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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-11-152_Fire Department Tiered Response Agreement complete.p1 Staff Report Krr~.~-~~,i~iER CommunityServicesDepartment www.kitthenerta REPORT T0: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: November 28, 2011 SUBMITTED BY: Tim Beckett, Fire Chief, 519-741-2926 PREPARED BY: Tim Beckett, Fire Chief, 519-741-2926 WARD(S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: November 8, 2011 REPORT NO.: CSD-11-152 SUBJECT: FIRE DEPARTMENT TIERED RESPONSE AGREEMENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Fire Chief be authorized to execute a Tiered Response Agreement with the Region of Waterloo Emergency Medical Service (EMS) on behalf of the City; said agreement to be to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor. BACKGROUND: The Fire Department through the Establish and Regulating by-law (2004-227), Chapter 730 of the Municipal Code, has a Council approved mandate to participate in emergency pre-hospital care or traditionally known as medical response calls. Section 730.3.14 of the Municipal Code states "The Department delivers emergency services to the community in the areas of fire suppression...medical response, high/low angle... The levels of service shall be commensurate with the current annual budget estimates and Council direction." Further Section 730.4.4 of the Municipal Code states; "The Department participates in the regional Tiered Response program and provides advanced first aid and automatic external defibrillation as core parts of its service." The Fire Department has participated in the tiered response program since April 1, 1988. Fire Fighters play an important role in pre-hospital care delivery model in assisting Regional EMS paramedics and ensuring for the care of the citizens the corporation serves. As part of our skill sets fire fighters are trained in: Emergency Patient Care (EPC): Our firefighters hold certification in the provincial standard set forth by the Ontario Fire College. The EPC program consists of the following sections; 1) Pre- Hospital care and the First Responder 2) Scene Assessment and Personal Safety 3) Patient Assessment 4) Assessment and Treatment of the Trauma Patient 5) Assessment and Treatment of the Medical Patient 6) Special Populations. Heart and Stroke Health Care Provider (C): The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers course contains updated content and science from guidelines for Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiac Care. The program addresses core material such as adult and pediatric CPR (including two-rescuer scenarios and the use of a bag mask), foreign-body airway obstruction, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use. In the Region of Waterloo EMS Master Plan it is recommended that the Region and local fire departments investigate adding beneficial medical skills/ procedures for area fire fighters. This 11-1 1 Staff Report Krr~.~-~~,i~iER CommunityServicesDepartment www.kitthenerta would allow fire fighters to further increase their skill set and provide additional service to our citizens. REPORT: We are currently utilizing a tiered response agreement that was executed in 1988. This agreement has served us well and has been subject to minor adjustments to meet the growing demands for pre-hospital care. With a transition towards new technology and a new call out criteria with the Central Ambulance Communication Centres operated by the Ministry of Health, we are required to enter into a new updated tiered response agreement with Regional EMS. This updated agreement will identify the criteria under the new system that the Fire Department will respond to. The preliminary discussions with Fire Department staff and Regional EMS have identified the following criteria to be included in the agreement. Breathing Compromise Breathing Problem Burns Cardiac Arrest /Vital Signs Absent Chest Pain/ Heart Problem Choking Convulsions/ Seizure Electrocution ALL Multi Casualty Incident events ALL Motor Vehicle Collisions categories Near Drowning Stroke/ CVA (cerebrovascular accident) Trauma Unconscious As with any changes made, we will evaluate these responses for the next 6 months and determine if there is a need to add to, subtract from or remain at status quo. This will allow us to monitor the overall effectiveness of the fire department at these incidents and to evaluate any increase or decrease in call volumes. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The delivery of pre-hospital care aligns with the corporate strategic plan as it improves emergency management and response and addresses health and safety concerns of citizens (PHS1 & 2). It allows for clear understanding of our response and capabilities which aligns with Organizational Governance, At the Ready (E5.5) FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: We do not anticipate any additional financial implications with this new tiered response agreement. 11-2 1 KITCx~i~~R Staff Re ort p Camrn unity Services Departm ent ~w.k~~~~~r~erca COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: This is an internal contract matter and no community engagement is required, ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services 11-3 PROTECTION Chapter 730 FIRE DEPARTMENT Article 1 INTERPRETATION 730.1.1 Chief -defined 730.1.2 Chief Administrator -defined 730.1.3 City -defined 730.1.4 Council -defined 730.1.5 Department -defined 730.1.6 Member -defined Article 2 GENERAL PROVISIONS 730.2.1 Department -established -Chief appointed by Council 730.2.2 Personnel - determined by Council 730.2.3 Service units Article 3 FIRE CHIEF 730.3.1 Responsible to Council -fire protection services 730.3.2 Administration -operation 730.3.3 General -orders -rules -conduct determinations 730.3.4 Policies -procedures -advisory committee established 730.3.5 Fire protection -enforcement 730.3.6 Additional powers -duties 730.3.7 Rescue methods - provision of KITCHENER 730.1 JANUARY 2005 11-4 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.3.8 Administration -operation -enforce orders -rules 730.3.9 Annual estimates -municipal budget 730.3.10 Deputy Chief - report to Chief -respective departments 730.3.11 Acting Chief -appointment -duties 730.3.12 Reprimand -suspension -authority 730.3.13 Discharge ofinember -reasons - report to CAO 730.3.14 Services -types -level of service 730.3.15 Standard operating guidelines 730.3.16 Capabilities of the Department 730.3.17 Fire prevention -inspection program 730.3.18 Public education -fire safety village -other Article 4 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.4.1 Communications -emergency dispatch centre 730.4.2 Vehicle extrications 730.4.3 Confined space rescue -operations 730.4.4 Regional Tiered Response Program 730.4.5 High/low angle rope rescue 730.4.6 Trench rescue incidents 730.4.7 Building collapse rescue 730.4.8 Hazardous materials -leaks -spills 730.4.9 Land-based -water -ice -rescue 730.4.10 Investigations -cause -origin -fires 730.4.11 Equipment -apparatus -maintenance -repair 730.4.12 Training -responsibility 730.4.13 Direct detect -fire monitoring service -responsibility 730.4.14 Response -outside municipality -agreement -other JANUARY 2005 730.2 KITCHENER 11-5 730.1.1 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.2.3 Article 5 VALIDITY 730.5.1 Severability Article 6 REPEAL 730.5.1 By-law -previous Article 1 INTERPRETATION 730.1.1 Chief -defined "Chief' means the Chief of the Kitchener Fire Department. 730.1.2 Chief Administrator -defined "Chief Administrator" means the Chief Administrative Officer of the City. 730.1.3 City -defined "City" means The Corporation of the City of Kitchener. 730.1.4 Council -defined "Council" means the Council of The Corporation of the City of Kitchener. 730.1.5 Department -defined "Department" means the Kitchener Fire Department. 730.1.6 Member -defined "member" shall mean all full time staff of the Fire Department. Article 2 GENERAL PROVISIONS 730.2.1 Department -established -Chief appointed by Council The Department was established in 1916 and is hereby continued and the head of the Department shall be known as the Chief appointed by Council. 730.2.2 Personnel -determined by Council In addition to the Chief, the Department personnel shall consist of Deputy Chiefs and such number of other officers and members as from time to time may be deemed necessary by the Council. 730.2.3 Service units The Department shall be comprised of the following service units: KITCHENER 730.3 JANUARY 2005 11-6 730.3.1 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.3.5 (a) Administration; (b) Fire Prevention and Public Fire Education; (c) Apparatus and Equipment; (d) Emergency Communications Centre; (e) Training; (fl Fire Suppression; and (g) Direct Detect. Article 3 FIRE CHIEF 730.3.1 Responsible to Council -fire protection services The Chief is the person who is ultimately responsible to Council for the de livery of fire protection services. By-law 2004-227, 8 December, 2004. 730.3.2 Administration -operation The Chief is responsible to the City's Deputy CAO, Community Services for the proper administration and operation of the Department. By-law 2004-227, 8 December, 2004; By-law 2011-047, 28 March, 2011. 730.3.3 General -orders -rules -conduct determinations The Chief may make such general orders and departmental rules as may be necessary for the care and protection of the property of the Department, for the conduct of the members, and generally for the efficient operation of the Department, provided that such general orders and rules do not conflict with the provisions of any collective agreement, by-law of the municipality or Chapter of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code. 730.3.4 Policies -procedures -advisory committee established The Chief shall periodically review the policies and procedures of the De- partmentand may establish advisory committees consisting of such officers and members as may be determined from time to time to assist in this duty. 730.3.5 Fire protection -enforcement The Chief shall take all proper measures for the provision of fire protection services and for the protection of life and property and shall enforce all mu- nicipal by-laws and Chapters of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code re- specting fire prevention and exercise the powers and duties imposed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act,1997. APRIL 2011 730.4 KITCHENER 11-7 730.3.6 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.3.11 730.3.6 Additional powers -duties The Chief shall take all proper measures for the prevention, control and ex- tinguishment offires and the protection of life and property and shall exer- ciseall powers mandated by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act,1997, and the Fire Chief shall be empowered to authorize in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act,1997: (a) pulling down or demolishing any building or structure to pre- vent the spread of fire; (b) all necessary actions which may include boarding up or barri- cading of buildings or property to guard against fire or other danger, risk or accident, when unable to contact the property owner; and (c) recovery of expenses incurred by such necessary actions for the City in the manner provided through the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act,1997. 730.3.7 Rescue methods -provision of Wherever an emergency arises requiring the rescue/extrication of persons from entrapment in buildings, vehicles, from water or ice or other circum- stances,the Chief shall provide for whatever rescue measures are required in the circumstances. 730.3.8 Administration -operation -enforce orders -rules The Chief is responsible for the overall administration and operation of the Department in accordance with municipal by-laws and policies and provin- cial legislation. The Chief is also responsible for enforcement of general orders and Department rules. 730.3.9 Annual estimates -municipal budget The Chief shall submit the annual estimates of the Department in accordance with municipal budget policy. 730.3.10 Deputy Chief - report to Chief -respective departments Each Deputy Chief shall report to the Chief on the activities of the divisions for which each Deputy Chief has responsibility and carry out the orders of the Chief. 730.3.11 Acting Chief -appointment -duties The Chief or Council may appoint one or more of the Deputy Chiefs as Act- ing Chief(s). Any Deputy Chief appointed as an Acting Chief will have all the powers and shall perform or together perform as the case maybe, all of the duties of the Chief for the duration of the appointment. KITCHENER 730.5 JANUARY 2005 11-8 730.3.12 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.3.17 730.3.12 Reprimand -suspension -authority The Chief may reprimand or suspend any member for insubordination, inef ficiency, misconduct, tardiness or for non-compliance with any of the provi- sions ofthis Chapter or the general orders and departmental rules that in the opinion of the Chief would be detrimental to the discipline and efficiency of the Department, provided that every member shall have the rights conferred by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 and any collective agreement then in effect. 730.3.13 Discharge of member -reasons - report to CAO Where, in the Chief's opinion, the circumstances of any behaviour as set out in Section 730.3.12, warrant it, the Chief may recommend to the Chief Ad- ministrativeOfficer, that a member be discharged, provided that every mem- ber shall have the rights conferred by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act,1997 and any collective agreement then in effect. 730.3.14 Services -types - level of service The Department delivers emergency services to the community in the areas of fire suppression, fire prevention, public education, emergency fire com- munications, vehicle extrication, confined space rescue, medical response, high/low angle rope rescue, water/ice rescue, trench and collapse rescue and hazardous materials spills/leaks response and chemical, biological, radio- logical, nuclear response. The levels of service shall be commensurate with the current annual budget estimates and Council direction. 730.3.15 Standard operating guidelines Specific expectations of delivery will be contained in the departmental stan- dard operating guidelines and documentation. 730.3.16 Capabilities of the Department Under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act,1997, the Department must be capable of responding to and suppressing fires at a level that meets the City's needs and risks. The Department performs these services to a very high level of complexity up to and including entry of buildings for the pur- poses of search and rescue and interior fire operations. 730.3.17 Fire prevention -inspection program Fire prevention is mandated by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997. The Department as a minimum responds to complaints and requests for inspections and a community smoke alarm program. Generally, the De- partment administers a proactive fire inspection program. JANUARY 2005 730.6 KITCHENER 11-9 730.3.18 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.4.7 730.3.18 Public education -fire safety village -other Public education is mandated by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997. The Department shall continue to operate a fire safety village for the education of its community about fire safety practices. The Department shall also provide information to the community regarding smoke alarms, fire es- cape plans, fire safety in the home and general accident prevention measures. Article 4 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.4.1 Communications -emergency dispatch centre The Department shall operate a contemporary emergency fire communica- tions resource centre which receives and dispatches emergency calls and disseminates critical response information to the incident commander and firefighters. 730.4.2 Vehicle extrications The Department provides a high level of skill in this area to perform vehicle extrications that occur within the City. 730.4.3 Confined space rescue -operations The Department shall maintain a team of firefighters who are capable of re- sponding toconfined space incidents and performing confined space rescue at the "technician level" as outlined in Department operating procedures. 730.4.4 Regional Tiered Response Program The Department participates in the Regional Tiered Response Program and provides advanced first aid and automatic external defibrillation as core parts of its service. 730.4.5 High/low angle rope rescue The Department shall maintain a team of firefighters who are capable of re- sponding to high/low angle rope rescue incidents at the "technician level" as outlined in Department operating procedures. 730.4.6 Trench rescue incidents The Department shall maintain a team of firefighters who are capable of re- sponding totrench rescue incidents at the "operational level" as outlined in Department operating procedures. 730.4.7 Building collapse rescue The Department shall maintain a team of firefighters who are capable of re- sponding to building collapse rescue incidents at an "awareness level" as outlined in Department operating procedures. KITCHENER 730.7 JANUARY 2005 11 - 10 730.4.8 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.4.14 730.4.8 Hazardous materials -leaks -spills The Department shall maintain a team of firefighters who are capable of re- sponding tohazardous materials leaks and spills incidents at the "technician level" as outlined in Department operating procedures. 730.4.9 Land-based -water -ice -rescue The Department shall maintain a team of firefighters capable ofland-based, water entry ice and water rescue as outlined in Department operating procedures. 730.4.10 Investigations -cause -origin -fires The Department performs cause and origin fire investigations and works co- operativelywith the local police services regarding any violations of the law. The Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario is contacted to investigate fires which fall under its mandate as defined in the Fire Protection and Preven- tion Act, 1997 and any associated public fire safety guidelines or notifications. 730.4.11 Equipment -apparatus -maintenance -repair The Department shall maintain an apparatus and equipment maintenance fa- cility to ensure fire vehicles and equipment are maintained in serviceable condition and perform repairs as required. 730.4.12 Training -responsibility The Department is responsible through law to ensure its staff is properly trained to perform the duties upon which they may be called. The Training Unit is responsible for administering and arranging the research, develop- ment and delivery of training programs required by the Department. 730.4.13 Direct detect -fire monitoring service -responsibility The Department is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of the direct fire monitoring service called "Direct Detect" and provided to subscriber properties. 730.4.14 Response -outside municipality -agreement -other The Department shall not respond to a call with respect to a fire or emer- gency outside the limits of the municipality except with respect to a fire or emergency: (a) that, in the opinion of the Chief or incident commander of the Department, threatens property in the municipality or property situated outside the municipality that is owned or occupied by the municipality; (b) in a municipality with which an approved agreement has been entered into to provide fire protection services which may in- clude automatic aid; JANUARY 2005 730.8 KITCHENER 11 - 11 730.5.1 FIRE DEPARTMENT 730.5.1 (c) on property with which an approved agreement has been en- teredinto with any person or corporation to provide fire protec- tion services; (d) at the discretion of the Chief, to a municipality authorized to participate in any county, district or regional mutual aid plan es- tablished by afire co-ordinator appointed by the Fire Marshal or any other similar reciprocal plan or program; or (e) on property beyond the municipal boundary where the Chief or designate determines immediate action is necessary to preserve life or property and the appropriate department is notified to re- spondand assume command or establish alternative measures, acceptable to the Chief or designate. Article 5 VALIDITY 730.5.1 Severability Each and every of the provisions of this Chapter is severable and if any pro- vision ofthis Chapter should for any reason be declared invalid by any court, it is the intention and desire of this Council that each and every of the then re- mainingprovisions hereof shall remain in full for and effect. Article 6 REPEAL 730.5.1 By-law -previous By-law 73-50-P, January 15, 1973, By-law 79-21-P, February 5, 1979, By-law 80-201-P, October 20,1980, By-law 88-6, January 11,1988 and the contents of the previous Chapter 730 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code are hereby repealed. By-law 2004-227, 6 December, 2004. KITCHENER 730.9 JANUARY 2005 11 - 12