2024-10-24 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes October 24, 2024 Page 11 Regarding volunteer uniform provisions, Mr. Spain explained that the current county code distinguishes between the Hawaii Fire Department and the Hawaii Volunteer Fire Department, recognizing them as separate entities. However, there is an issue with the uniforms, as volunteers are dressed in the same uniform as career firefighters. This has led to confusion, potential safety concerns, and growing morale issues. While they do not disagree with the Volunteer Fire Department, he stressed that assuming volunteers provide the same level of service as career firefighters is inaccurate. Volunteers are not medically trained, unlike career firefighters who undergo EMT training before becoming certified. Additionally, career firefighters must meet rigorous physical fitness requirements and are subject to drug and alcohol testing policies. There is a clear distinction between the two, and Mr. Spain emphasized that portraying volunteers as capable of performing the same duties as career firefighters, while receiving no pay, is misleading. He concluded by asking if there were any questions, but none were raised. Chair Kosaki thanked Mr. Spain for his testimony and inquired if there was anyone else who wished to provide testimony. There were none. Chair Kosaki mentioned that he would address several points he had previously discussed. He noted that he had received calls from people at various stations and even a picture of one of the volunteers. He emphasized that there was no ill will towards the volunteer firefighters, but there was a desire to distinguish them from the paid firefighters. He also referenced correspondence he had received concerning EMS standby, mentioning that he believed the volunteers only received basic first aid and CPR training. Chief Todd clarified that the volunteers are not trained to the EMT level, unlike the career firefighters. He acknowledged that the correspondence Chair Kosaki referred to was an oversight on his part. He explained that he had been cc'd in an email where a councilmember had requested the volunteer company to attend an event to show presence and recruit, while career personnel provided EMS standby. Chief Todd explained he had not read the full email chain, it seemed like it was already addressed and assured that they would handle similar situations more carefully in the future. Commissioner Cushnie inquired whether it's made clear to those requesting EMS standby what level of service they are getting whether it's EMT-level, paramedic- level, or just basic first aid. Is the level of service they'll receive clearly communicated at the time of the request? Chief Todd responded that it varies. They've had issues with this in the past and are currently implementing a new form to better clarify the level of service requested. This involves clerks having conversations with the requesters to ensure they understand what they're asking for. However, in this particular instance, the council