However, an evaluation of that concept by an independent consultant concluded that consolidation of these two stations would have a detrimental effect on service. Every firefighter, Captain and Battalion Chief is certified to either the EMT-B or paramedic level. The band receives no fire department funding or support. Both BCs respond to every structure fire incident to fill IC and other roles.
The department , through a consultant, would investigate the existence of legal hurdles related to providing this service, determine cost effectiveness and identify how the service would be delivered (i.e., would the department provide transport for all patients or only critical patients? Adding rescue units would improve station reliability throughout the VFD service area if the units were strategically placed. (but not including rescue, see below) It is important for the department to be prepared.The CRT supports implementing this initiative, including appropriate initial and ongoing training and the purchase of proper equipment and protective gear. Prior to implementing any of these new initiatives, the City should consider cost effectiveness, increased efficiency, fire personnel safety, community impact and customer/patient outcomes.These 2017-28 initiatives address three broad categories of VFD performance: reliability, preparedness and safety. The band is regional in nature, with members from Vancouver FD, Clark Co. Fire District 6, Chehalis FD and Olympia FD. The combined City of Vancouver/Fire District 5 response area is split into two geographic battalions (Battalion 1: East, Battalion 2: West). E-Comm is responsible for 99 per cent of the province’s 9-1-1 call volume. 130th Avenue in the Orchards area of Clark County outside Vancouver city limits. More than 80% of the department's annual call volume is EMS-related. The initiative would ensure the department has the resources needed to evaluate the effectiveness of its services and recommend ways to improve performance and would supply internal resources to assist strategic planning and Standard of Cover. The office was previously 10 to 15 years behind on inspections and will be up to date city-wide by the end of first quarter 2018. This initiative would amend the current sprinkler ordinance which requires sprinklers in structures over 12,000 square feet and in residences having access constraints. VFD truck companies carry a full complement of ground ladders and a 100 ft. aerial ladder, along with other structure-fire-specific tools.
A BC also normally responds with Vancouver companies that are dispatched to complex incidents outside of the VFD response area. At that time, the country was emerging from the Great Recession and the VFD faced a funding crisis. The VFD updated the 2017/2018 CRT on the 2012 initiatives at its 22 August 2017 meeting. VFRS Strategic Plan 2019–2021 This strategic plan represents the goals and strategic initiatives for a department shifting from being reactive to being proactive. Table 1 lists the ten community members who served on the 2017/2018 CRT.Throughout the process, City staff from VFD and other departments provided background information and data regarding current and the future conditions the VFD is likely to face. The City and the VFD decided to reconvene the CRT to provide input on new capital, operating, and fire prevention initiatives. In addition, studies have shown staffing in this manner can help reduce firefighter injuries.The CRT expressed support for a four-person engine, noting the initiative’s positive impact on firefighter safety, as well as efficiency in response and service delivery. The first pilot program (April to June 2013) covered the full VFD service area for Priority 3 and 4 calls.
The staff of the Fire Marshal’s office has doubled since 2012 and includes new fire code officers. Outdated facilities are creating fiscal pressures in the near term as well. The "Vancouver Firefighters Pipes and Drums" band was formed in 2009. Still other initiatives, if implemented, would enhance existing service levels. Some would close existing resource gaps and others would allow the department to maintain current service levels. The position would relieve pressure on current Deputy Chiefs, allowing them to focus on their primary job responsibilities in the areas of operations and support services. “Medical calls make up 71 per cent of our call volume, and our overall call volume has increased 56 … Although most of the VFD’s response area is not wildland, a few parts of the service area may qualify. This initiative would increase capacity so that more highly compensated positions can focus on areas of responsibility they are best equipped to deal with (e.g. As the weather continues to get warmer during the summer months, it is likely that fuels will continue to dry out sooner and for longer periods, which may lead to more fires in natural vegetation. They can be cross-staffed by their co-housed engine or truck crew when needed. The department also has two other fully restored apparatus; a 1934 Seagrave engine, and an original hand pumper. Both VFD truck companies (aka ladder trucks) are housed alongside engine companies. The department continues to operate the rapid response vehicles and the data shows they add value to the delivery system by improving reliability throughout the system, which in turn helps to reduce response times.Priority 1 through 4 calls were analyzed by time of day and day of week in order to determine the highest call volume. The Vancouver Fire Department is chronically understaffed and underfunded- it has the dubious distinction of the highest call volume per firefighter in the state.