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Fire chief reports record call volume, improved clinical outcomes and expanded community programs
Summary
The Victoria Fire Department crossed 14,000 calls for service in 2024; the chief reported improved response/performance metrics, growth in community programs including a community paramedic initiative and PulsePoint AED mapping, and flagged recruitment, fleet and station needs.
Fire Chief Gomez presented the Victoria Fire Department’s 2024 annual report and told council the department handled more than 14,000 runs for the first time, with an 8.5% year-over-year increase in call volume.
"This year was a significant year," Chief Gomez said. He said the department answered about 10,400 EMS calls and 386 fire-related calls, with 24 structure fires. Through inspection of response data, staff identified Wednesday as the busiest day and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. as the highest-demand window. The department reported it saved about 74% of the estimated $9.8 million property value exposed to fire incidents and said turnout and response times meet or exceed national benchmarks: an average turnout of about one minute and one second and a combined turnout-plus-response average of about 5 minutes, 4 seconds for structure fires.
Chief Gomez highlighted clinical outcomes: the department’s return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) for cardiac arrest cases improved to 40% (national average cited at 27%), and survival-to-discharge was 11% (above a 10% national average). The mobile integrated health/community paramedic program — led by a community paramedic named Phyllis in the presentation — identified 26 high-frequency callers who collectively made 208 calls; through intervention the program reduced those calls to 93 during the period described.
The department expanded community-facing programs including PulsePoint (a public AED registry and app) and an expanded smoke-detector distribution initiative. Chief Gomez said the department has also pursued an arson-investigator training strategy to reduce dependence on external investigators and shorten apparatus downtime at scenes.
Like other departments, the fire chief cited recruitment and retention pressure, competition from neighboring districts and long lead times for apparatus replacement. Chief Gomez said Victoria recently obtained a refurbished engine and an ambulance and has an additional engine and ambulance ordered (delivery expected in late 2025 or 2026) and that station 5 will require replacement planning as it nears the end of its useful life.
Chief Gomez closed by asking the council to consider training and recruiting strategies allied with Victoria College, exploring increased academy capacity and continuing investments in fleet and facility maintenance.
