COM 1089.000 2012-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Form #: B-52 7/18/91 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT DATE: 9/12/2014 STAFF CONTACT: Darren J Rosario PHONE: 932-2900 A. REQUEST: Prepare a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement and accept a grant from the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation. B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): The State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation has approved a $97,390.00 to the County of Hawaii Fire Department through the Highway Safety Grant for Federal Fiscal Year 2015. The grant will be used to purchase rescue truck kits. As the primary 911 EMS provider for the County of Hawaii, the Hawaii Fire Department responds to each and every one of these motor vehicle crashes (MVC), which over the last 3 years has accounted for 3,868 HFD responses. HFD's 20 engine companies located across Hawaii Island respond to each and every one of these MVC's. Over the past few years there have been major changes in the vehicles we see on our roads. Older vehicles manufactured with heavy steel frames referred to as "bricks," when they roll tend to retain most of their shape, and when ending up on their side, are fairly easy to stabilize with wedges and wood cribbing. Today's vehicles are made of lightweight metal cages with thin springy sheet metal or plastic panels, referred to as "beach balls," are more prone to bounce and roll leaving them in unusual positions and difficult to stabilize. Passengers are being subjected to extreme rebound and impact injuries, particularly when not restrained by seat-belts. The need for vehicle stabilization to protect these patients has never been greater. HFD currently uses standard wedges and wooden cribbing blocks that are effective but limited in the amount of overall stability they provide, this lack of stability is a safety issue for not only the patients but the rescuers. OP— SEP 15 2014 SIGNED: DATE: Department Head