Fire Department Update from the Chief

Fire Chief’s Report #2012- 09 August 14 through September 11, 2012

This Report    YTD

EMS:                  53               398
Fire/Other:       13               129
Total:                 66               527

Last Year: 1/1/11-9/11/11: 506*

*Year to date responses have increased 9.6%

Fire Chief’s Goals and Priorities for 2012

1. Execute the mission of OIFR through direction of the Board of Commissioners
2. Establish and maintain fiscal accountability for all OIFR operations
3. Effectively lead the people of OIFR
4. Provide management and oversight for all operations, equipment,
   facilities, projects and programs for OIFR: Station 24 Completion; Wildland Risk Analysis
   Immersion into the operations, culture, and customs of OIFR
5. Foster open and clear communications with the Orcas Island Community
   and our surrounding partners in emergency response
6. Evaluate the current operations and organizational structure
7. Monitor and plan for the future

Notable Alarms

1. On August 22, 2012 we responded to the 600 block of Mt. Baker Road to assist a 67 year old male involved in a motor vehicle accident. The patient was quickly extricated and transported in critical condition, to Eastsound Airport for an Airlift Northwest transfer to St. Joseph’s hospital in Bellingham.
2. On August 28, 2012 we responded to the Deer Point area for the report of a brush fire. On location, personnel found an approximate 3,000 square foot natural vegetation fire that had been mostly extinguished by neighbors. The fire was caused by unauthorized and unattended burning by the property owner. There was no significant property damage and there were no injuries.
3. On August 29, 2012 we responded to Moran State Park to assist a 45 year old female who had injured her hip while hiking around Mountain Lake. The woman was located on the lake trail approximately 1⁄4 mile north east of the dam. The new OIFR command vehicle, a four-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tahoe was able to navigate the fire roads near Mountain Lake to make quick access to the patient who was successfully transported out of the park in stable condition.

News and Events

1. Staff attended a regional conference in the Seattle area to research ESO Solutions, a contemporary medical reporting system that has a proven record of improved continuity of patient care, quality assurance, enhanced performance and time savings for responders.
2. Staff participated with partner agencies in San Juan County Fair booths for Emergency Medical and Fire/Rescue services.
3. We hosted a “Head Injury Awareness” workshop for Orcas Island health care providers, sports teams, and our own responders focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of potential head injuries for athletes. Following the training, attendees continued with a roundtable discussion of expectations and interoperability.
4. Staff attended Emergency Vehicle Driver Training in Oak Harbor where they achieved certification to instruct and certify emergency apparatus drivers at OIFR.
5. On 9/11/12 OIFR hosted two September 11th observance ceremonies beginning with a flag salute to begin the day followed by a flag salute and bell ringing ceremony to open the commissioner meeting on 9/11.

Looking Ahead

1. Chief O’Brien will be attending a regional oil spill preparedness drill in Tulalip on 9/20/12.
2. OIFR and the Orcas Lions will be hosting a blood drive on 9/27/12.
3. The Orcas Landing ferry dock will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 10/23/12 to 10/26/12. Our staff is developing contingency plans for all operations during the project.