Victoria Fire Department reports record 14000 emergency calls and plans for staff recruitment

The Victoria City Council meeting on February 4, 2025, highlighted significant developments and challenges faced by the Victoria Fire Department, which serves both the city and the surrounding county. Chief of the Fire Department reported a record-breaking year with over 14,000 emergency runs, marking an 8.5% increase in call volume compared to the previous year. This surge included a variety of incidents, such as a major fire requiring coordination with the Forestry Service and a mass casualty event involving an 18-wheeler collision.

The department's performance metrics showed that their response times were slightly above national standards, with an average turnout time of just over one minute and a response time of just over four minutes. The department successfully transported 76% of patients requiring emergency medical services, with a notable increase in the return of spontaneous circulation rates during CPR incidents.

Despite these achievements, the department faces challenges in recruitment and retention, particularly among newer firefighters with less than five years of experience. Chief emphasized the need for a strategic approach to address staffing shortages, including potential partnerships with local educational institutions to train future firefighters.

The meeting also discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at community engagement and safety, such as the fire prevention program for local schools and the introduction of the PulsePoint app, which helps locate automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the city. The department is also exploring ways to enhance its fleet management and reduce response times by potentially adding more ambulances during peak demand periods.

In conclusion, while the Victoria Fire Department has made significant strides in emergency response and community outreach, it must navigate staffing challenges and resource management to maintain its high level of service. The council's support for these initiatives will be crucial as the department continues to adapt to the growing needs of the community.