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Percentage of Time Response to Emergency Events in Five Minutes or Less
|
|
FY 08/09 |
FY 09/10 |
FY 10/11 |
FY 11/12 |
|
Target |
90% |
90% |
90% |
90% |
|
Actual |
58% |
56% |
47% |
|
|
Variance |
-32% |
-34% |
-43% |
|
|
FY 11/12 |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
|
Target |
90% |
90% |
90% |
90% |
90% |
90% |
90% |
90% |
90% |
|
|
|
|
Actual |
51% |
51% |
51% |
47% |
48% |
48% |
54% |
55% |
60% |
|
|
|
|
Variance |
-39% |
-39% |
-39% |
-43% |
-42% |
-42% |
-36% |
-35% |
-30% |
|
|
|
Why This Is Important
Response time is a measure used in National Fire Protection Association standards, which are widely used to evaluate fire department emergency service levels nationwide. Research has shown that medical intervention that begins within five minutes of a traumatic injury or cardiac event gives the patient a greater chance of survival. This measure has been incorporated into our performance measures since their inception.
What It Will Take To Achieve The Targets
The 90 percent target of arrival within five minutes is achievable. We have been challenged with necessary budget reductions thus affecting our emergency response capability. Our experience of adding just one additional Paramedic Engine Company 40-hours per week proved to reduce response times overall by 13%. There are two areas that have helped us improve upon this goal. The first is the implementation of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology. This system now allows dispatchers to select the closest emergency resource regardless of agency jurisdiction. The second improvement towards achieving our goal has been our success in negotiating mutual-aid and automatic-aid agreements with our partner fire agencies. Blurring the lines of jurisdiction for emergency response is advantageous for all communities. Installing traffic pre-emption controls on some or all of the 137 signaled intersections in the City will allow emergency vehicles to proceed without coming to a complete stop through intersections with resulting improved response times and safer “code 3” response.
Contact:
Kevin Rennie, Fire Chief, krennie@cityofventura.net
Fire Dispatch Processing Time by Ventura County Fire Communications Center
|
Time in Seconds |
FY 08/09 |
FY 09/10 |
FY 10/11 |
FY 11/12 |
|
Target |
120 * |
75 |
75 |
75 |
|
Actual |
160.31 |
121.82 |
101.92 |
|
|
Variance |
-40.31 |
-46.82 |
-26.92 |
|
*Reporting Method changed FY 09/10
|
FY 11/12 |
SEP |
DEC |
MAR |
JUN |
|
Target |
75 |
75 |
75 |
75 |
|
Actual |
87 |
84 |
84 |
|
|
Variance |
-12 |
- 9 |
-9 |
|
Why This Is Important
An efficient and quick process to obtain the nature of the problem, location of the incident and the dispatch of appropriate fire/rescue resources is vital for positive outcomes.
What It Will Take To Achieve The Targets
Monitoring call processing times while working with Ventura County Fire Protection District Communications Center (FCC) will indicate trends. By following these trends, it allows Ventura City managers to interact with FCC staff and managers to seek out processes that will further reduce call processing time. Continually monitoring trends will show whether identified changes had a positive impact.
Contact:
Kevin Rennie, Fire Chief, krennie@cityofventura.net
Total Number of Fires – 3rd Quarter FY 11-12
|
|
FY 08/09 |
FY 09/10 |
FY 10/11 |
FY 11/12 |
|
Total Fires |
* |
* |
833 |
|
*New Measurement – Historical data not established
Why This Is Important
This measure is important as a gauge of overall demand for fire suppression calls for service.
What It Will Take To Achieve The Targets
We have not seen a significant drop in the number of fire for the last several years. Our fire prevention efforts through code requirements and code compliance along with educational efforts have proven to be effective. Mandatory sprinkler system installations and retrofits for new and remodeled construction have contributed to this goal. This year we will begin a new and improved approach to fire safety and education for our elementary school children.
Contact:
Kevin Rennie, Fire Chief, krennie@cityofventura.net
Fire Containment for All Structure Fires -
Expressed in the Percentage of Fires where the Fire was Limited to the Conditions that were Found upon Arrival
|
|
FY 08/09 |
FY 09/10 |
FY 10/11 |
FY 11/12 |
|
Target |
90% |
90% |
90% |
90% |
|
Actual |
97% |
97% |
93% |
|
|
Variance |
7% |
7% |
3% |
|
|
FY 11/12 |
1st QTR |
2nd QTR |
3rd QTR |
4th QTR |
|
Target |
90% |
90% |
90% |
90% |
|
Actual |
100% |
95% |
100% |
|
|
Variance |
10% |
5% |
10% |
|
Why This Is Important
The Fire Operations Division mission is to effectively respond to fires that occur and keep those fires from spreading and then extinguishing. This measure really reflects how the system works together to support a positive outcome. Many systems are in place that impact Fire Containment. These systems include building and fire codes, staffing and strategic locations of fire stations, quality of fire suppression equipment, highly trained professional firefighters, efficient call processing time, mobile dispatch system, traffic pre-emption and others all come together and are a factor in this measurement.
What It Will Take To Achieve This Target
Appropriate number of fire resources located at strategic locations. Replace and maintain fire apparatus and equipment at planned intervals. Train personnel in the latest fire suppression techniques. Support current fire codes and improve where necessary. Deploy the latest in fire dispatch support. Install traffic pre-emption controls on some or all of the 137 signaled intersections in the City.
Contact:
Kevin Rennie, Fire Chief, krennie@cityofventura.net.
Cardiac Arrest Survival Rate for VF/VT Arrests
|
Survival Rate |
FY 08/09 |
FY 09/10 |
CY 2010 |
CY 2011 |
|
CY - Calendar Year |
* |
* |
11% |
39% |
*New Measure – Historical data not established
Survival Rates for Cardiac Arrests
The most important and accurate measure of an EMS (Emergency Medical Service) system is the survival rate for cardiac arrest patients. This measurement reflects the number of patients who survive their cardiac arrest in the field, and ultimately are discharged, neurologically intact, from the hospital. This means that after they leave the hospital they are able to continue their life and perform normal activities without mental impairment.
Why This Is Important
The two most frequent initial heart rhythms encountered in a sudden cardiac arrest are ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach) and ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib). V-Fib and V-Tach are temporary rhythms produced in an attempt to prolong life when the heart stops beating. Unfortunately, these two rhythms can only be sustained by the body for a short period of time and deteriorate steadily as soon as they occur. While patients are in these rhythms, first responders have a short window of opportunity to perform life saving measures such as CPR, defibrillation, intravenous cardiac medications, and advanced airway management.
The progression of a cardiac arrest event, from initial occurrence to advanced care by trained responders, is referred to as the “Chain of Survival”. It begins with witness of the collapse and dialing of 911. Bystanders at the scene may be trained in CPR, or will be instructed on basic techniques over the phone by the 911 dispatcher. If available, a public AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can also be utilized by bystanders. Upon arrival of responders ALS (Advanced Life Support) techniques will be employed and the patient then transported to definitive care at the nearest hospital.
For every minute that passes between collapse and intervention by first responders, the chance of survival from a sudden cardiac arrest declines by 7-10%. With effective bystander CPR and/or defibrillation this number is reduced by almost half. Public proficiency in CPR and use of an AED, combined with shorter response times by responders is the ultimate key to patient survivability.
What It Will Take To Achieve This Target
In order to maintain a sustainable and effective level of cardiac arrest survivability in our community the following criteria must be met:
- 911 system with medically trained dispatchers
- Paramedic (ALS) level care provided by Fire Department first responders
- Average Fire Department response times that meet the national standard of 5 minutes or less
- Public CPR and AED training
- Community access to AED devices
- Cooperation with local transporting ambulance agencies for continuation of quality care
- Continuing education and proficiency testing for ALS responders
Contact:
Kevin Rennie, Fire Chief, krennie@cityofventura.net
EMS– Runs by Type*
|
PROBLEM NATURE CODE |
FY 10/11 |
1st Quarter |
2nd Quarter |
3rd Quarter |
|
Medical Calls |
|
|
||
|
Abdominal |
205 |
63 |
52 |
47 |
|
Allergic Reactions |
64 |
12 |
15 |
16 |
|
Ambulance only |
51 |
0 |
4 |
13 |
|
Animal Bites |
14 |
9 |
6 |
8 |
|
Assault |
190 |
112 |
74 |
96 |
|
Back Pain |
85 |
31 |
25 |
17 |
|
Behavioral Emergency |
102 |
38 |
51 |
41 |
|
Breathing Problems |
791 |
163 |
197 |
222 |
|
Burns/Explosion |
4 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Cardiac / Resp Arrest |
150 |
40 |
43 |
55 |
|
Chest Pain |
529 |
149 |
123 |
177 |
|
Choking |
35 |
11 |
11 |
15 |
|
CO Inhalation |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Convulsions/Seizures |
477 |
110 |
101 |
144 |
|
Diabetic Problems |
185 |
45 |
45 |
29 |
|
Electrocution |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Entrapment |
7 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Eye Injury |
9 |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Falls |
1,178 |
287 |
309 |
325 |
|
Gunshot |
20 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
Headache |
46 |
11 |
10 |
10 |
|
Heart Problems |
68 |
28 |
27 |
37 |
|
Heat Cold Exposure |
8 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
|
Hemorrhage |
219 |
55 |
69 |
52 |
|
Motorcycle Collision |
24 |
10 |
2 |
10 |
|
Near Drowning/SCUBA |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Obvious/Expected Death |
25 |
5 |
4 |
7 |
|
Overdose/Poisoning |
300 |
77 |
81 |
72 |
|
Pregnancy/Birth/Miscarriage |
34 |
13 |
6 |
6 |
|
Sick Person |
959 |
287 |
293 |
332 |
|
Stabbing |
34 |
14 |
11 |
4 |
|
Stroke |
228 |
56 |
51 |
39 |
|
Technical Rescue |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Traffic Collision |
784 |
213 |
211 |
195 |
|
Traumatic Injury |
474 |
144 |
89 |
98 |
|
Unconscious/Faint |
807 |
227 |
192 |
213 |
|
Unknown Problem |
862 |
240 |
176 |
207 |
|
Water Rescue |
21 |
6 |
5 |
8 |
|
TOTAL |
8978 |
2478 |
2296 |
2511 |
|
Other Calls |
|
|
||
|
Flooding |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Hazard |
213 |
68 |
53 |
54 |
|
Investigation, Miscellaneous |
354 |
90 |
104 |
111 |
|
Public Service |
529 |
137 |
110 |
122 |
|
TOTAL |
1098 |
295 |
267 |
287 |
*Nature of Call as Dispatched
Why This Is Important
This performance measure will identify the types of EMS calls Ventura City Fire Department responds to on a daily basis. The type of calls will be based on the information from the County Computer Aid Dispatch (CAD) system. Calls/runs are dispatched from the 911 system based on the reporting party information which is obtained by the dispatchers. Each call/run will generate a response by the Fire Department. The call type is identified in the initial response. EMS calls account for a majority of our call volume. By identifying the call type we will be able to respond to the needs of our citizens. Due to the call type, specialized equipment and training will be deployed and used. This will assist the department to utilize the resources appropriately and will aid the department to train for our call volume. EMS call types will be reported on a quarterly basis to identify the percentage of EMS calls and percentage of total calls.
What It Will Take To Achieve This Target
- Identify trends in call type for the department.
- Identify the low frequency/high risk cases we respond to on a quarterly basis.
- Identify current workload and assist the department to predict call volumes.
- Education and training will be focused on identified department needs.
- Identify needs of our population group based on identified call volume.
- Focus on and identify injury prevention programs for our citizens.
- Provide information to current injury prevention programs.
Contact:
Kevin Rennie, Fire Chief, krennie@cityofventura.net
Property Value Saved vs. Property Value Lost
|
|
FY 08/09 |
FY 09/10 |
FY 10/11 |
FY 11/12 |
|
Property Value Saved |
* |
$213,522,499 |
$241,698,969 |
|
|
Property Value Lost |
* |
$ 633,080 |
$ 1,911,701 |
|
*New Measure – Previous years not established
Why This Is Important
Property saved versus lost due to fire is an overall measure of how effective the organization is in all four emergency phases: prevention (mitigation), preparation (training), response, and recovery. This measure shows the relative value of maintaining a well staffed, trained, and equipped fire department based on the annual cost of that department in comparison to actual fire history in the community. If the property lost figure trends upward over time, then analysis can be conducted to determine if resources need to be shifted to one or more of the emergency phases to mitigate the trend.
What It Will Take To Achieve This Target
A target has not been established at this time. In years three to five, a trend in the ratio may become apparent that will assist in establishing target goal(s).
Contact:
Kevin Rennie, Fire Chief, krennie@cityofventura.net
Emergency Preparedness-Improve Our Ability to Manage Disaster Related Events
|
|
FY 08/09 |
FY 09/10 |
FY 10/11 |
FY 11/12 |
|
Target |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Actual |
93% |
89% |
84% |
|
|
Variance |
-7% |
-11% |
-16% |
|
|
FY 11/12 |
1st QTR |
2nd QTR |
3rd QTR |
4th QTR |
|
Target |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Actual |
76% |
76% |
78% |
|
|
Variance |
-24% |
-24% |
-22% |
|
Why This Is Important
In order to remain eligible for state and federal grants, as well as cost recovery for disaster declarations, local municipalities must meet standards related to training, mitigation and planning. These mandates are outlined in state and federal regulations with compliance status reported annually to the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Most importantly, emergency preparation has a major impact on the effectiveness of response in protecting health and safety, as well as enhancing economic recovery for a community after a disaster.
What It Will Take To Achieve This Target
This is an ongoing commitment at all levels of the organization. All employees are designated as “disaster services workers” per the California Government Code. Therefore, ongoing training must occur to maintain and enhance skills. Further, as attrition occurs and employees are hired or promoted, training must occur to meet the minimum state and federal standards.
Also, mitigation and response plans must be maintained to reflect the current needs of the organization and to comply with state and federal mandates.
Contact:
Kevin Rennie, Fire Chief, krennie@cityofventura.net
