AGENDA DATE: 1/15/2020
TITLE:
Title
Fire Rescue Service Challenges Work Session
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Fire Rescue Service Challenges Work Session
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Eggleston, Farley, Puckett, Mezzoni
PRESENTER (S): Dan Eggleston and David Puckett
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: During the December 4, 2019 five-year financial planning work session, staff presented to the Board of Supervisors two emerging issues that challenge ACFR to maintain current levels of service:
1) Crozet Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) has requested supplemental paid staffing Monday-Friday from 6:00 am - 6:00 pm.
2) Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad (CARS) is demonstrating reduced capability to send advanced life support (ALS) units into Albemarle County on nights and weekends.
At this meeting, the Board requested that staff schedule another work session to discuss these issues and possible solutions. In addition to this presentation, staff prepared a document (Attachment A) to address specific questions asked during the December 4 work session.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission: to enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) faces a number of challenges to maintaining the current service levels in our rapidly developing County. Primarily, CVFD has requested supplemental paid staffing Monday - Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and CARS is demonstrating reduced capability to send advanced life support (ALS) units into Albemarle County on nights and weekends.
In order to address these issues, staff is considering both expanding current emergency medical services (EMS) to 24/7 at Ivy and Pantops and re-positioning system assets to cover high volume gaps. These considerations will provide for more consistent and reliable County-wide ambulance service; better ensure ALS service is available to all areas of the County; improve overall EMS response time to rural areas of the County; and establish consistent insurance-only EMS transport billing practices.
BUDGET IMPACT: This discussion will provide important context for the annual budget process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
The work session is to provide the Board of Supervisors with additional relevant information regarding fire rescue system challenges in the context of the upcoming budget process.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - EMS Information