At Fire Commission meeting, a tale of two ambulances

— by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter —

There was a lot of discussion of ambulances at the April 15 meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners—specifically, buying one and fixing another.

The engine in Orcas Fire & Rescue’s (OIFR’s) newest ambulance, acquired in 2007, had a “catastrophic failure” over the weekend and will require replacement. The process will take about two weeks and cost around $20,000. OIFR has two backup ambulances, but those are even older, although still useful. The incident makes OIFR’s planned purchase of a new ambulance this year even more timely. Decisions on ordering and financing the new ambulance are nearly complete, and it should be in service before the end of the year. The repaired ambulance will then replace one of the older vehicles as a backup.

Another big topic was reorganization of the department’s administrative and front office tasks and staff. Commissioner Jim Helminski noted that the current organizational structure may not provide the most effective and efficient handling of the department’s many tasks under Chief Scott Williams. Helminski would like the commissioners and the Chief to look into current position descriptions, how other fire departments are organized and staffed, how various positions are compensated, and what changes in facilities and equipment might be needed. Commission Chair Tim Fuller observed that the process would need to be transparent and inclusive of various viewpoints, and that it could take up to a year to complete.

Emergency communications was a third topic of discussion. Chief Williams has talked to chiefs of the other island fire districts and to representatives of Codan Communications, which makes small antennas that could be added to existing equipment to greatly improve emergency communications on all the islands. Orcas, with its hilly terrain and many pockets of poor reception, would especially benefit. Williams hopes the chiefs can agree on their needs by June so that he can work with Codan on detailed pricing. He would like to see at least some implementation by year’s end. Commissioner Rick Christmas noted that “This is one of the most important things we need to do” for the emergency agencies in the islands, including fire, EMS, law enforcement, and public works.

Williams described the need for better data on walk-in patients. The Orcas Island Health Care District has asked for data on how many people come to the department in a given period, their reasons for coming, and the disposition of their cases. Tracking the data may be difficult because the department has two (soon to be three) software systems that can’t exchange data. Also, the department’s members will need training on how and why to collect the data. Williams wants to better understand the costs versus benefits of the effort.

Finally, two candidates for Secretary of the Commission attended the meeting and briefly described their qualifications. Two commissioners will meet with each one and make a recommendation soon.

The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 20, at 5:30 p.m. in the Eastsound Fire Hall.