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relatedness. He noted that the Evansville Fire Department uses them. The overall cost would be between$ 8,500 tO $ 10,000. They have suggested a tutoring program before testing with a mock test. Chief Taylor noted that study material would also be made available. The Chief also noted that once the testing programs were in place that they could be made available to other fire departments on a fee basis. Council Member Kirsits noted the importance of making the testing particular to South Bend. Transport survival for example could be similar to those implemented by the Phoenix Fire Department. Assistant Chief Randy Magdalinski then reviewed the proposed re-districting of medic units to improve response times. The national average for advanced life support(ALS)is 4-6 minutes with 5.4 minutes being the mean ALS. South Bend's ALS is 6.8 minutes. He then reviewed the material for 1999 calls by medic and district(copy attached). The four(4)districts would be centered out of the following locations: 1. Old fire station# 10, 2. Central Fire Station, 3. Station# 2, and 4. Station#4(Olive). The runs have been rotated in the past. The new system should reduce the busiest times occurring Monday through Friday addressing in-service transports. Although fire calls have been reduced,EMS runs have increased. Chief Magdalinski expressed concern with regard to maintaining an adequate level of medics. He noted that there is a much higher rate of survival of a heart attack if the person is attended to within 5.4 minutes. The national average on an ambulance is five(5)years. Council Member Kelly inquired into the turnover of medics. Chief Magdalinski stated that pay is an issue and that burnout is also a concern. There were 9,910 calls last year. 20%were ALS and 80%were BLS. He would like firefighters and paramedics to have the opportunity to do both fire suppression and medic services. AEMT nationally can start an IV and work a monitor and provide the 1st line of cardiac drugs. Washington D.C. utilizes two(2)paramedics on their rigs. He noted that last year the city lost two(2)paramedics for more base pay elsewhere. Many wish to expand their careers in the department. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Chief Magdalinski noted that certification costs run $500 per year for AEMT and$1,500 per year for paramedics,plus the costs of overtime for training. The last class cost approximately$ 15,000. Council Member Kirsits noted that the total number of runs are up even though fires are down. In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak, it was noted that in 1998 60%of the calls were for people less than 65 years of age. A formal press conference will be held later this week at old Fire Station# 10 and the Council was invited to be in attendance. Council Member Ujdak thanked Chief Taylor and his staff for the presentations. At this point in the meeting the following individuals joined the Committee meeting: Jim Frick, Patrick E. Mangan,Public Policy Consultant; Joseph E. Sergio,President of citizens for Community Values, Inc.,Mr. John Broden, City Attorney, and members of the South Gateway Commercial Corridor Business District. Health and Public Safety Committe Meeting Minutes of May 10,2000 Page 2