COM 0184.015 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 25, 1997 TO Nelson Tsuji, Fire Chief FROM Steven Iwamoto, FASO RECEIVED SUBJECT: Program and Budget Review Questionnaire for Fiscal Year 1997-98 A. PROGRAMS Item # 1. a. Fire Dispatch FEB 2 6 1997 Three new supervisory personnel. Presently fire dispatchers are supervised by an AST and Battalion Chief that works only during week days. These two personnel have numerous other responsibilities. During the other 16 hours of the week day, weekends and holidays the on duty Fire Assistant Chiefs provide supervision. The Assistant Fire Chiefs have numerous other responsibilities. This present system of dispatcher supervision is no longer sufficient. The number of emergency calls are increasing yearly, the number of fire stations and vehicles (both paid and volunteer) have increased, EMD protocols have been implemented, Aeromedical protocols have been implemented, Hazmat protocols have been implemented, 911 protocols have been implemented, the Island population has grown, people now expect more services, and the Island is becoming more developed. The above mentioned points and others has made functions of the fire dispatcher more complex. This complexity requires more dedicated direct supervision, where a person is in charge to coordinate, make the needed decisions and when needed, assist with dispatch functions in a timely manner. The added supervisors will promote uniformity between different dispatch shifts in dispatch operations and training, This will allow for instituting a quality improvement program for dispatching in emergencies, faster actions in scheduling personnel shortages. This added attention will provide for reduced dispatching errors and in turn reduce County potential for liability incidents. The above will all contribute to the best interest of the public in more efficient and effective service. The Fire Department is responsible for the Island's emergency fire, medical, rescue, and Hazmat emergencies. 2. Reallocations/repricing for fire dispatchers. The reallocations/repricing will bring the HFD dispatchers in step with HPD dispatchers who have received repricing several years ago. This may be also addressed or be more of concern in repricing of the dispatchers. The Fire Department is responsible for the Island's emergency fire, medical, rescue, and Hazmat emergencies. 3. Replacement of present Fire Dispatch phone system. The present phone system is obsolete, parts for repairs are no longer being manufactured. The telephone company, vendor providing maintenance, recommends strongly that this system be replace as soon as possible, because of the difficulty keeping this system operating., The present dispatch phone system includes 2 rotary phones that are cumbersome to use in emergencies and is not compatible other common modem phone systems.