Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chief highlights coronavirus precautions, PPE work and recent large fires
Summary
Chief Janine Nicholson updated the commission on interagency training, coronavirus screening and PPE work with the Cancer Prevention Foundation; operations staff reviewed a second-alarm La Playa fire, increased Narcan use and EMS outreach results.
Chief Janine Nicholson briefed the Fire Commission on departmental activities since the Jan. 22 meeting, highlighting interagency training, recruitment and public-health readiness.
Nicholson said the department is coordinating with the Department of Public Health and the Department of Emergency Management on coronavirus screening and precautions. She said DEM call takers are asking screening questions of 911 callers and crews use on-scene screening and decontamination protocols when warranted. Medical Director Clement Yeh told commissioners the local risk to residents at the time was "very low," and the department reiterated that there was not a public recommendation for the general public to wear masks. Nicholson confirmed the department had adequate N95 supplies for members despite a global shortage.
On occupational health, outgoing Commissioner Joseph Veronese and the chief discussed firefighter cancer prevention. Veronese said he was "shocked to learn" that some gear contains "cancer causing chemicals," and the chief told the commission the department is meeting with the Cancer Prevention Foundation to develop PPE specifications to reduce toxic exposures.
Operations Deputy Chief Victor Wersh reviewed January response activity and a Jan. 26 second-alarm fire at 1270 La Playa. He described an aggressive coordinated interior attack with large-diameter hose lines, roof ventilation and primary/secondary searches; six adults and two pets were displaced and the cause was under investigation. Wersh also summarized EMS metrics: 475 CAD runs in January, 281 bike-med runs, 293 EMS6 encounters with 100 referrals and 48 successful referrals (48%). He reported a high month for Narcan administration, though most were single-dose uses.
Wersh and Assistant Fire Marshal Rich Brown also briefed the commission on securing inspection jurisdiction over BART stations after a multi-year process with the state fire marshal; the department will now perform inspections and enforce code where jurisdiction applies.
The commission asked for follow-up on the La Playa cause when available and thanked staff for the operations report.
