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SFFD operations: call volume up, EMS response times under strain; department exploring BLS tier and dispatch triage changes
Summary
Chiefs Gonzales and Hayes White told the commission that 2016 call volume rose about 5%, December was the busiest month, and ambulance response under 10 minutes was 89% (Nov.) and 86.7% (Dec.); chiefs said they will explore BLS-tier options and work with LEMSA and providers on dispatch code determinations to reduce strain on code-3 resources.
Operations and EMS were a central focus of the Jan. 11 meeting as chiefs updated commissioners on call volume, notable incidents and response-time performance.
Chief Gonzales presented operations figures for Nov. 1'Dec. 31, 2016, including two greater alarms (701 Bridal and a high-rise at Park Merced), multiple rescues and incidents with multiple victims; he said 2016 call volume was up about 5% overall and December was the busiest month. The chief said SFFD responded to a range of rescues including cliff and multi-patient collisions and that social-media feedback demonstrated community appreciation.
On EMS, Gonzales reported November ambulances were on scene within 10 minutes 89% of the time and December rose to 86.7% under 10 minutes. Commissioners and chiefs discussed the impact of rising code-2 calls on code-3 resources and the potential to add a BLS (basic life support) tier on a more regular basis'an approach used at times for New Year's Eve with medical director approval. Gonzales said changing dispatch categories and creating a new permanent BLS tier would require discussion with the provider group, LEMSA and state authorities.
Commissioners requested summaries of the homeless-encampment call volume and further updates on Ambulance Deployment Facility (ADF) planning and Station 49 improvements; Chief Hayes White said DPW advised a $44 million allocation for the ADF property and that cost estimates could exceed that figure as work continues.
What's next: Chiefs will gather additional dispatch and homeless-call-volume data, follow up on ADF cost estimates with DPW, and pursue dialogue with providers and LEMSA on BLS-tier possibilities.
