HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-20-2012 - 7a ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 20, 2012
Action Agenda
Item No. 7-a
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Assessment of Emergency Medical Services and 911/
Communications Center Operations Study
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENTS: (UNDER SEPARATE INFORMATION CONTACT:
COVER) F. R. Montes de Oca, 919-245-6100
Comprehensive Assessment of Michael Talbert, 919-245-2153
Emergency Medical Services &
91 IlCommunications Center
Operations Study
PURPOSE: To accept the Comprehensive Assessment of Emergency Medical Services &
911/Communications Center Operations Study dated October 2012, which has been reviewed
and evaluated by the Emergency Services Workgroup (ESW) along with input from
stakeholders.
BACKGROUND: The Orange County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provides pre-
hospital care and transport to residents and visitors throughout the County. Originated from
volunteer services, Orange County EMS began providing advanced life support ambulances in
the 1980's. EMS is a branch of the Orange County Emergency Services Department and is
staffed by dedicated paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians around the clock. The
EMS branch is the largest and highest-profile group within the department providing emergency
response, patient care and patient transport from 400 square miles covering densely-populated
urban settings to rural areas throughout the County. In addition to responding to 10,700 calls
annually, EMS must be able to address extraordinary events such as multi-casualty incidents,
large sporting events, stock car races and mass gatherings, assist at fires, evacuations and
other disaster situations affecting public safety.
The Orange County 911 Center is the public safety answering point for residents to access
emergency services agencies. It originated in the former Orange County Sheriffs Office at
Columbia and Rosemary Streets in Chapel Hill. It is a branch of Orange County Emergency
Services and is staffed by dedicated professionals around the clock.
On December 13, 2011 the Board discussed the Emergency Medical System Delivery and
E911 Communications Center improvements. There was consensus that the County needed to
develop a strategic plan to improve the County's Emergency Management Services Delivery
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System and E911 Communications Center. The Charge for the ESW included reviewing
alternatives and making recommendations for the following:
System improvements for EMS Ambulance response times including but not limited to
equipment, staffing, facilities and/or a strategic plan, to define data elements for
meaningful analytical data as related to ambulance response time and to discuss and
review that data.
Improvements for the E911 Communications Center including but not limited to
technology, equipment, staffing, training and/or a strategic plan.
On March 22, 2012 the Board approved a contract with Solutions for Local Government, Inc. to
develop a multi-year strategic plan addressing Emergency Medical Services System and E911
Communications Center needs.
At the August 30, 2012 Board Work Session, Mr. Steve Allan presented the final draft of the
Comprehensive Assessment of Emergency Medical Services & 911/Communications Center
Operations Study. Mr. Allan held meetings with stakeholders, presented and discussed the
Report, answered questions and solicited input. There was also one meeting for the general
public on September 27, 2012. The Final Report is presented for the Board to accept.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to accepting the Comprehensive
Assessment of Emergency Medical Services & 911/Communications Center Operations Study.
Recommendations from the Emergency Services Workgroup were incorporated in the Fiscal
2012-13 Annual Budget and Capital Investment Plan. Additional recommendations, from the
Emergency Service Workgroup, will be presented to the Board regarding the implementation of
recommendations included in the Study.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board accept the
Comprehensive Assessment of Emergency Medical Services & 911/Communications Center
Operations Study dated October 2012.