Public Safety in Templeton - Fire/EMS

Public Safety in Templeton – Fire/EMS

Have you ever had to call for an ambulance in an emergency situation? Isn’t that the worst feeling in the world? …waiting for help to arrive?

On August 22, 2013, there will be a Joint Town Meeting (JTM) at 7 pm. The votes taken at this JTM will determine the fate of public safety in the Town of Templeton. One aspect of public safety is the Fire department/EMS.

The BOS receive periodic updates from the Fire Chief to keep us informed of issues in the department. I have asked and received permission to share the latest update from Chief LaPorte:

 

Templeton Fire Department

2 School Street   Baldwinville, MA 01436

Ph. 978.939.2222   Fax: 978.939.5671

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chief  Raymond A. LaPorte  NREMT-P

                                                                                                                                 8-08-2013

Selectmen:

Jeffrey Bennett, Chairman

Kenn Robinson, Vice Chairman
Doug Morrison, Clerk
Julie Farrel, Member

Town Coordinator:
Jeff Ritter

“A view from the Chiefs’ office”                                                 

Good afternoon,

In this installment of “a view from the Chiefs’ office” I would like talk about staffing of calls, the use of  FTE (full time equivalent) hours, some inter-departmental cooperation resulting in improved parking at station 1, the computer program “I AM RESPONDING”, the road to ALS (advanced life support), and becoming a training institution for EMS (emergency medical services).

To improve staffing for all calls for service, (our primary challenge), we instituted a new staffing configuration with 1 FT (full time) member, and several FTEs.  The way we have it now, we are able to better cover daytime calls 7 days a week.

The full-timer works from 7am to 5pm, 5 days a week.  The FTEs work 7am – 4pm Saturdays and Sundays 2 FTEs each day.  The weekend FTE staff is drawn from the call members of the department.

The article funding this was for 2 FTEs at 48 hours each; 96 hours total.  To this was added an amount for benefits.  We are now closing more of the holes in coverage than before, but still not all of them. 

I have 1 FT member with benefits 50 hours / week.

I have 4 FTEs 9 hours each weekend day totaling 36 hours with no benefits as they are under 20 hours / week scheduled.

This, along with my ability to staff calls, has resulted in guaranteed coverage most daytime hours, 7 days a week.  We are already experiencing an increase in ambulance calls covered during this critical time period which translates into increased receipts.

I projected revenue of $180,000. for FY13 and realized $185,000.  If we trend as we are now I would expect to improve on this number for FY14.  Another bump in revenue can be expected once we go to the ALS level of ambulance licensure.

The cooperation between Highway, Cemetery, and Fire Departments was evidenced this week as together we were able to make some improvements to the parking situation at Station 1 (Templeton Center).  We increased the width in front of the station to provide additional parking spaces on a better surface than the grass.  I would like to express my thanks to Bud and his crew, and Alan for the use of his drag box and tractor.  The Station is neat, looks much better, and this work has greatly improved safety and functionality. 

We have a new computer based program called: I AM RESPONDING.  This program alerts responders of calls, as well as tracks many credentials, calendar coverage, vacation away notices, and generates many management reports.  The smart phone app lets responders touch a button on their phone to let dispatchers or anyone that has the app know that they are responding.  The program is brand new to us and I think it will be even more useful as time goes by.

We continue our efforts forward toward ALS (advanced life support).  I am working with my ALS team with positive results.  We have revamped all of our EMS policies and procedures to be ready for the changes coming. 

We have made improvements in station security to protect resources critical to ALS.  We have updated our roster and calendar to reflect the current staffing and general availability of providers.  We have improved BLS skills with the institution of a QA/QI (quality assurance / quality improvement) program, highlighting both the positive and negative performance as a means of doing better.

We currently are starting the process of making Station 1 an accredited training institution.  This will allow us to teach classes to outside groups, such as EMT training, Paramedic training, Community CPR training, and other dynamic classes needed to maintain certifications.  I would expect as a side benefit to gain some members from this endeavor.

In closing, I would again like to thank you for your continued support of Fire and EMS in Templeton.  As we go forward, it is my intent to generate more of the revenue we need to provide emergency services to the residents from sources other than taxation.

Respectfully Submitted,

Raymond A. LaPorte NREMT-P

Please take note of the last sentence:

“As we go forward, it is my intent to generate more of the revenue we need to provide emergency services to the residents from sources other than taxation.”

Chief LaPorte and the men and women of the fire department are close to achieving the goal of a self sufficient department. When cuts are made to Public Safety, there will be an increase in response time for EMS and fire. The goal of “providing emergency services to residents from sources other than taxation” will suffer a major setback.

All 8,000 inhabitants of Templeton will be effected by cuts to public safety.

Please join me in VOTING NO on August 22.

My opinions…supported by FACTS ! ! !

Julie Farrell