HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/07/1994, C-13 - GRANT APPLICATION FOR PARTIAL FUNDING FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA ON A REPLACEMENT PARAMEDIC RESCUE SQUAD AND ASSOCIATED RESCUE TOOLS. �pi�l�lll Cl L)/ Of San JS OBI SPO MEEM )ATE: June 7, 1994
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
FROM: Robert F. Neumann, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Grant application for partial funding from the State of California on a replacement
Paramedic Rescue Squad and associated rescue tools.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
By motion, approve the application for partial funding for a replacement Paramedic Rescue Squad
and rescue tools that has been submitted by the Fire Department Staff to the State of California
Office of Traffic Safety.
DISCUSSION:
State and Federal Grants are occasionally offered to assist local governments with the financial
impacts associated with daily operations and/or State and Federal mandated programs. In late April
of 1994, the Fire Department was given a limited opportunity to apply for a grant from the State of
California Office of Traffic Safety. The grant application deadline was May 1, 1994. Staff
recognizes that it is policy to advise Council before tendering applications for grants. Rather than
lose the opportunity for possible funding, staff clarified with the State of California that the
application could be rescinded if Council felt the application was unacceptable.
The Fire Department's existing paramedic squad was originally designed as a rescue truck. The
City expanded its role in pre-hospital care and now provides full paramedic services in addition to
rescue services. This has required paramedic equipment to be placed into compartments that the
rescue vehicle was not originally designed for.
This vehicle is due for replacement and revenue shortfalls have made it necessary for the unit to
remain in service 3 years past its replacement date. The original squad was put into placement in
1981. The vehicle cab chassis was replaced in 1986. The existing vehicle is underpowered and
needs a new power train or complete cab chassis replacement.
An air bag system, which is currently kept on the paramedic squad and is used for lifting overturned
vehicles off entrapped patients, is also due for replacement. This air bag system has been an
essential rescue tool at numerous vehicle accidents in San Luis Obispo.
The County and the City are currently negotiating ambulance response areas with all pre-hospital
care providers. It is feasible that in the near future the Fire Department may enter into agreements
to provide ambulance transportation. That possibility will be considered as the grant is processed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
At this time grant funding levels have not been established; however, the State has suggested 25-
50% of the purchase price of the vehicle and 100% of the $8,000 air bag lifting system will be
considered. The City has currently budgeted $37,000 for the replacement of the existing vehicle. A
new Squad; capable of transporting patients is expected to cost $95,0004100,000. The type and
cost of the new vehicle is dependent upon the County/City negotiations and the Fire Department's
city of san Luis osispo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
future role. Dependent upon the level of grant funding, the City's grant match requirement could be
up to $40,000 which would need to come from General Fund Reserves. Staff would return to
Council with any change in the Department's mission and its fiscal impact before accepting the
grant.
There was no cost to apply for these grants. Minimal staff time was required to fill out
applications. There is no long-term obligation with this grant and the City will only benefit from
any funds received from these grants.
Significant savings could be realized if the City is successful in this process.
ATTACHMENT:
City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department Paramedic Vehicle Replacement Project
►���������►�i►���►��Iliillllll111p►i�ii����i� N C4 Of san
tuiS OBISPO
FIRE DEPARTMENT
748 Pismo Street • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 • 805!181-7380
April 14, 1994
Mr. William Jacobs
Office of Traffic Safety
7000 Franklin BLVD., Suite 440
Sacramento, CA 95823
Dear Mr. Jacobs:
Enclosed is a concept paper requesting funding for a new paramedic rescue ambulance and for an air bag
lifting system on behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department. This request is for fiscal period
1994-1995.
I appreciate you reviewing this application for funding. If any further data is needed, please do not hesitate
to call me at (805) 781-7380. 1 am looldng forward to your reply.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeff Zimmerman
Egineer/Paramedic
G.1 d)At�1�1�dIiZ4&mmitted to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities.
ecommunicaRt Device for the Deaf(805) 781.7410.
:n.:.::.v r%r.. .:.n...:n..::.:•.. .n.n..�:x.A^.4}:. ri. .r':}...:...::::::..:.
....::.rS,.(.nv.}:.v. ...::.. ...,... .ir.. .v n..n....v::nn:...... ln.
... .. ....m.
.:.y:..:}n..v.rn.........n: .:f.. .... :> :.. .4
..nn........ .r.rnn. ... ....,.n........ .....r... .:.r.:
...nrr. v... r..... ... , .r............n....v............r..J}.t...,�,`�..:..:....
::....v::::......... ..::::.:}.......:w.n.::n...:,-.,..r�i... .r................. .........}.x......n.� ....0\....{.1,....
.......:...:.{.::.:: ...................................n........... ...,x.................
.\r. i.. .....r..x.n'::.Y,t.i
:.r.p.:::. ...0 .' :::.......
.,.,.... .... :M:::...... O..n.. .. 4 :.. .n.n..........:rv::::..::::..C...{..n.. .. ....n ... .ra ............... ...
: .::.::::. .......n...,�,(.:r.....v.........n:..:.}:....\..........\.... ....J..nv........r\-0f...p...
n........ ..n,r....n.....r{......:r...v n.:...... x...:.................:...n .,..................n.i.../............r.....
n.. n.n.a::.... , ..n.... C... r. ....., ...........:...r..n ..........a.......
........:::::.v.a.::::.:,:::....:oiro}:!:a..;T:;::::.:::::::.;.:w+»v:it:!v::xRn':::::t::r....rn:...:::x.v:.::.:r':5:...n .:..{.,...:ri......
': ... ..: ::...:..n n: a: :p..::::::::..:::::n.>..::.r.:\.::::i::m.:::.a.:...:...v:.
.. ri: x. �. .. J. '.}i:: ..:... .....:. ...r Y..:
CT3'Y'I OR � T"NUTS OBISPO{FIRE}DEFAR
TMEN'
ivrF�ny���YFS�CT�Y�.tEPL,A�� PR01�:CT
n.r..
rw; u ,c i.9' >
aM i`ik':ka�A:,:':'.R¢,r`K`;:"i �rti 5y,:.; }r'?:`:3:i t��+',�M...k,. i :>.Ar.: :i'?q}:;`{�,.'.,• f,}r,
.?:e. 1, ,.r.
r:r:?i:;.:..L:. ,t.`...,,'PR .SY.`• IMM
:,'h,. ..Ss,}•�F' n�. �.,mr
.:.is::t::��.�9Tayt+$tirr< .:.itY.I ..'iFSa �:`�fi.:...>.�: ..A}o-,.. iw;�n •T•. `:(rq� ar
x3:V..:
�y+4:.:'v ♦ .:}r....v
.......:;v. ...+i:,a..}r.:.:3�i,.:r1�..i:.4.}:.r.::£}:.�+�.n..'.`�'�..>.'t;t:a���wS.3•.. .rs�::Av:;,;...:*r:.:.:.a..,:.t.::.:�:"S `:53�F� ;i�Ra:T:n�:.}:..::;;i:..i.::.
w:,.
I
it
i Jr
a . tLS • _ .
,
•
U7,
.r.•
I
PREPARED.FOR .
O. MCE:OF_TRAMC SAFETY..
-APRII. : .
1994,,
General Characteristics
The City currently serves a full-time population of 43,000 residents and protects an estimated day
time population of 80,000. The City's sphere of influence and contiguous boundaries are primarily
zoned for agriculture, light manufacturing and residential purposes. Included in the City's sphere of
influence is Cal Poly University, which has an enrollment of approximately 15,000 students.
The City Fire Department recently contracted for fire protection services to the university.
San Luis Obispo City is also a major tourist destination in Central California. It is visited by
thousands of tourists each year. The City also serves as the County seat, and is the major
commercial/retail center for the County. Just outside the City limits lies the California Mens Colony
Penal Institution that houses thousands of inmates and provides hundreds of jobs to the local
community.
Just to the South of the city limit, is a County airport. The airport connects commuter flights to the
Cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose. Much of the City lies directly in the flight path
of the airport.. The airport also houses many private aircraft and has a full range of aircraft repair
facilities.
Streets and Highways
The City of San Luis Obispo is bisected by Highway 101, which is a major transportation artery for
the county and much of the State of California. It connects Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties to
the south and connects Monterey and San Benito Counties to the north. The City is 10.2 square
mile, contains 115 mile of roadway and consists of 500 City streets, many of which are narrow and
congested.
Another major transportation artery is the Southern Pacific rail-line which is not only used for
freight and chemical transportation, but for the use of the Amtrak passenger line. The rail system
parallels the central business district, a number of densely populated residential areas, and the State
University, Cal Poly. The City also serves as a small switching yard for the rail system.
The majority of commercial bus transportation carriers are the San Luis Obispo Unified School
District, Grey Hound, City of San Luis Obispo Transit Agency, Cal Poly University, Cuesta
College, California Mens Colony, California National Guard, California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection, and various private touring companies. These carriers often transport more than 10
people per vehicle-
.
Operating Department
The City of San Luis Obispo has a strong commitment to its public safety programs. The City
currently provides a professional, 48 member, paid Fire Department which responds to medical
emergencies and traffic collisions as a Paramedic provider. The City currently retains 15 DOT
certified Paramedics and is also served by an additional 33 Emergency Medical Technician I's.
Many of the Fire Department's personnel have been trained in Basic Trauma Life Support,
Advanced Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Advanced
Cardiac Life Support.
The City Fire Department also provides field internship preceptors for Paramedic interns whom are
enrolled in a local County Paramedic program. One Fire Captain and One Field Training Officer
assist Fire Department staff in coordinating the purchase of Paramedic equipment and continuing
mandatory education programs.
The Fire Department is currently managed by a Fire Chief and 4 Battalion Chiefs. The Fire Chief,
a member of the City's Management Team, reports directly to the City Administrative Officer. The
Fire Department staffs a minimum of 12 emergency response personnel per 24 hour shift with the
ability of calling back off-duty personnel by a paging system.
The Fire Department has the responsibility vested by the City Council, to respond and mitigate
transportation emergencies involving hazardous chemicals, in concert with other Local, State and
Federal agencies. The City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department is also a lead agency in a newly
formed, County-wide Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team.
Existing System
Since the City is so diverse in its activities, the Fire Department is charged by the City Council to
provide Paramedical services. In an effort to comply with this charter and City Council's
objectives, the Fire Department recently developed a five yearplan which continues to support the
Paramedic program.
As a result of proactive planning, it has been identified that the City of San Luis Obispo will have
projected revenue shortfalls of at last $3.5 million dollars. It has been the commitment of a City
Task Force for the Fire Department to examine alternative funding sources.
The Fire Department is an optimal agency to handle emergency medical care at traffic collisions due
to the strategic locations of four fire stations located throughout the City. The Fire Department
performs extrication functions at traffic collisions in addition to fire suppression and hazardous
materials containment and control.
The City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department is a participant in the statewide mutual aid system.
The City Fire Department also reciprocates services in a county-wide mutual aid program and has
oftentimes been summoned to traffic collisions for extrication and Paramedical services. The City
also has on file with the State of California Office of Emergency Services a series of multi-hazard
disaster plans, which pertain to the handling of many large scale emergencies.
Problem Statement
Intensive field care of trauma victims is an area which has been given high priority by the City of
San Luis Obispo Fire Department. Between 55-61% of the incident load for the fire department are
to medical emergencies, many involving trauma. Public demand for this service is built largely on
public expectations that the EMS services will result in the greater likelihood of patient survival an
enhance the quality of life.
Medical experiences gained during the Vietnam War indicated that prompt and current handling of
all types of injuries in the field, before the victim is transported, can prevent shock, reduce the
severity of injuries, shorten hospital confinement and reduce potential for permanent disability.
Studies have revealed that survival rates from cardiac arrest are directly related to promptness of
initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, early defibrillation and advanced life support.
The primary purpose of a community EMS system is to intervene in an emergency medical
situations before further injury or death can occur. A community EMS system should include 6
components.
1. Accident prevention
2. Detection and notification of 911
3. Basic life support
4. Advanced life support
5. Rescue services
6. Definitive Care
The two basic phases of EMS services are the pre-hospital phase and the hospital phase. In most
communities, the agency best suited to respond to the public's demand for quality EMS services is
the fire department. This is due to the fact that the fire department is operating with 24 hour per
day staffing. Fire station locations provide timely response and trained experienced personnel.
The fire departments involvement is usually within the pre-hospital phase.
C43. 7
Definitions which apply to the Community EMS system are:
Basic Life Support (BLS): Generally limited to airway maintenance, ventilatory support, cardio-
pulmonary resuscitation, control of bleeding, splinting fractures, management of spinal cord injuries,
and transportation of patients.
Advanced Life Support (ALS): All basic life support measures, plus medical procedures, including:
intravenous therapy; cardiac defibrillation; administration of antiarrhythmic drugs, advanced airway
maneuvers, the use of parenteral drugs, advanced radio telemetry, pediatric advanced life support
and advanced cardiac life support performed in the pre-hospital environment.
The following chronology reflects the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department EMS response system:
911 activation
Closest engine company dispatched, either ALS or BLS equipped
Closet squad dispatched, ALS
Closet ambulance dispatched BIS or ALS
Police dispatched if necessary
Closest engine arrive within 0-4 minutes 98% of the time, initial assessment performed, continue all
units for life threatening emergency or cancel paramedic squad if not needed. If the ambulance is
not needed it will be cancelled.
If the patient is critical, the squad will assume patient care from the engine company, implement
advanced life support procedures; the patient will be transported by ambulance and fire department
paramedics. Ambulance crews assist the fire department paramedics with patient care.
The system provides reasonably rapid first responder capability backed up by advanced life support.
If a higher level of care is not needed the squad and ambulance will be cancelled and made available
for future responses.
The Fire Department (an advanced life support provider) due to severe budget shortfalls has not
been able to purchase new equipment, to expand; to modernize paramedic and rescue services, nor
to replace worn out equipment. The loss of$ 350,000.00 dollars of operating funds has had a
direct impact on ordering equipment for the paramedic system.
The current paramedic squad is due for replacement and revenue shortfalls have made it necessary
for the unit to remain in service 3 years past its replacement date. The original squad was placed in
service in 1981. It has had a cab chassis replacement in 1986. It is the opinion of staff and field
paramedics that a replacement vehicle should be ordered with the capability of patient transport.
The existing paramedic squad is underpowered and needs a new power train or complete cab chassis
replacement. The current vehicle does not have patient transport capabilities. It was originally
designed as a rescue truck. The city has expanded its role in pre-hospital care and now provides
full paramedic services in addition to rescue services. This has required equipment to be placed into
tight quarters.
The County is currently negotiating ambulance response areas with all pre-hospital care providers.
It is feasible that in the near future the fire department will enter into a joint powers agreement to
provide ambulance transport within the city limits in addition to its contiguous boundaries.
A type 1 heavy rescue ambulance with compartment space has been the preferred recommendation
to meet both objectives of patient transport and for the storage of rescue tools. A specified vendor
or model has not been selected, and a request for bid would need to be developed by staff in an
earnest effort to comply with the city's purchasing control guidelines. It is estimated that the
vehicle replacement would be in the $120,000.00 range and carry our existing equipment of
approximately $ 752000.00.
It has also been identified that the air bag lifting system on the squad is due for replacement. It is
currently a Vetter high pressure lifting system with 3 separate air bags. This system is valued at
approximately $8,000.00.
The Fire Department currently responds to approximately 2,300 emergency calls annually. Since
1980, the call volume for the fire department has climbed 35 % and continues to escalate.
The population of the city has steadily grown over 2% per year however, tax revenues have not kept
up with the demand for the requests for emergency services and have strained the EMS system.
The Fire Department and the City Police Department responded to the following numbers of traffic
collisions over the past 3 year period:
1990 were a total of 547 accidents, 1 fatal injury, 299 injuries, 16 severe injuries, 149
complaints of pain resulting from traffic collisions
1991, there were 438 traffic accidents resulting in 256 injuries, 14 critical injuries and 137
complaints of pain
From January 1 1992- June 30, 1992 there were a reported 227 traffic collisions, 3 fatal
injuries, 131 other injuries, 79 complaints of pain.
In November of 1993 the city experienced a 3 vehicle accident with fire and multiple
fatalities and injuries.
These statistics were obtained from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records system via the police
traffic safety Bureau.
13
Proposed Solutions
The goals to correct these aforementioned problems are:
To reduce the needless loss of life resulting from traffic accidents.
To reduce long term disabilities and suffering resulting from motor vehicle accidents.
To initiate better patient care to multi-system trauma patients.
To expedite basic and advanced life support services county-wide.
To insure that a dependable vehicle is used for ambulance transport.
During recent budget hearings, the City Administrative Officer appointed a task force to research
alternative funding sources. A finding of the committee was that the fire department might be
capable of applying for and receiving a grant from The Office of Traffic Safety to upgrade its
emergency medical system. This request was enacted upon by the fire department in an effort to
lesson the impact of budget shortfalls. Other funding sources and taxing mechanisms were
reviewed, however there was very little support for these ideas since there has been a significant
downturn in the economic climate of the City. The City Council has approved our agency's request
for funding this program. The fire department was bestowed the privilege for the funding of a
defibrillator and a medical disaster cache, project # EM9403 for fiscal period 1993-1994 from the
Office of Traffic of Safety.
Program Objectives
To purchase a new rescue vehicle in fiscal 1994-1995.
To staff and equip the vehicle in fiscal 1994-1995
To purchase a new air bag lifting system in fiscal 1994-1995.
To implement the new equipment into a county-wide program.
To develop policies and train with these policies and equipment for establishing rapid patient
care and transportation of critically ill patients.
To complete quality control report for Office of Traffic Safety by set date.
C ./3•/a
Method of Procedure
The City Fire Department is requesting funding for the following items:
A heavy duty rescuelambulance and for a pneumatic air bag lifting system.
The ambulance will replace an existing paramedic squad at the headquarters fire station. The
paramedic squad is responded to many types of emergencies including traffic collisions, technical
rescues, fires, hazardous materials spills, heavy rescue incidents and emergency medical calls.
The air bag system is currently kept on the paramedic squad and is used for lifting overturned
vehicles off entrapped patients. The air bags have been an essential rescue tool at numerous vehicle
accidents in San Luis Obispo.
The Fire Department will be responsible to purchase all new equipment within a specified period of
time, consistent with the city's purchasing control guidelines.
All personnel will be trained in the proper operation of all new equipment and will review the
department operating standards and policies and procedures for the use of the equipment.
Final Phase:
Fire department staff and the project coordinator will be responsible for developing policies and
procedures for the use and coordination of the rescue ambulances.
Method of Evaluation
A synopsis report will be developed by the project coordinator on how well the project objectives
were accomplished. The following questions will be addressed.
I. Was the equipment ordered by the proposed dates.
2. Was the equipment received by the proposed dates
3. Was the equipment placed into service by the proposed dates.
4. Have all policies and procedures for the use of equipment been completed.
5. Have all personnel been trained in the use of the new equipment.
6. Has the equipment been placed into the mutual aid network.
7. Has all equipment been inventoried and sent to the appropriate stations.
8. Has all paperwork been completed for the Office of Traffic Safety.
9. Was the project cost effective
Statement of Intent
The Fire Department has been providing advanced life support since 1983. The Fire Department and
the City Council has a strong commitment to this program. It is the Fire Departments intent to continue
providing these services after the Grant has been completed.
The City Council has authorized the Fire Chief to purchase this new equipment in the fiscal period
1994-1995.
Administrative Support Statement
The City Council of San Luis Obispo has authorized the Fire Chief to pursue funding and to complete this
project. The paramedic and rescue service program are an extremely important function of the City Fire
Department. The Fire Chief has a strong commitment to this program in an effort to meet the objectives of
this project.
The City of San Luis Obispo has projected a financial shortfall of approximately 3.5 million dollars due to
a substantial loss of sales tax revenue. This loss of revenue has impacted the Fire Department's budget by
nearly $350,000. The economic down-turn in our City is projected to be even more severe for the 1994-95
planning period and further spending cuts are expected. It is vital that the City of San Luis Obispo find
supplemental funding programs in an effort to maintain its public safety programs.
Agency Contribution
The City Fire Department operates on a City budget of 4.1 million dollars. Budget shortfalls in the City's
General fund have reduced Fire Department operating expenditures to 3.5 million dollars in the 1994-1995
fiscal year.
The overall cost of maintaining paramedic supplies and equipment is approximately $ 64,000.00 not
including salaries. This request if funded would help to offset expenditures from the City's General Fund.
The city is requesting 100% funding for the air bag lifting system in the amount of$8,000.00, since its
only use is at motor vehicle collisions. The city is requesting a minimum of 25% funding for the rescue
vehicle/ ambulance and would be responsible for its match of 75% of the total vehicle cost. The city will
also supply all personnel for the continued operation of the vehicle and restocldng its supplies.
The city will also transfer the existing paramedic supplies to the new vehicle which is estimated at
$75,000.00
C--134A