Strategic Plan 2004 - Where are we today?
Our emergency responses have jumped from 400 in 1999 to over 700 in 2009! The foresight this community had in 1999 is paying big dividend today. While the national average for a volunteer responder is only 3 years, Orcas volunteers stay an average of 10! The increase for call and drill stipends, a medical reimbursement to help with costs plus Health & Safety programs such as a comprehensive medical physical are often cited as reasons why!
By the end of 2009, we responded to nearly 6500 calls since the 1999 levy started to help Orcas Fire. 80% have been for emergency medical care.
Statistically, we have helped every one of the 5000 year round citizens in that time!
Your help has already helped your neighbors, THANK YOU!
These are the objectives and goals that were outlined by the dedicated group of citizens who reviewed the Strategic Plan.
Monthly Members Newsletter: Communication within the department is a top priority. We took the monthly newsletter a step further and created the “Friday Update”.
This weekly newsletter gives timely information on training, safety, breaking information, personnel and apparatus status as well as membership news, health tips and even birthdays!
Regular Community Newsletters and Public Speakers Bureau: To save taxpayer costs for printing, postage and manpower, this objective has been met by developing a web site for public information and education. Our web site covers topics like Outdoor Burning, Public Programs and schedules plus administrative contact information.
Purchase smaller, more maneuverable combination Brush & Structure Engines: Although these new Wildland Attack Structural Protection Engines are much smaller, they will be lighter, faster and more versatile to handle steep access narrow roads and the growing wild fire threat. In addition, they will be our first fire trucks to have a fully equipped patient care compartment.
Purchase 2 Combination Pumper-Tankers: In 2007, we ordered 2 Pumper Tankers. These carry 2600 gallons of water, can fill in less than 4 minutes and can also attack the fire where our smaller water tenders cannot.
Replace Station 24: The current single concrete block bay will be replaced with a drive through station to house one of the new WASP engines, a water tender and a fully stocked aid unit. This will be the first stand-alone station, intended to provide service if cut-off from the rest of the island.
Refurbish Stations: Westsound Station 22, Rosario Station 23 Orcas Station 26, Olga Station 25, Doe Bay Station 27 have all had refurbishing and or remodeling work done.
Create new Fire/Medic Positions: Prior to 2003, the paramedic position was staffed 24-hours a day by trained professionals who responded from their homes or other employment while on island. In 2003 the position was redesigned to create 24-hour staffing of the new Eastsound Fire Station with a “duty officer” position trained in both EMS and Fire. Today we have 4 highly trained Fire Medics.
“Tiered response” to BLS calls: Thanks to a higher standard of training, our Paramedics are able to stay centrally based in Eastsound while our well-trained EMTs assess and often handle the non-life threatening calls in the outlying areas.
No charge for on-island medical transport at this time.
Provide Fast Response Basic Life Support in outlying areas: The New WASP Fast Attack Engines will be BLS equipped.
Establish the First Responder Program for firefighters cross-training. This program has been established and graduated 12 firefighter first responders in the first class. 9 of those went on to get their EMT certification.
Radio Upgrade: Each member has been given a hand-held radio, to increase their personal safety and improve emergency scene communication.
Higher Standard of Training: Today our responders get much of their technical training “on-line”. Computer based education allows the volunteer to schedule training around work and family time. Practical training is now far more user friendly with multiple dates to come to the station and demonstrate skills.
Fire Level of Service Strategic Plan (PDF 2.7 MB)
EMS Level of Service Strategic Plan (PDF 7 MB)