensure the VRFA meets the needs of our growing community. Whether it is maintaining or improving our facilities, sustaining our fleet of fire and aid vehicles, or ensuring funding Your Board of Governance is pleased to report for state-of-the-art training received by all personnel, we are here to serve the communities. to you that we have continued a conservative budgeting approach, while the department has continued its practice of delivering the highest level of professional fire and emergency medical Thank you for your support, as it has allowed us to meet the increasing demands for emergency services in Algona, Auburn and Pacific. services. We are pleased to report the annual accountability and financial audit produced a report free of findings for the seventh consecutive year! Each year s audit, performed by the Washington State Auditor s office, reviews many of the VRFA s internal controls and financial practices. Once again, they found that our work was compliant with state law and our own policies and procedures. We strive to be good stewards of your dollars and are pleased with these reports! David Hill, Chairman, Algona Nancy Backus, Vice-Chairman, Auburn Tim Fairley, Algona Leanne Guier, Pacific John Jones, Pacific Lynda Osborn, Algona Wayne Osborne, Auburn Bill Peloza, Auburn Tren Walker, Pacific 6 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

8 NW C ST SW VRFA OVERVIEW The Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) was ST D S 277TH ST VRFA Service Area Printed On: 3/4/2015 Map ID: 3993 KENT established on January 1, 2007 and operates a legally organized Regional Fire Protection Service Authority (RFPSA) as authorized in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 52. The VRFA is governed by a nine member Board of Governance (BOG) consisting of three elected officials representing the three founding cities of Algona, Auburn, and Pacific. The VRFA also serves King County Fire District #31 by intergovernmental contract. 321ST ST S PEASLEY CANYONRD S 51ST AVE S S 316TH ST TS167 TER R CE DR NW A WEST VALLEY HWY S WEST HWY N VALLEY ALGONA WEST TS167 15TH ST NW W MAIN ST TS18 THE OUTLET COLLECTION 15TH ST SW STATION 38 PACIFIC (! PACIFIC VALLEY HWY N 37TH ST NW DR NW EMERALD DOWNS B ST NW A ST SE A ST SE 37TH ST NE (! AUBURN WAY N I ST NE STATION 31 HEADQUARTERS C ST NW A ST NE A ST NW E MAIN ST 4TH ST SE AUBURN WAY S 29TH ST SE ORAVETZ 8TH ST NE 41ST ST RD SE M ST NE M ST SE SE (! R ST SE RI V 104TH AVE SE AUBURN E RWALK KERSEY WAY MUCKLESHOOT CASINO DR LEA HILL RD SE STATION 32 SOUTHEAST AUBURN SE SE 112TH AVE SE 112TH AVE SE SE 320TH ST SE 304TH ST STATION 34 LEA HILL SE 312TH ST (! TS18 132ND AVE SE KING COUNTY AUBURN WAY S The VRFA provides service to 34 square miles (! in South King County and North Pierce County, EDGEWOOD SUMNER LAKE TAPPS LAKELAND HILLS WAY SE STATION 33 LAKELAND HILLS PIERCE COUNTY commonly known as the Green and White River Valleys. Census estimates put the resident population at nearly 85,000. Emergency services are provided from five fire stations, strategically located throughout the area. All of the VRFA fire stations are staffed by career firefighters 24 hours a day. Administrative services are provided from two facilities: Station 31 at 1101 D St. NE in North Auburn, which also serves as the Headquarters facility; and Station 35, located in the GSA complex at 2905 C St. SW, where the Technical Services staff do their work. EAST VALLEY HWY E PKWY SE 7 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

9 Mission statement The VRFA creates a safer community through effective prevention, preparedness and aggressive emergency response. Vision statement The Valley Regional Fire Authority is a leading public safety agency, efficiently providing premier services focused on minimizing the risk to lives and property. guiding values Pride in Service, Integrity, Courage, Respect 8 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

10 organizational chart Community & Governance Board Administrator Executive Assistant Technical Services Deputy Chief Operations Deputy Chief Director of Finance & Administration Planning & Logistics A Shift Battalion Chief B Shift Battalion Chief Administrative Services Fire Prevention C Shift Battalion Chief D Shift Battalion Chief Financial Services Public Information & Education Human Resources Training & Safety Information Services 9 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

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12 STATIONS Station 31 North Auburn: 1101 D Street NE Auburn, WA Headquarters: Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Operations This station houses the business services of the VRFA. The ten-person team that manages finance and administrative services occupies offices at this facility. It is also the busiest fire station in the VRFA. Station 31 had 4,138 unit responses in The station is staffed everyday with four firefighters, a Captain and a Battalion Chief (BC). A ladder truck and fire engine are cross-staffed with the Captain and two firefighters while a medical aid unit is staffed by two firefighter/emt s. The Battalion Chief has an office at this facility and is responsible for the day to day supervision of the operations and personnel at our five fire stations. The BC reports directly to the Deputy Chief of Operations who is part of the Administrative team and who also has his office at this facility. Station 32 South Auburn: 1951 R Street SE Auburn, WA Station 32 is the second busiest station in the VRFA with 3,280 unit responses in It is staffed with a Captain and four firefighters who are on duty 24/7. One fire engine and one medical aid unit respond to emergency calls from this location. Station 33 Lakeland Hills: Avenue East Auburn, WA This station is staffed by a Captain and two firefighters 24/7. A fire engine is the primary response apparatus, however all the personnel assigned to this facility are trained and certified as technical rescue technicians. They provide water and rope rescue expertise as part of a regional response team serving South King County and North Pierce County. Station 33 had 660 unit responses in / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

13 Station 34 Lea Hill: Avenue SE Auburn, WA This facility is the home of the VRFA Respiratory Protection program. Our Respiratory Specialists complete all of the repair, maintenance and testing of our self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and respirators. The Captain and two firefighters are assigned to staff a fire engine 24/7. They are also trained to operate an off-road utility vehicle that can take resources to remote locations or can serve as a medical aid platform at large community events. Station 34 had 1,309 unit responses in Station 35 Southwest Auburn: 2905 C Street SW Auburn, WA This facility, which is leased from the City of Auburn, houses the offices for the Technical Services section of the VRFA. It also provides a 9+ acre training ground and a 7,000 square foot warehouse facility used to store VRFA equipment, supplies and vehicles. Although it is not staffed around the clock it remains identified as Station 35 due to its enduring legacy that began in the 1960 s when it was a federal fire station and continuing in the 1990 s when it was re-opened as an Auburn Fire Station. It served as such until 2008 when the personnel and equipment were reassigned to staff Station 38 in Pacific after the formation of the VRFA. Station 38 Pacific: 133 3rd Avenue SE Pacific, WA This station is located in the western half of the Pacific Public Safety building which the VRFA leases from the City of Pacific and shares with Pacific Police Department. A Captain and two firefighters staff a fire engine 24/7 out of this facility. Engine 38 had 1,487 unit responses in other properties The VRFA owns two other properties. The Howard Road Support Facility was purchased in 2009 to house personnel and equipment from Station 32 while the existing fire station was remodeled. The building is now used for storage. The Lea Hill Support Facility is the fire station transferred to the VRFA from KCFPD #44 as part of the Auburn annexation of Lea Hill. In 2010 the new Fire Station 34 was built and the old fire station building was leased to Veritas Church in / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

14 community support & employee recognition Community Events VRFA staff and members of the Valley Professional Firefighters Local 1352 raised funds and promoted community awareness at several events in They created a canned food drive to help the Auburn Food Bank and sold T-shirts at the Relay, which was held at Auburn Memorial Field. Over the summer VRFA staff raised funds for several charities, including the Auburn Food Bank. Auburn Police and VRFA Thirteen firefighters participated in the 23rd Annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb in March to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Firefighters climbed 69 flights wearing 50 lbs. of firefighting gear. VRFA firefighters raised over $11,000 to fight blood cancers. May brought two more opportunities to help eradicate cancer. Valley Firefighters Union Local 1352 and the VRFA hosted their annual Pancake Breakfast. This year s event was held Saturday, May 31 at Lakeland Station 33 and served dual purposes: raising funds to add to the group s donation to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event in Auburn and registering bone marrow donors for the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). The Valley Firefighters Union became a Platinum Sponsor of the Relay for Life event by giving over $2,500 and didn t stop there. Firefighters faced off in the annual Chili Cook-off at the Auburn Farmers Market in August. The event raised $870 and, this year, the VRFA received the most votes for their chili recipe. In September, members from the VRFA joined other Washington State Firefighters and traveled to New York for the Tunnel to Towers Annual 5k Run/Walk honoring first responders who perished on 9/11. The event began in Brooklyn and ended at Ground Zero in Manhattan. People from all over the world came to run and raise funds for catastrophically injured service members returning home from serving their country. September also included a very special weekend for our firefighters and bike riders from all over the Pacific Northwest: the annual Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Bike Ride. Your local firefighters set up donation web sites and peddled over a hundred miles to raise money to help find a cure. The bicycle team consisted of riders from Swedish Medical Center, doctors who treat and research MS, VRFA firefighters, friends and family members. There are multiple firefighters in the VRFA who have family diagnosed with 13 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

15 community support & employee recognition MS and riding a bike to raise money for a cure and research is a perfect way to help. In October, VRFA Firefighters participated in the Fill the Boot drive which raised thousands of dollars for Auburn, Algona and Pacific children fighting Muscular Dystrophy. Firefighters spent several hours near the Auburn Outlet Collection holding boots so that those driving by could fill them with cash donations. and new employees alike. His willingness to serve on commitees or provide instruction to improve a fellow firefighter s skill-set is well known over his two decades of work. He is hard working, straight forward and respectful. Franklin began his career with King County Fire District #44 and joined the legacy Auburn Fire Department on April 29, During his career he has served as a Public Information & Education Specialist, Respiratory Specialist and JATC committee member. During the holiday season, firefighters competed against Auburn Police in the Cops vs. Firefighters: Battle of the Badges to collect food for the Auburn Food Bank. Off-duty firefighters, VRFA administrative staff and their families also stood in front of local stores collecting donations for the annual Toys for Kids drive. This year s program provided toys and books to nearly 1,400 local children. In addition to fundraising, the VRFA took part in numerous community events and parades including Auburn Kids Day, YMCA Healthy Kids Day, Algona Days, Auburn Days, Pacific Days, Auburn Veteran s Day parade, Auburn Santa Parade, the Algona Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Pacific Holiday Lighting event. Employee Recognition Firefighter First Class James Franklin was selected as the 2014 Firefighter of the Year. He was chosen by his peers because his vast knowledge and capability make him a resource for seasoned Captain Richard Olson was recognized as the Fire Officer of the Year for Captain Olson s extensive knowledge of the fire service, and what today s firefighters need to get the job done, have led him to become an expert on the VRFA s communications tools, especially new computer aided dispatch and radio technology. He is well known for his sharing of knowledge and mentoring. He is skilled at both planning and executing important projects which have improved the capabilities of firefighters and the services citizens received. Olson began his career with the legacy Auburn Fire Department in January of 1999 and was promoted to Captain in May of Olson has had assignments to the Training Division, Fire Investigation Team, Medical Services Specialist Team and most recently the Planning and Logistics group. The VRFA also recognized four retirees from 2014 who had a combined 125 years serving the emergency needs of those in our communities: Captain Dale Laginess, Firefighter Dave Cook, Firefighter Gary Eversaul and Firefighter Barry Rickert. Firefighter of the year Jim Franklin Fire officer of the year Rick Olson captain Dale Laginess firefighter dave cook firefighter gary eversaul firefighter barry rickert 14 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

16 2014 MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Financial Audit We received our annual visit from the State Auditor s Office (SAO) in late After a few weeks of reviewing our financial information, financial controls, policy and inventory practices, the VRFA received a clean audit report for This is the seventh consecutive clean audit for the VRFA. Command Officer Training Grant We were awarded a $85,000 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant for the implementation of a command officer training program known as Blue Card training. It is nationally recognized as one of the premier incident command training programs for fire service personnel. The program involves 50 hours of internetbased instruction and a 3-day competency-based evaluation in a simulation lab. After initial certification, personnel must complete continuing education credits to maintain their credentials. Strategic Plan Work continued on the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan. Signage was posted in all of our facilities reminding employees and community members of our mission, vision and guiding values. More marketing and branding initiatives are scheduled for This year we established a suggestion process that encourages employees to identify areas where we can be more efficient and effective by changing processes, equipment and/or procedures. The focus is on innovation and long-term sustainability. Employee recognition, labor/management collaboration and financial practices were also reviewed and revised to support our effort towards continuous improvement. Idle Reduction Technology The VRFA received $50,582 in grant funds in 2013 to install idle reduction technology (IRT) into four apparatus. The grant was submitted in conjunction with Kent Fire RFA and led by their apparatus maintenance division with whom the VRFA contracts for apparatus maintenance and repair services. Funding in 2014 provided for the retrofitting of an additional VRFA Medical Aid unit with IRT. This state of the art battery technology allows a 15 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

17 2012 MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS 2014 MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS vehicle to automatically shut down the engine after the vehicle is parked while still providing electrical power for all vehicle systems. The reduced idling of our diesel apparatus reduces emissions and fuel use. We now have seven apparatus with IRT systems. Apparatus Specifications In 2014 we established two workgroups to review, evaluate and develop specifications for the next generation of VRFA medical aid units and fire engines. Because of constant changes in vehicle technology and safety, it is important for us to review these specifications every few years to ensure we have a modern and reliable fleet of fire apparatus. With approval from the BOG for the purchase of a new medical aid unit and fire engine in FY2015, it was important that we complete the specification work in The process of acquiring new apparatus can take from several months for a medical aid unit to over a year for a fire engine. Valley Communications CAD Upgrade In 2007 the VRFA started work with Valley Communications Center (VCC) and other public safety agencies to research and recommend a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The existing CAD system at VCC had been in place for over 20 years and lacked many of the contemporary features and reliability that new systems offered. After a two-year evaluation of available products, the stakeholders selected Tiburon as the vendor for the new system. Immediately thereafter the process of implementing the system began. The VRFA maintained an active role in all phases of the project to ensure that our community was getting the best available product at the most reasonable cost. In March of 2014, nearly seven years after the project started, the new CAD system went live. The Tiburon CAD, MobileCom and WebQuery product suite leverages many of the latest technology advances and will be evolving to support future advances. Regional Preparedness In July, the Port of Seattle Fire Department, in cooperation with SeaTac Airport and several other federal agencies, conducted their triennial airport disaster drill. This drill is required by federal law and involved emergency response agencies from the entire Puget Sound region. For the VRFA it involved sending several units to the exercise as part of the mass casualty plan adopted within the region. Major incidents require that resources from the entire region come together under a single, well-designed plan to work as one in mitigating the problem. The exercise included simulated mass casualties that severely stretch the capabilities of local EMS providers. In addition to our role, law enforcement, public health agencies, local government emergency management entities and private sector vendors were involved in various capacities. 16 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

18 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION During 2014, VRFA continued to come out of the financial effects of the Great Recession, resulting in positive revenue trends that kept overall taxation flat. Continuing our belief in the stewardship of tax dollars, expenditure growth was limited to 0.86%, well below the rates of inflation, population growth, and growth in call volume. This was again validated with another clean audit from the Washington State Auditor, continuing our trend of perfect audits since inception. In non-financial areas, business efficiencies were gained with the consolidation of VRFA human resource responsibilities under the scope of one manager. An immediate outcome was an initiative to review and contemporize human resource Permit Fees 1.2% Transport Fees 2.4% Other Govt 5.5% 2014 Revenue Other Revenue 1.0% policies, and simplification of employee benefit communications. We are pleased to support our VRFA family with high quality service. Finally, information technology continued to play a key role in our day-to-day operations. This was best demonstrated by the deployment of the Tiburon suite of products at VCC. This system, which went live during the year, ensures that critical data is available to responders before they arrive at your home or business. All of our citizens, along with our community as a whole, will be safer as a result. Fire Benefit Charge 48.7% Benefits 20.0% Intergovernmental 3.7% Supplies 3.0% Services 9.1% 2014 Expenditures Capital 0.4% Property Tax 41.2% Wages 63.8% 17 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

19 OPERATIONS Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT s) respond to calls for service from five fire stations strategically located throughout our response area. Typical calls for service include emergency medical calls, fires of all types, vehicle crashes, water rescue, hazardous materials response and other rescue calls. The Operations Division is divided into four shifts (A, B, C, and D) that provide 24/7 coverage. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts on a rotational basis, averaging a 48-hour work week. A Battalion Chief, who also works 24-hour shifts, oversees each shift. All 92 line firefighters in the VRFA are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT s) and trained to Washington State certification standards in firefighting. Firefighters assigned to special operations, such as the water rescue team, maintain additional training certifications including swift water, dive and rope rescue. Depending on the location and type of call for service, firefighters will respond to emergencies in either a fire engine or a medical aid unit. Fire engines, also known as pumpers, carry hose, water, a fire pump, and ladders in addition to specialized tools and equipment. Fire engines are staffed with a minimum of two firefighters and a fire captain. Fire engines are the most versatile pieces of apparatus assigned to the fire service and are used on all types of calls, including medical emergencies. Our ladder trucks have either a 65 or 105 foot aerial device for reaching elevated or otherwise inaccessible areas quickly. These apparatus also carry tools used for forcible entry into secured or inaccessible areas, plus water, hose and a fire pump. They are staffed by two fire fighters and a captain. Medical aid units look like ambulances and are staffed with two firefighters. Medical aid units are a primary apparatus on most types of medical emergencies, but are dispatched to many other types of emergencies to provide staff and support. Personnel working on aid cars are fully qualified firefighters as well as EMT s. Calls of a serious or complicated nature, such as structure fires or vehicle extrication, require more than one unit to respond. A Battalion Chief and Safety Officer may also respond on calls that require more oversight. In 2014, we responded to 11,071 calls for service, an increase from 2013 of 9.3%. While the makeup of the calls for service has stayed fairly consistent since the founding of the VRFA in 2007, the number of calls for service have shown an upward trend. The trend is attributable to many factors including increased population and traffic, aging population, economic 18 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

20 hardship and the increase of cell phone use. Fire station locations are based on three main criteria. The first is current and potential need for service in the area. The second is to locate the station to minimize response times. Finally, the station must integrate into the rest of the system. As the graph below shows, service demand is dependent on the size and needs of the area served by a fire station. Station 31 is located at 1101 D St. NE in Auburn, and serves a large residential population, a significant portion of downtown and two freeways. When Station 31 crews are busy with another call, other stations must respond into Station 31 s area. Good Int 7% Pub Asst 6% False 5% Calls by Type 2014 Fire 4% HazMat 2% Other 1% EMS 75% Number of Calls for Service Calls for Service by Station Station 31 Station 32 Station 33 Station 34 Station 38 Response Performance Standards Until recently, average response time was used as a measurement tool in the fire service. Upon closer examination it was found that a few long responses caused by distance, weather, traffic, and other factors beyond the control of the fire crews would skew the mean to a much higher average. This did not accurately reflect overall performance. The current trend is to measure performance at a fixed percentile of all calls. For instance, a performance standard requiring crews to be out of the station in less than 175 seconds 90% of the time compensates for the occasional excessive time due to extraordinary circumstances. If extraordinary circumstances become so common as to cause crews to miss performance benchmarks, an analysis is performed to determine the cause and corrective action is taken. 19 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

21 The Board of Governance (BOG) has adopted a travel time standard for first response to all parts of the service area of no more than eight minutes and 48 seconds 90% of the time to medical emergencies, and no more than nine minutes and 38 seconds 90% of the time for fires. The difference in standards is due to the more rapid response possible by smaller, more nimble medical aid vehicles. In 2014, crews responded at the 90th percentile to EMS calls in seven minutes and 13 seconds, and to fires in seven minutes and 46 seconds, exceeding performance goals. The average response time for all unit responses was four minutes and 56 seconds. Turnout time is the time from the instant a call for service has been transmitted to firefighters to when they are en route to the emergency. During turnout time, firefighters confirm the address, move to their apparatus, don protective equipment, board the apparatus and begin moving to the call. The BOG has established a performance standard of 175 seconds 90% of the time for turnout time. In 2014, we had a 90th percentile performance of 106 seconds. Fire Suppression We respond to all potentially aggressive fires as well as automatic fire alarms. Depending on the type of fire and the potential threat to life or property, different amounts of equipment and personnel are dispatched. For instance, in a beauty bark fire, one engine with three firefighters are sent. In the case of a possible residential fire, three engines, a ladder truck, a medical aid vehicle and a Battalion Chief are initially dispatched. This level of resources is needed to simultaneously attack the fire, search the structure, secure a water supply, turn off utilities, ventilate the structure and provide command, control, and safety of the firefighters. In 2014, we responded to 265 fires and smoke emergencies. Of these, approximately 18% were classified as structure fires, 42% vegetation fires and 20% mobile property fires including motor vehicles and towable trailers. The remaining fires were classified as miscellaneous such as rubbish fires and illegal burns. We treated two patients injured in structure fires in 2014, and one person died of self-inflicted injuries prior to a structure fire. Emergency Medical Services In 2014, 75% of all 911 calls were primarily medical in nature. Additionally, rescue calls such as vehicle crashes and public assists (helping a person get back into their wheelchair or dislodging a child s hand from a vending machine) have a medical component to them. We provide emergency medical care as a primary provider in the area s tiered Emergency Medical System, and are 20 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

22 an integral player in the world-class King County pre-hospital emergency medical system. The first tier is the system, where emergency call takers and dispatchers are trained to triage calls and either dispatch the appropriate response resources to the patient or, in non-emergent cases, to direct the caller to a more appropriate caregiver. If emergency care is needed, a medical aid unit or fire engine is dispatched. This action represents the second tier of the system, Basic Life Support (BLS.) Once on scene, our EMT s assess the patient. If the patient is critically ill or injured, we stabilize the patient for the third tier of the system: Advanced Life Support (ALS), provided by King County Medic One. Critical patients are transported to the hospital by Medic One. We treat non-critical patients on scene and transport them to a local hospital in a VRFA medical aid unit or private ambulance. In 2014, we transported 1,196 patients to local emergency rooms. Wherever practical and safe, we arrange for the patient to remain at home with loved ones or to be transported to a non-emergency medical facility by family. In some cases we provide grant-funded round-trip taxi vouchers to patients. These actions save money and relieve pressure from overburdened emergency medical systems. Other Programs and projects When not responding to emergencies or participating in training, firefighters work on assigned public safety programs and special projects. In conjunction with the Public Education and Information Section, firefighters conducted 24 station tours for groups such as child care centers and schools. This is in addition to teaching 36 on-site kindergarten safety classes and providing 37 engine visits to school and civic events. Another ongoing program that the operations division maintains is the Pre-Incident Plan program. Crews identify hazards in the community and plan emergency response strategies for the 543 high risk occupancies in our service area. A high risk designation does not necessarily mean that the building is more vulnerable to a fire than other buildings, but because of its size, occupancy type, or contents such as hazardous materials, it poses special challenges. The Pre-Incident Plan assures that firefighters have current information on these types of hazards. Another one-time project that firefighters accomplished during 2014 was to locate, inspect, and GPS map all 4,013 hydrants in the response areas. This data was then supplied to the public works divisions in the respective jurisdictions to allow them to upgrade their databases. This was the first step in a comprehensive project to identify and upgrade all nonstandard hydrants. 21 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

23 Technical Rescue Team The Valley Regional Fire Authority Technical Rescue Team provides resources to a regional response group that routinely responds throughout South King County and North Pierce County. These responses to high risk/low frequency events, such as water rescue, are coordinated between several different emergency response agencies. Many of the agencies in South King County provide surface and swift water resources although the VRFA and the Renton Fire Department are the only two agencies that provide self contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) trained personnel. The VRFA Technical Rescue Team maintains 12 trained rescue specialists, divided among four operational shifts that are proficient in rope rescue, surface water, swift water and dive rescue operations. In addition to mandatory firefighter and EMT courses, Technical Rescue Specialists maintain a strict training schedule to maintain their certifications. Water rescue responses in our many area lakes and rivers occur frequently in the spring and summer months in Western Washington. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States in children ranging in age from 1 14 years of age, and King County routinely has a drowning rate that exceeds 100 fatalities per year. This statistical information is one of the key factors in the VRFA strategic response plan that includes water and other technical rescue support functions to rescue and recover citizens involved in water related emergencies. In addition to technical rescue operations, the VRFA also responds to hazardous materials spills and releases. All VRFA firefighters are trained to respond to the initial stages of a spill or release. When a significant hazardous materials (haz-mat) incident occurs within the VRFA response area we rely on assistance from other fire departments in South King County that maintain trained haz-mat technicians to mitigate large spills and releases. This regional response model allows the VRFA and other fire departments in King County Emergency Response Zone 3 to provide a cost effective all-hazard approach to incident response. In 2014 our Technical Rescue Team had over 13 water related, haz-mat or other technical rescue responses. 22 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

24 TECHNICAL SERVICES The technical services work of the VRFA is managed by a Deputy Fire Chief who reports directly to the Administrator. The responsibilities of the 17 personnel that make up this workgroup are diverse. Included is the Training, Safety and EMS Section; Planning and Logistics Section; Fire Prevention Section; Public Information and Education Section; Emergency Management; Capital Planning and Projects; Special Projects and Records Management. This group is responsible for the broad spectrum portfolio of support services necessary for the VRFA to carry out our mission. These services include organizational training and safety programs; emergency medical services and quality assurance; map and GIS data management; equipment, vehicle and supply purchasing; inventory control; public safety radio and dispatch management; new equipment research and testing; facility repair and maintenance; fleet repair and maintenance; equipment repair and maintenance; public information and education services; emergency management and preparedness programs; special projects; fire code enforcement; plan review and fire code based occupancy inspections and compliance. The Technical Services staff is very proud of what they do every day to support the safety of our community. If you have questions about the Technical Services Branch of the VRFA, contact Deputy Fire Chief Tim Day at or by at tim.day@vrfa.org. 23 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

25 FIRE MARSHAl s office The Fire Marshal s Office consists of the Fire Marshal, an Assistant Fire Marshal and four Deputy Fire Marshals. Fire plan Examinations Trained fire plan examiners review new construction and remodel plans in the VRFA service area. The examiners ensure compliance with the 2012 International Fire Code and help developers to complete a safe project. In 2014 we saw the completion of the first phase of the Auburn High School modernization and reconstruction project. The second phase includes physical education, music, performing arts, and Performing Arts Center facilities. This phase is scheduled to be completed in August 2015, and final site improvements should be completed by July Fire Safety inspections We performed over 1,600 fire safety inspections on local businesses in the VRFA area in The inspections are done by International Code Council certified fire inspectors and followed up by individual member cities if enforcement is required. The current inspection cycle strives to inspect every business in the VRFA area on a bi-annual basis. In order to ensure that we are providing the most efficient and contemporary inspection services, this inspection model is being evaluated and may be revised in fire investigations We completed our participation in the South King Fire Investigation Task Force and will move into 2015 with an inhouse team of investigators. The task force investigated a total of 92 incidents in 2014 in the VRFA service area. 24 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

26 training, safety & ems Section Our Training, Safety and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Section consists of a Battalion Chief and two Captains. One Captain manages fire suppression training while the second Captain focuses on EMS training and administration. In 2014, VRFA personnel completed 16,229 hours 2014 VRFA Training Hours Completed: 16,229 of documented training. The bulk of this training consisted of activities mandated by Washington Administrative Code especially WAC , Safety Standards for Fire Fighters as well as continuing medical education required by Washington State and designed by King County Emergency Medical Services. 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 VRFA: 2014 Training Hours 12,640 hrs 14,152 hrs 15,024 hrs 15,346 hrs 16,229 hrs Training Hours by Year In addition to this ongoing training, 2014 saw the VRFA participate in two exciting initiatives: Check & Inject and Blue Card Command Check and Inject All EMTs in King County are trained to deliver epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening immune response to allergens such as certain foods, insect stings, latex, or medication. Prior to April 2014, anaphylaxis was treated with Epi-pens, a device that automatically injects an appropriate dose of epinephrine. Check & Inject was developed by King County EMS as an alternative to these expensive auto-injectors. In fact, in 2014 the cost of an auto-injector reached $250 per device. Check & Inject kits, on the other hand, only cost $15 for the first kit and $4 to replace expired epinephrine. According to King County EMS, this program has garnered national attention for its effectiveness. Beginning in early 2014, all VRFA EMTs received training in Check & Inject and the kits were placed on VRFA response 25 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

27 apparatus in April. The kit contains supplies needed to administer two emergency doses of epinephrine to an adult or child, a syringe, a small dose of epinephrine, and a checklist to follow for EMTs. Firefighter/EMTs throughout the county delivered 75 doses of epi from these kits in 2014; three of these were delivered by VRFA personnel. blue card command This year also saw the VRFA begin the intensive process of certifying our Captains and Battalion Chiefs in Blue Card Command (BCC) after receiving a federal grant to fund its implementation. BCC is an accredited training program that consists of 50-hours of online curriculum followed by 24-hours of direct training in a simulation lab. After successfully completing both components, which include written exams and practical evaluations, candidates are certified as Blue Card Incident Commanders. The benefit of BCC is that it combines high-quality electronic coursework and digital simulations with significant instructor support. This ensures that all students are receiving the same information in the same format. The program also features a robust continuing education component which frees up VRFA training staff to focus on other critical areas. The most important benefit of Blue Card, however, is that it provides standardized terminology and actions at our most frequent types of structure fires. This greatly contributes to safer and smoother operations on the emergency scene, especially when we re working with our neighboring agencies, most of whom have also implemented Blue Card. 26 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

28 PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION The Public Information and Education Section is responsible for implementing community outreach and safety education programs with the ultimate goal of preventing fires and injuries. In addition, this section provides information to the public and news media regarding daily operations, special events and important safety messages. Led by the Deputy Chief of Technical Services, the section is staffed by two full time Public Information and Education Officers and assisted by three firefighters who have received specialized training in community education and information. Thirty-four fire station tours and fire engine visits were completed by firefighters and public education staff. Twenty-two groups from preschools and childcare centers received fire safety education along with an engine visit. Students at five high schools received distracted driving, as well as drinking and driving prevention lessons through our Think Again program. The VRFA participated in 36 community events in Algona, Auburn and Pacific. Highlights of VRFA safety education and information programs include the following: Community Education Programs Classroom Fire and Life Safety lessons were provided to 155 classrooms, approximately 4,600 students, in 14 public and four private elementary schools, grades K, 1 and 3. Safety Zone, a safety activity newsletter, was distributed to all elementary school children five times during the school year. Thirty fire evacuation, fire extinguisher training and other safety courses were provided for businesses, schools and community organizations. Over 194 bicycle helmets were custom fit to children and adults in need of them. Seventeen standard smoke alarms, two hearing impaired alarms and 30 smoke alarm batteries were installed or given to senior and/or low-income homeowners. Four children were referred to our Fire Stoppers program for fire setting intervention and fire safety education. 27 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

29 PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION Twelve children were referred to the Juvenile Firesetting Intervention program. Sixteen older adults were referred to our Fall Prevention Program and received risk reduction devices, as well as education aimed at reducing falls. Over 175 local Scouts and their leaders received fire and life safety education at our third annual Scout Night at the Fire Station. Public Information Twenty-three press releases were issued to the media regarding emergency incidents or VRFA announcements. Twitter announcements were made regarding 110 significant incidents, activities or events. The VRFA has over 1,200 followers. The VRFA website and Facebook pages were updated weekly. The website received over 29, 541 unique visits and the VRFA Facebook page had 840 likes. The Fire Watch community newsletter was distributed three times a year, reaching over 32,000 households in the VRFA service area. 28 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

30 planning & logistics Planning and Logistics, or P&L, provides several key support functions including fleet and facility maintenance, asset management, and communication and dispatch program management. P&L is managed by a Battalion Chief and supported by two Captains: one assigned to Planning and one assigned to Logistics was another busy year for P&L. Notable accomplishments included the rollout of a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. This system supports all public safety agencies served by Valley Communications Center. P&L also coordinated the ordering, training, and in-service placement of ballistic vests for all uniformed personnel. VRFA personnel frequently work with our local police agencies at scenes of violence and have been wearing ballistic vests on these types of responses for several years. These new vests provide enhanced protection and ergonomic function. Notably, the VRFA piggybacked onto an existing contract when purchasing these vests, resulting in a significant cost savings. P&L also coordinated the installation of idle reduction technology, or IRT, into one aid vehicle. This project was entirely funded by a regional grant awarded by the Washington State Department of Ecology. IRT systems reduce fuel consumption, exhaust emissions, and noise by relying on smaller battery or generator systems to power emergency lights and other critical systems while vehicles are idling at emergency scenes. A similar system is installed in the VRFA s newest fire pumper that was also delivered in It s our hope that by the end of 2015, the majority of the VRFA s frontline engine and aid car fleet will have IRT systems installed. P&L also managed several other lower profile projects in 2014, including: Implementing a revised system for reporting missing equipment Management of multiple facility projects, including updating our vehicle exhaust ventilation systems Resolution of 272 apparatus maintenance requests, 199 facility maintenance requests, and 99 small tool maintenance requests Ensuring compliance with multiple state safety mandates, including the completion of advanced inspection and cleaning of firefighter protective clothing, as well as the completion of inspections for VRFA s entire hose and ladder inventory Coordinating installation of mobile data computers in our reserve emergency vehicle fleet 29 / VRFA / Annual Report 2014

31 VALLEY REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY 1101 D St NE, Auburn, WA