02-07-00 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Health and Public Safety Committee February 7, 2000 Page 6 In response to questions from Council Member Ujdak, Assistance Chief Switalski noted that 100 firefighters have twenty (20) years of service currently. Of that number sixty (60) are 52 years or older and could retire today. Nine(9) firefighters are projected to retire in 2000. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that in 1999, the department changed its system of hiring and now begins with a recruit; training and state certifications take place first and then recruits are sworn in before the Board of Safety. The new system is working quite well. Council Member Aranowski inquired about the two-in-two-out policy. Assistant Chief Quinn stated that it began as a safety issue. Currently firefighters do not go into a building unless a life is in danger. If a rig with three (3) firefighters arrive, they would not go in until a second rig arrives unless a life is in danger and that must be documented. Chief Quinn noted that the minimum requirements would go from three(3) firefighters to five(5) firefighters on a rig if there was not flexibility and common sense involved. Battalion Chief Magalinski noted that NFPA regulations were reviewed and with the assistance and guidance of Isabelle Gonzalez, former Safety and Risk Manager for the City of South Bend, the current department procedures were approved at the federal and state levels. The City of South Bend is one of the few cities having such approval. In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak, Assistant Chief Switalski noted that staffmg needs are currently being met. Annexation will require more staffing however which are not addressed in the current numbers. Battalion Chief Magalinski noted that the drawing power for new paramedics is done. He noted that this is a problem at the local and national level. There are ten percent (10%) fewer paramedics then there were two (2)years ago in Indiana. Many individuals want to do both firefighting and paramedic duties, but currently cannot because of the growing staffing problems. The national average for the service years of a paramedic is currently five(5)years but will soon drop to three(3)years. The medical directors at Memorial and St. Joseph Hospitals want two (2) paramedics per ambulance. He does not see how the City can maintain these staffing needs without cutting back on service. The current contract with the county continues through 2002. They average 7-8 calls per day. Paramedic personnel are rotated there which is helping to add to the longevity of our paramedics. He attends monthly township department meetings and the program is operating well. In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak it was noted that increased difibulators should be a priority. The overall cost is approximately $3,000 per unit. Golf courses should have them in the opinion of Battalion Chief Magalinski. Council Member Ujdak noted that in light of the growing risk management emphasis that this will be a bigger issue and should be reviewed. It was noted that the Engine Companies began carrying defibulators in 1992. The American Heart Association is pushing the need for defibulators in many sectors to help save lives. In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak it was noted that several meetings with Chief Tom Hurdle and the Centre Township Fire Department have taken place. The City will assist with manpower on structural fires. The City will also be the primary