2014 annual report - lincoln, nebraska · this annual report provides an overview of their...

Our MissionThe desire to serve...

The ability to perform...The courage to act...

Message from the Mayor - 1Message from the Fire Chief - 2

Organizational Chart - 3Department Values - 4

Accreditation - 5LF&R Response Time Performance - 6

Emergency Medical Services - 9Research & Development - 10

Records/Recruitment - 10Information/Technology -11

Special Operations - 12Safety - 13

Human Resources - 29Logistics Division - 33

Urban Search & Rescue, NE-TF1 - 37

Table of Contents

Photo courtesy Stephen Shield Photography

1

Chris BeutlerMayor of Lincoln

Dear Citizens of Lincoln,

The dedicated professionals of Lincoln Fire & Rescue (LF&R) work everyday to protect the resident of Lincoln. This annual report provides an overviewof their lifesaving efforts.

In 2014, the men and women of LF&R responded to a total of 22,760 citizenrequests for service. This is the largest number of incidents in the history ofthe city! The calls included 2,142 fire alarms and 18,127 calls for emergencymedical service (EMS). In 2014 EMS incidents continued to increase infrequency, accounting for 79.64% of total calls, up from 78.29% in 2013.

In addition to local emergencies, LF&R is home to Nebraska Task Force 1, ahighly trained Urban Search & Rescue team that responds to nationaldisasters. LF&R helps protect our resident’s health and our community’senvironment by responding to hazardous material incidents for mitigation andincident stabilization. The department also provides fire prevention and safetyeducation to people of all ages.

As you review the accomplishments of our firefighters and paramedics, I amsure you will share my pride in the outstanding service they provide to ourcommunity.

Sincerely,

Chris BeutlerMayor of Lincoln

2

On behalf of the members ofLincoln Fire & Rescue it is myhonor to humbly present for reviewthe 2014 Annual Report.

2014 has been anotherproductive year in providing allrisk/all hazard response to thisgreat community. We were able tocontinue providing a high level ofservice while facilitating targetedgoals. Listed below are a few ofthose accomplishments:

John C. HuffFire Chief

· We updated the LF&R communitydriven strategic plan utilizing both internaland external stakeholders.

· We submitted the required 5 yearreview for re-accreditation by theCommission of Fire Service AccreditationInternational, as well as the AnnualCompliance Report and updated theStandard of Coverage to maintaindepartment accreditation certification.

· We conducted an annual exercise,“LF&R unplugged” to evaluate ourorganizational performance in the event ofa technology/communications failure.

· We conducted several joint trainingsessions with the police department foractive shooter incidents, driver’s training,CPR and more.

· LF&R continued the trial period for theARV (Alternate Response Vehicle) toreduce fuel consumption and save costsof vehicle operations.

We implemented the use of newtechnology in our records managementsystem using Power DocumentManagement System (PDMS) as well asthe GIS tool Fire View Dashboard.

· At the direction of the Mayor, weconducted a comprehensive review andupdate of all LF&R relevant LincolnMunicipal Codes with recommendationsto the City Attorney.

The LF&R national disaster teamNebraska Task Force 1, a highly trainedUrban Search & Rescue team, conducteda full scale multi-day training session withthe Missouri Task Force at Crisis City inSalina, Kansas, under the watchful eye ofofficials from FEMA.

Although Lincoln Fire & Rescue is stillleaning progressively forward in ourcommitment to service in this community,we are still facing several challenges.Some of these challenges are found in thefinancial hurdles that most organizationsfind themselves in today as well asstriving to provide consistent service to alarger population and larger geographicalarea.

I continue to be very proud of the menand women of LF&R that I have theprivilege to lead in our service delivery.

FIRE CHIEFJohn Huff

OICSHARED

DUTY

LOGISTICSSUPPORTDC KendallWarnock

INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY/

GISBC Eric Jones

SPECIALTYRESPONSE

OPERATIONSBC BradThavenet

EMSDC Roger

Bonin

RECORDS /RECRUIT FFTRAINING

BC Leo Benes

INCIDENTCOMMAND

TECHNICIAN

FirefighterSafety & Wellness

SAFETYEDUCATIONBC Derald

Murrell

FIREEQUIPMENTMECHANICS

Bob Poe

RESEARCH &DEVELOPMENT

BC TimLinke

E3, M3, E6, M6, E13

TRAINERGrant Collings

E2, M2, E9, E14

EMS BUSINESSMANAGER

Sherrie Meints

EMSSupervisorsPete Eppens

Aaron PospisilScott Wiebe

E7, M7, T7, E4

NEWFIREFIGHTER

TRAININGCOORDINATION

E8, M8, T8

OFFICEOPERATIONSSPECIALIST

Julie McGahan

GISPhil Dush

PROGRAMMERGlen Louch

E5, M5, T5, E12

OFFICEASSISTANT

Stacey Bergis

FINANCE/OPERATIONSASSISTANT CHIEF

Pat Borer

FIRERESPONSE

OPERATIONS

EMS TRAINERDaryl Hartley

OFFICESPECIALISTKim McKay

EMERGENCYSERVICESRESPONSE

ACCOUNTCLERK III

Teresa Guenther

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Karen Stork

T1, E1, E10

RESEARCH &DEVELOPMENT

EXECUTIVESECRETARY

Sandy Yost

OFFICEASSISTANT

Jan BockSTAFFING/

SCHEDULINGSTATION II

PhysicalFitness

Community/PublicEducation

Hiring &Selection Performance

AppraisalsHazardous Materials

ResponseVehicle / Equipment

Repair

VehicleSpecification App

FacilityMaintenance / Repair

Coordination

Facility Planning& Design

SoftwareSupport

PRIME RecordsSystem

Fire RecruitTraining

Medic InternProgram

EMS OversightCoordination

EMS Billing &Collections

LFRMISSystem

PIO, MediaRelations,Marketing

HardwareSupport

Mobile DataComputers

Re-Accreditation

Liaison to 911

BusinessInspectionProgram

LeadershipDevelopment

AwardsCommittee

IncentiveDevelopment /

Higher Education

Recruitment

Outside AgencyLiaison

BusinessPreplanning

Diversity Training/Diversity Con’t

EducationConfined Space

Rescue

High & Low AngleRescue

WaterRescue

VehicleExtrication

Web SiteInformation Systems

GraphicalInformation

SystemChaplains

Liaison

SCBA Repair /Maint / Testing

Records

LPDLiaison

City Public WorksLiaison

Air TechRon Wolf

LegislativeReview

FirefighterSkills Training

BudgetDevelopment/

Oversight

TRAINERJamie Pospisil

ACCOUNTANTNgoc Dao

ACCOUNTCLERK III

Kim Kabourek

Grant Applications& Administration

RespiratoryProgram

Administrator

City Equity &Diversity Liaison

Mutual AidLiaison

City ISLiaison

Red CrossLiaison

Health DeptLiaison

Interns &TMWA

NFPACompliance

Floaters

City RiskManagement

Liaison

HUMANRESOURCESBC JeannePashalek

LIAISON

FUNCTIONALAREAS

Key

ACCOUNTCLERK III

Stacy Schneider

NETF1 PROGRAMCOORDINATOR

Danny Wright

US&R SPECIALISTKeith Houfek

LOGISTICIANMark Darrington

LINCOLN FIRE & RESCUELINCOLN, NEBRASKA

10/02/14

PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTORTom Casady

FireView

Lancaster EMALiaison

SUPPLYCLERK

Kelly Carter

Honesty and Integrityin the performance of our duties

Dedication and Commitmentto doing what is in the best interest of our citizens

Professionalism and Teamworkas we work to restore balance in the lives of our

community and

Compassionempathy as we serve all people equally, and withoutprejudice, making every responsible attempt toward

reaching their level of expectation.

We will demonstrate these values as we relate to oneanother and as we relate to the community we serve.

4


5

AccreditationLincoln Fire & Rescue is an

accredited public safety organizationthrough the Center for Public SafetyExcellence (CPSE). CPSE’saccreditation program, administered bythe Commission on Fire AccreditationInternational (CFAI) allows fire andemergency service agencies tocompare their performance to industrybest practices in order to:- Determine community risk andsafety needs and develop communityspecific Standards of Cover.- Evaluate the performance of thedepartment.- Establish a method for achievingcontinuous organizational improvement.

The CFAI model includes theseperformance evaluation categories:- Assessment and Planning- Essential Resources- External Systems Relations- Financial Resources- Goals and Objectives- Governance and Administration- Human Resources- Physical Resources- Programs- Training and Competency

Currently, Lincoln Fire & Rescueremains focused on maintaining thedepartment accreditation status.The department recognizes the factthat being an accredited agency isa process that is ongoing. Theprocess enables the department toidentify strengths and weaknessesand encourages ongoing review ofthe delivery of services to thecommunity. Lincoln Fire & Rescueutilizes the process to assist in thedevelopment of planning for acuteand long term organizationalimprovement and ultimately thedelivery of the best serviceattainable to its customers, thecitizens of Lincoln.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue remainsone of only 133 accredited firedepartments worldwide. This is atremendous accomplishment for theorganization and a compliment tothe community.

The most recent accreditation awardoccurred in 2014 under Fire Chief JohnHuff. The department underwent anexhaustive evaluation by a third partypeer assessment team. The team foundthe self-assessment completed by thedepartment as well as the Standards ofResponse Coverage document to becredible. During this process theassessment team made specific andstrategic recommendations to improvedepartment facilities, procedures, andprocesses. Lincoln Fire & Rescue hasaccepted these recommendations andhas either accomplished therecommendations or placed them in theCapital Improvement Plan. This thirdparty process is invaluable to thedepartment providing a true andunbiased critical assessment of theorganization.

In 2014 per CPSE, Lincoln Fire &Rescue submitted an AnnualCompliance Report delineatingcontinued compliance with the corecompetencies as defined by CPSE. Inaddition, LF&R was able to show thatprograms and processes identifiedduring the site assessment have beenaccepted.

LF&R Response Time Performance

6

Turnout Time“Turnout Time” starts whenfirefighters are alerted in

the stations and ends whenthe firefighters board the

engine company, truckcompany, or medic unit and

are en route to theincident. During this timeframe, a firefighter must

acknowledge the call, dressin appropriate protective

gear, board the apparatus,and fasten their seat belt

for departure.Travel Time“Travel Time” starts

when the enginecompany, truck

company, or medicunit is en route tothe incident andends when the

respective vehiclearrives at the scene.

As an Internationally Accredited Agency, LincolnFire & Rescue (LF&R) has adopted the Commissionon Fire Accreditation International’s (CFAI) responsetime measurement methodology. LF&R utilizes“fractile” reporting to analyze all response performanceindicators. Fractile response analysis measures eachelement of the response cascade against establishedbenchmarks.

A benchmark is a standard from which somethingcan be judged. Benchmark standards are industry“best practices” that LF&R strives to meet. LF&R’sresponse time benchmarks are based on National FireProtection Association Standards.

A baseline is a database from which somethingcan be judged. Baseline response time informationrepresents current and historical response timeperformance. According to CFAI Accreditationprinciples, an agencies baseline response timeperformance should be no less than 70% of theestablished benchmark. LF&R Medic Unit responsetime standards are defined by Lincoln Municipal Code7.08.050.

LF&R’s assessment of response timemeasurement encompasses three distinct timeintervals. The response time intervals are callprocessing time, crew turnout time, and vehicle traveltime. Each time interval is analyzed individually andthen combined to create a “Total Response TimeMeasurement.” By analyzing each element of theresponse time cascade individually and thencombining the elements to establish a total responsetime measurement, LF&R can easily identifyproblematic response time components.

Alarm ProcessingTime

+ Turnout Time+ Travel Time

= Total Response

Alarm Processing Time“Alarm Processing”

time starts when a 911call is answered and

ends when the enginecompany, truck

company, or medic unitis dispatched to the

incident.CallProcessing time starts

when a 911 call isanswered and endswhen the enginecompany, truck

company, or medic unitis dispatched to the

incident.

7

Response Time Performance (Continued from page 7)

Structure Fires - 90th PercentileBaseline Performance

LF&RBenchmark

Goal2014 2013

TurnoutTime

TravelTime

TotalResponse

Time

Turnout Time1st Unit

Travel Time 1st UnitDistribution

Travel Time InitialAttack Force

Travel TimeERF-19 Firefighters

Concentration

Total Response Time1st Unit

Distribution

:80

4:00

5:00

8:00

6:20

:82

4:40

7:44

11:15

7:50

:80

4:27

7:52

10:17

7:21

Total Response TimeInitial Attack Force

Total Response TimeERF-19 Firefighters

Concentration

7:20

10:20

10:09

14:49

10:21

12:27

:85

4:45

7:46

10:12

7:22

10:18

12:35

:87

4:15

7:29

11:13

7:35

10:17

14:17

:99

4:24

7:21

10:11

7:17

9:18

12:51

:81

4:33

7:72

10:18

7:34

10:15

13:09

2012 2011 2010 5 Year2010-2014

8

LF&RBenchmark

Goal

EMS - 90th PercentileBaseline Performance

2014 2013

TurnoutTime

TurnoutTime

TotalResponse

Time

Turnout Time1st Unit

Turnout TimeMedic Unit

Travel Time1st Engine/Truck

Distribution

Travel TimeMedic Unit

Concentration

Total Response Time1st Engine/Truck

Distribution

:60

:60

4:00

7:00

6:00

:85

:81

4:54

7:16

8:11

:80

:78

4:43

6:48

8:06

Total Response TimeERF

1st Medic UnitConcentration

8:00 8:04 7:25

:82

:80

4:44

6:39

8:10

7:27

:85

:83

4:27

6:38

7:58

7:36

:86

:84

4:43

6:43

8:00

7:33

:82

:81

4:42

6:52

8:05

7:39

2012 2011 2010 5 Year2010-2014

TravelTime

Emergency Medical Services

9

LF&R is a fire-based 911 ALSEMS service that responded to18,127 emergency incidents incalendar year 2014. This number isup 7.7% from 2013.

LF&R transported 14,373patients to our four local hospitals: St.Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center(SERMC), Bryan Health East andWest Campuses, and NebraskaHeart Hospital. This number is up 7%from 2013.

LF&R has over 68 nationallyregistered paramedics on staff. Theyserve 24 hours a day with six frontline medic units and six ready reservemedic units that can be placed intoservice when system demandrequires.

Medical direction for LF&R isprovided by board certifiedemergency room physician Dr. JasonA. Kruger. Dr. Kruger works for theLincoln Emergency MedicalOversight Agency (EMSOA) boardthat provides medical oversight toLF&R.

A part-time board certifiedemergency room physician providesQA/QI for the EMS Division. Hereads every ALS transport ePCR andevaluates the care provided. Whenhe finds an issue he completes a CQI

Continued on Page 33

form that is submitted to the medicaldirector, the division chief of EMS, andthe shift respective EMS supervisorwho follows up with the provider. Actiontaken is dependent on the finding ofthe EMS supervisor and the CQI formsare cataloged and storedelectronically. He reviewed 12,291EPCR’s since he began in early 2014.

During 2014 LF&R EMS has hadmany successes including identifyingpatients suffering from ST elevationMI’s (STEMI) by quickly performing 12lead EKG’s on patients having chestpain and transmitting those EKGs to

the local emergency rooms. All of the fieldidentified “cardiac alert” patients transportedto Bryan Health were taken to the cardiaccatheterization lab where the deployment offirst device occurred in an average of 64minutes after the arrival of LF&R at patientsside! The American Heart Association hassuggested a time of 90 minutes from thearrival at the hospital to deployment of firstdevice. This program is in its seventh yearand becomes more successful each year.

LF&R continues to work with the LincolnLancaster County Stroke PartnershipCommittee and the hospitals to improve careof patients suffering from strokes. LF&Raggressively attempts to identify patientssuffering from a stroke and “will call” “strokealerts” from the field. This provides thehospital with pre-notification of the pendingarrival of a patient suffering from a stroke andallows them time to assemble the personnelneeded to rapidly treat the patient.contracted to present the benefits of theCARES Registry across the State.

LF&R began cardio-cerebralresuscitation (CCR) during the last quarter of2013. This aggressive form of CPR hasproven to enhance patient’s chances ofsurvivability by increasing the number ofpatients who have a spontaneous return ofcirculation.

During 2014 with guidance from Dr.Kruger, LF&R was accepted into the Cardiac

Records / RecruitmentNational interest in the fire service is very high and recruitment

for Lincoln Fire & Rescue has gone very well.On March 27th, 2013, Lincoln Fire & Rescue hired a class of elevenfirefighter trainees. New firefighters learn at the training center for 14weeks prior to being assigned to the 24 hour duty shift. The firstfourteen weeks were spent learning about public protectionclassification, ropes, hoses, and other State of Nebraska Firefighter1 material. The recruits were then assigned to fire companies. Thefirefighter recruits then spend approximately six months assigned tothe companies to complete their probation. Successful completionof their training certification skills had them sworn in as firefighterson the second week of January, 2014. Lincoln Fire & Rescue put inplace a web based document management system, to assure allemployees had access to current policies and procedures. This wasa very large undertaking to migrate management policies and otherdocuments to the new system. The new system has many features toassist with administering policies of the organization.

May 28, 2014 marked the beginning of a new journey for 12 newrecruit trainees. These 12 were assigned to the training center for14 weeks to develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities to dealwith emergency situations. They expanded their knowledge ontopics related to caring for the sick and injured during medicalemergencies. Public fire education, tying ropes, hose deployment,and a multitude of other skills were mastered to prepare them tosuccessfully pass State of Nebraska Firefighter 1 certification. Atthe end of the intense 14 weeks of training they were sent to firecompanies around the City of Lincoln to hone their skills. This timealso was an opportunity to become accustomed to station life andthe joining of the family of the fire service. The six months wasshared duties on engine companies, truck companies and medicunits. With successful completion of all requirements they weresworn in as Lincoln Fire & Rescue firefighters on the 23rd ofFebruary 2015.

10

Research & DevelopmentAwareness of nationwide trends in the delivery

of fire and emergency services is necessary in thepursuit of efficient and safe emergency response. Ongoing exploration of data and methodsprovided by national standards organizations suchas the National Fire Protection Association andthe National Institute of Standards and Technologywill continue to drive decisions related to firesuppression delivery. Furthermore, LF&R strivesto identify departments and organizations acrossthe United States who have developed initiativesthat enhance the level of service provided. Wecontinue to identify these approaches and developavenues to improve our own responsecapabilities.

The Lincoln Fire & Rescue Research andDevelopment function is responsible fordetermining gaps in training, equipment, andoperations. A major component in determiningthese gaps is the end-user. Personnel from allranks are encouraged to identify challenges anddevelop best practices to address thesechallenges. In 2014, LF&R members providedinput related to existing and proposed fire streamdelivery systems. This work will enable ourorganization to provide firefighters with higher-flownozzles that can address structure fires that burnwith higher volatility. Additionally, Lincoln Fire &Rescue received a Federal Grant to replace agingSelf Contained Breathing Apparatus. Departmentpersonnel have and will continue to play a pivotalrole in evaluating and selecting this life-savingequipment. The new Self Contained BreathingApparatus will be purchased in 2015.

11

Information / TechnologyLincoln Fire & Rescue recognizes that technology is an excellent tool to enhance responder and public safety. In 2014

LF&R continued to seek new technologies to aid in the provision of services.LF&R hired a new GIS Analyst in 2014 and continues to push forward in our GIS capabilities. In 2014 LF&R upgraded to

the newest version of ArcGIS and are exploring new ways to use this new software to increase organizational efficiency. Anexample of this is a total revamp of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System which will increase the accuracy of sendingthe most appropriate apparatus to the appropriate calls.

FireView, a dashboard software program, has been implemented in 2014. This dashboard enables personnel to determineresponse time performance at a glance. In addition, the dashboard assists in the identification of hazards and areas forprevention efforts. This is an excellent tool for organizational leadership as well.

In the stations LF&R continues to expand the use of technology. In 2014, LF&R finished a significant upgrade of thewireless technology in the stations. Additionally, an Apple TV device was installed in conjunction with the existing PolycomVideo Conferencing System monitors. With the deployment of iPads to all training personnel, they will now be able to walk intoa station and wirelessly provide training.

The LF&R Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system is up and running. Additional improvements in the system have takenplace in 2014 as well. The University of Nebraska Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management have takenover the system and the students assigned to the project work collaboratively with LF&R and the City of Lincoln to design andimplement improvements to the system.

As technology has advanced, LF&R continues tostay abreast of the industry. Currently our fleet isoutfitted with Mobile Data technology which enables aseamless connection with the CAD through a 4GLTEcellular modem and ruggedized laptops. In addition toCAD these systems provide our responders withmapping and pre-plan data. LF&R has begun thereplacement of the system with a more economical andmobile solution through the replacement of theruggedized laptop with a ruggedized tablet.

The information and technology team at LF&R iscomprised of great people who pride themselves onimplementing technology which will provide betterservice to our customers, increase responder safety,and increase organizational efficiency.


12

Special OperationsLincoln Fire & Rescue Special

Operations is comprised of amultitude of companies anddisciplines that make up thedepartment’s technical rescuecapabilities. These capabilitiesinclude hazardous materialsresponse and multiple technicalrescue disciplines. Thesedisciplines include vehicleextrication, low/steep angle rescue,high angle rescue, confined spacerescue, trench rescue, and waterrescue.

Water rescue is comprised ofindividuals from various companiesstationed throughout the city. Allother technical rescue disciplinesare the responsibilities of TruckCompanies1,5,7 and 8. Allfirefighters are trained to at least theHazardous Materials Operationslevel. Personnel assigned atstations 2, 9 and 14 receiveadditional training as HazardousMaterials Technicians. A hazardousmaterials response vehicle (HazMat14) is housed at station 14. Aportable decontamination trailer andheavy rescue trailer are alsoavailable for deployment as needed.All assigned personnel are cross

trained to meet OSHA regulations, NFPA,and other standards. Technical rescueequipment is continually being upgradedto meet the ever changing and demandingneeds of today’s society.

As always, 2014 was a challengingyear for the special operationsresponders. The ever changing skyline ofLincoln, increasing population,technological and material improvementsin vehicles, updated regulatory standards,CO (carbon monoxide) calls, frequentsmall chemical spills, and an unlimitednumber of potential hazardous materialstravelling down Interstate 80 or through theBNSF station have led to an increasedtraining demand in order to remainproficient in this ever changingenvironment. The awareness of thesedynamics translated to an increase in thetraining commitment within technicaloperations to over 7,465 staff hours in2014.

Hazardous Material

Chemical, biological, environmental,radiological, nuclear are all examples ofthe hazards found in today’s society, LF&RHazardous Material Operations andtechnically trained personnel are not onlyresponsible for the intervention and

mitigation of these incidents, but smallerones as well including natural gas leaks,odor detection, and fluid spills. Electricvehicles, Baaken Crude Oil Transportationvia rail, Compressed Natural Gas or CNGvehicles all continue to have a greaterpresence within our community. The influxof these alternative fuels and supportinginfrastructure has challenged LF&R’stechnical rescue and hazardous materialsunits to continually educate and train onthese advances associate with an everchanging environment.

Continually reinforced the need foroperational efficiency in 2014. Jointtraining exercises were conducted withBNSF Railroad, 72nd Civil Support Team(CST), Black Hills Energy, and the LincolnLancaster County Health Department. .

Not only does Lincoln Fire & RescueSpecial Operations support hazardousmaterial personnel, but also a vast varietyof technical disciplines as well.

Technical Rescue

Lincoln Fire & Rescue continues tosupport the community as the technicalrescuer cadre. Whether it is acting uponnotification of a businesses confinedspace entry for maintenance, preplanning

Special Operations continued on Page 32

SafetyLincoln Fire & Rescue continues to be proactive to ensure the safety of its

members. LF&R uses several avenues to resolve safety issues which areidentified by employees.

Since implementing the Near Miss reporting system in 2012 firefightershave used this avenue to report several Near Misses. These reports arereviewed by the department’s safety officer and a report is issued to themembers on lessons learned and recommended revisions to our emergencyscene operations as well as our daily activities.

One of the responsibilities of the Incident Command Technician (ICT) is toprovide pertinent daily safety messages. This is utilized as a reminder thateveryone is responsible for their own safety and provides awareness of safetyissues to our members. These messages are delivered during our 7:05 shiftbriefing.

The Safety Committee reviews safety suggestions submitted by LF&Rmembers. The committee’s responsibility is to identify and resolve actions thatare deemed unsafe. The committee works closely with the fire chief on theresolution of these items. Some of the items addressed this year were;* Dermal exposure and cancer prevention for firefighters* Safety restraints for reverse engine companies* SCBA face pieces annual testing* Fit testing of the M95 masks* Review and adoption of new specification for PPC* Reviewed the specifications for new fire Helmets* Review of the Firefighter Injury Analysis for the last seven years

The City Risk Management injury reporting system identifies unsafe actsthat may not be reported through our Near Miss reporting. All injury reports arereviewed by the department safety officer. This acts as a back up to the NearMiss reporting, and offers an additional avenue to track unsafe acts. Byreviewing these reports resolutions to unsafe acts can be implemented. As anorganization we continue to work closely with the city wide safety committeeso as to identify any and all safety concerns.

13


Serving

Resident Population267,544

Land Area92.89 Square Miles

Stations14

Fire Response Zones144

Fire Stations ............................ 14Engines(Pumpers) ................... 14Reserve Engines........................ 3(Ladder) Trucks .......................... 4Reserve Truck ............................ 1Medic Units ................................ 6Reserve Medic Units .................. 5Battalions ................................... 1EMS Supervisor ......................... 1Hazardous Materials Unit ........... 1Technical (Heavy) Rescue Unit ... 1Mobile Air Unit ............................ 1Decon Trailer ............................. 1Utility Trailer ............................... 1Water Rescue Trailer .................. 1Support Vehicles ...................... 21Mobile Fire Safety House ........... 1

Physical Resources

14

Unit ActivityBattalions:

Incidents2013 2014

Battalion 1 ................ 776..........775

Medic Units:Medic 2 ................. 3,509....... 3,765Medic 3 ................. 3,658....... 3,911Medic 5 ................. 2,774....... 3,016Medic 6 ................. 2,547....... 2,805Medic 7 ................. 3,211....... 3,402Medic 8 ................. 3,496....... 3,730Medic 1 .................... N/A.......... 114Medic 21 .................. 178.......... 115Medic 24 .................... 78..........141Medic 25 .................. 131..........180Medic 120................ N/A............44Medic 211 ................ 100..........100Medic 214................ 113..........164

Battalions:Battalions:

Incidents2013 2014

2014

Engine 1 2,934 3,353Engine 2 ............... 1,646....... 1,929Engine 3 ............... 1,960....... 2,104Engine 4 ............... 1,322....... 1,298Engine 5 ............... 1,661....... 1,703Engine 6 ............... 1,623....... 1,657Engine 7 ............... 1,723....... 1,841Engine 8 ............... 2,077....... 2,186Engine 9 ............... 1,748....... 1,862Engine 10 ............. 1,775....... 1,891Engine 11................. 272..........326Engine 12 ............. 1,252....... 1,269Engine 13 ................ 844..........914Engine 14 ................ 990....... 1,009Engine 21 .................... 6 ................Engine 211................... 0 ..............2Engine 225 .................. 1 ..............4

Battalion: a unit typically consistingof multiple companies.

Engine: a fire apparatus vehicleequipped with a pump; water tank,and a compliment of hose, tools,and equipment.

Medic Unit: a specially equippedvehicle used for transporting thesick or injured.

15

Truck: an aerial apparatus vehicleequipped with ground ladders,special rescue tools, smoke removalfans, tarps, and salvage equipment.

Alternative Response Vehicle(ARV): a vehicle that may be utilizedin place of an engine or truck forEMS incident response.

Battalions:Battalions:

Incidents2013 2014

Trucks:Truck 1 .................. 1,490....... 1,683Truck 5 ..................... 969..........978Truck 7 .................. 1,098....... 1,186Truck 8 .................. 1,014....... 1,071Truck 21 ....................... 0..............1

Other:EMS 1 .................. 1,213....... 1,233Air 14 ....................... 477..........476HM 14 ...................... 195..........207ARV 1 ........................ 11............10Bike 1 ........................ 18............21Bike 2 .......................... 4..............8UT 1 ............................. 1................Brush 1 ........................ 4............16Rehab Bus ................... 0

Total Response by Unit

16

Alert Fire HazMat Medical Rescue Alarm Other Total CountyFire Car #2 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0Chief Thavenet 0 1 0 0 0 6 7 0Chief Murrell 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0Chief Jones 0 2 0 0 1 7 10 0Chief Huff 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0Chief Pashalek 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0Chief Benes 0 10 0 0 0 1 11 0Chief Borer 0 2 0 0 0 6 8 0Chief Bonin 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0Chief Linke 0 4 0 1 0 0 5 0Battalion 1 8 294 182 56 182 61 775 14Engine 1 0 459 62 1,234 41 98 3,353 0Medic 21 0 1 0 51 3 60 115 0Medic 1 0 5 1 103 3 2 114 1Mule 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 4 0Truck 1 0 787 168 408 119 152 1,683 0ARV 1 0 0 0 1,508 0 10 1,518 0Bike Medic 1 0 0 0 4 0 17 21 1Bike Medic 2 0 0 0 3 0 5 8 0Utility TruckBrush 1 0 15 0 0 0 1 16 4Total Station 1 8 1,584 413 3,374 349 429 7,657 20Engine 2 0 229 145 1,409 28 118 1,929 1Medic 2 2 72 28 3,521 106 38 3,765 50Total Station 2 2 371 173 4,930 134 156 5,694 51Engine 3 0 281 36 1,660 43 84 2,104 1Medic 3 5 80 18 3,687 105 21 3,911 89Total Station 3 5 361 54 5,347 148 105 6,015 90Engine 4 0 213 21 956 23 85 1,298 2Medic 24 0 1 0 115 3 22 141 1Total Station 4 0 214 21 1,071 26 107 1,439 3Engine 5 0 192 47 1,359 26 79 1,703 6Engine 225 0 2 0 1 0 1 4 0Medic 25 0 2 0 155 10 13 180 6Medic 5 1 51 17 2,834 79 35 3,016 114Truck 5 0 464 121 179 71 143 978 6Total Station 5 1 711 185 4,528 186 271 5,881 132

Continued on page 17

Total Response by Unit (Continued from Page 17)

17

Alert Fire HazMat Medical Rescue Alarm Other Total CountyEngine 6 0 222 27 1,291 30 87 1,687 1Medic 6 0 55 14 2,626 79 32 2,805 256Total Station 6 0 277 41 3,917 109 119 4,492 257Engine 7 0 244 19 1,462 42 74 1,841 0Medic 7 0 56 16 3,201 90 39 3,402 58Truck 7 1 537 153 219 91 186 1,186 0Total Station 7 1 837 188 4,882 223 299 6,429 58Engine 8 0 292 23 1,752 31 88 2,186 1Medic 8 1 85 13 3,538 72 22 3,730 61Truck 8 1 583 107 190 106 85 1,071 5Total Station 8 2 960 143 5,480 209 195 6,987 67EMS1 1 283 37 706 194 13 1,233 80Engine 9 0 244 93 1,369 38 118 1,862 1Total Station 9 1 527 130 2,075 232 131 3,095 81Engine 10 1 233 53 1,458 28 119 1,891 0Medic 210 0 0 0 14 2 28 44 1Total Station 10 1 233 53 1,472 30 266 1,935 1Engine 11 5 51 9 235 7 24 326 2Medic 211 0 2 0 71 1 26 100 3Total Station 11 5 53 9 306 8 50 426 5Engine 12 0 135 15 989 23 107 1,269 4Total Station 12 0 135 15 989 23 107 1,269 4Engine 13 0 131 19 698 28 38 914 10Total Station 13 0 131 19 698 28 38 914 10Air 14 0 297 174 2 1 2 476 0Engine 14 6 179 27 733 23 47 1,009 3Haz Mat 14 0 30 174 1 1 1 207 1Medic 214 0 4 0 103 2 55 164 3Total Station 14 6 480 375 839 27 105 1,856 7

FINAL TOTAL 33 6,837 1,872 41,366 1,760 2,496 55,996 786

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Unit Responses by Type in the City

Alert Fire HazMat Medical Rescue Alarm Other TotalAir 14 0 297 174 2 1 13 487Battalion 8 305 182 49 178 83 805Chiefs 0 23 0 2 1 22 48Engine 12 3,100 596 18,045 399 1,164 23,316EMS1 1 283 35 628 165 13 1,125Other 0 0 0 3 0 0 3Haz Mat 0 29 174 1 1 1 206Medic 9 394 97 19,412 462 390 20,764Truck 2 2,366 548 1,042 377 565 4,900TOTAL 32 6,797 1,806 39,184 1,587 2,251 51,654

Alert Fire HazMat Medical Rescue Alarm Other TotalBattalion 0 4 0 14 4 1 23Engine 0 8 0 21 12 3 44EMS1 0 0 2 78 29 0 109Medic 0 20 10 608 93 5 736Truck 0 6 1 3 10 1 21TOTAL 0 38 13 724 148 10 933

Unit Responses by Type in County


(1) - Denotes 1 reserve unit

A reserve unit is an unstaffed apparatus that can be put in service with personnel when a front lineapparatus needs repair or an apparatus that can be put into service if all other units are alreadydeployed to other emergencies by recalling off duty personnel.

Stations Engines Trucks Medic Units Battalions Other (Listed)#1 - 1801 “Q” Street (02) 1 1 1 1 Dive Rescue

Decon TrailerTrench TrailerUtility VehicleBrush 1

#2 - 1545 North 33rd (04) 1 0 1 0 Light Tower#3 - 121 S 2nd Street (08) 1 0 1 0 --#4 - 5600 South 27th (12) 1 0 0 (1) 0#5 - 3640 Touzalin Ave (07) 1 1 1 (1) 0 --#6 - 5051 South 48th (16) 1 0 1 0 --#7 - 1345 South Cotner (10) 1 1 1 0 --#8 - 2760 South 17th (02) 1 1 1 0 --#9 - 901 North Cotner (05) 1 0 0 0 EMS Supervisor#10 - 1440 Adams Street (21) 1 0 0 (1) 0 --#11 - 3401 NW Luke (24) 1 0 0 (1) 0 --#12 - 2201 South 84th (06) 1 0 0 0 --#13 - 1700 South Coddington (22) 1 0 0 0 --#14 - 5435 NW First Street (21) 1 0 0 (1) 0 Haz/Mat

Mobile AirLogistics - 901 West Bond (21) (2) (1)

* December 2014 *

19

Stations and Units

2014 Response for LF&R

LF&R Responses

Number of Rescue Alarms: 178Number of Life Threatening Medical Calls: 5,730Number of Public Education Events: 551Number of Persons Educated: 105,709Number of Standby Events: 205Number of Calls Outside the City: 661

Response Summary

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Fire Calls 2,142 Haz Mat 674 Medical 18,127 Other 1,612

Total Incidents

21

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

2011 2012 2013 2014Other 2,158 1,921 1,747 1,612Medical 15,853 16,347 16,720 18,127Haz Mat 463 696 718 674Fire 2,297 2,038 1,983 2,142

Fire Haz Mat Medical Other

Estimated Value of Property Saved

22

$0

$50,000,000

$100,000,000

$150,000,000

$200,000,000

$250,000,000

$300,000,000

$350,000,000

2011 2012 2013 2014Est Amt Saved $214,183,964 $307,915,630 $194,943,972 $285,063,828

Alert: Aircraft Related EmergenciesFire A: Fire Alarm Automatic System or Reported

Fire B: Fire Threatening BuildingFire C: Fire with Confirmed Smoke or Flame

Haz Mat: Hazardous Materials Related Leaks & SpillsMedical A,B, & C: Medical Emergency

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Incident Type Report

NumberMethod Incidents

Fire 254Fire A 1,401Fire B 207Fire C 266Fire M 14CoDet 202

Haz1 14Haz 2 147

Haz 21 45Haz 3 109

Haz Pkg 5Odor 152

Medical 31

Medical A 3,211Medical B 4,788Medical C 3,657Medical D 5,730Medical E 218

Medical ALS 80Medical Omega 66

Medical OmegaD 67Medical RS Alarm 23

Alert 2 7Alert 3 1Other 1,594

Standby 10Scheduled Standby 205

Total Incidents 22,504

Medical D: Life Threatening Medical EmergencyMedical E: Life Threatening Cardiac/Respiratory EmergencyMedical Mutaid: Medical Call - Assisting Rural AgencyMedical Omega: Inter facility Non-Emergency TransferMedical Omega D: Inter Facility Emergency TransferMedical - RS Alarm: Person Trapped or Rollover Vehicle AccidentOther: All Other Types of Dispatches

Human Resources

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This functional area covers severaldifferent aspects of personnelmanagement.

All promotional exam processes arereviewed and if necessary are re-validated. The testing processes arereviewed and source materials areupdated to maintain relevant testingmaterial for each position. Promotionaltests are staggered to occur every twoyears for fire apparatus operator,captain, and battalion chief positions.

Management policies/referencesource documents are also reviewedannually and revised as needed.

HR oversees the RecruitmentCommittee who revised our brochuresand target areas with updatedinformation and in multiple languages.Our website also has a translation dropbox for those wishing to viewinformation in other languages. Ourgoal is to recruit, hire, and retainqualified individuals who represent thevalues and uphold the mission of LF&R.It is a desire and a commitment on thepart of the City of Lincoln to be diverseand representative of the communityand the citizens we serve.

HR also assists employees withobtaining and navigating throughpolicies, municipal code, and other

documents to accommodateemployees with programs, services,and benefits to support their personal/professional lives.

HR participates in labornegotiations, Leadership Teammeetings, and is a liaison with otherrelevant city agencies.

Lastly, HR is responsible forensuring that the organization iscompliant with all local, state, andfederal employment laws orordinances and coordinatesnecessary training for employeeswith respect to employment lawsand ordinances.


Department Total - $29,975,6882013-2014 Budget Summary

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Administration: $766,883

Emergency Services Division: $22,300,922EMS Transport Division: $4,797,657

Logistics Division: $687,657Training Division: $405,580

Urban Search & Rescue (NETF1): $1,016,989

General Fund: $24,161,042

Ambulance Service Fund: $4,797,657

Urban Search & Rescue FEMA Funded: $1,016,989

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Human Resources# of EEO Complaint Investigations ............. 0# of EEO Investigations On-going ............... 0# of EEO Investigations

On-going over 60 days .......................... 0Number of NEOC ....................................... 0

# of Grievances Filed ............................... 15# of Grievances Withdrawn......................... 0# of Grievances Resolved at

Department Level ............................... 15 (Deny = 7, Affirm = 8)

LF&R CompanyBusiness Inspections# of Preplans Completed ......................... 96

Investigations Provided by the Bureau of Fire Prevention# of Fire Investigations ......................... 2025# of Code Compliance Inspections ...... 3,671# of Operational and

Occupancy Permits Issued............. 1,985# of Bomb Calls ....................................... 53Explosives and Ammo Pickups ................ 30

Tota

l Tra

inin

gTi

me-

Hou

rs

TrainingActivities for

2014

# of

Em

ploy

ees

Trai

ned

Leng

th o

fTr

aini

ng H

ours

Training TopicHIPAA 1 247 263Blood Borne Pathogens 0.5 266 146Drivers Rodeo 1.6 237 384Emergency Vehicle Driving Video 0.5 264 145SCBA/PPC Timed Drill 1.77 207 266Respiratory Training 2.58 265 711Haz Mat Ops Level 8 285 2,280Haz Mat Tech Levle 32 50 1,600Tech Rescue Confined Space 5 68 340Tech Rescue High Angle/Rope 4 64 256Tech Rescue Trench 4.8 49 234Tech Rescue Shores 5 52 260Tech Rescue Low Angle/Rope 4.5 48 261Tech Rescue Auto Extrication 4.1 56 232Tech Rescue Water Rescue 4 64 256EMS Training BLS For Everyone 12 285 3,420EMS Training ALS for Medics 24 72 1,728Chief Officer Command Training 32 10 320Incident Command 16 299 4,725Division Group Superviser 11 260 2,860High Rise 4 200 800Hose 4 270 1,080Fire Apparatus Operator Pumps 4 240 960SCBA Familiarization 4 278 1112Captain Initiated Training N/A 285 7,023Total Hours of Training 190.35 31,764

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for potential hi-risk evolutions such as windowwasher or windmill rescue, acting as theircontingency plan, as mandated by OSHA.LF&R’s technical rescue teams were alsoinvolved in evolutions in 2014 ranging frommultiple calls for low/steep angle rescuesranging from vehicles going over anembankment to citizens falling into ravens.

One area of great anticipation each yearfor team members is the annual Polar Plungefor Special Olympics and 2014 was nodifferent. This fund raising event is attendedby hundreds of individuals braving the coldwater for a good cause while team membersstand-by in a safety role.

Lastly, 2014 culminated a full year’saccess to Lincoln Fire & Rescue new indoortraining space within the Municipal ServicesCenter (MSC). This indoor training centercall TRIDENT (Technical Rescue IndoorEducation and Training) Center was utilized atotal of 732 hours including but not limited tothe annual Physical Agility Testing (PAT) offirefighter applicants, company level trainingin various aspects of emergency, technical,and medical response. The facility was alsoutilized for joint training sessions and by otheragencies in 2014 Health Department, LincolnPolice Department, and Lancaster CountySheriff Department to name a few.

During 2013, with guidance from Dr. Kruger, LF&R wasaccepted into the Cardiac Arrest Research to EnhanceSurvivability (CARES) Registry. LF&R was the first EMSagency in the State of Nebraska to be accepted into CARES.CARES measures the departments CPR performance with thegoal of improving survivability of sudden cardiac arrest. LF&Rcontinues to participate in the CARES and CARES was soimpressed with the data that LF&R submitted they would nowlike to add the entire State of Nebraska to the registry. Dr.Kruger and other LF&R personnel have been contracted topresent the benefits of the CARES Registry across the State.

LF&R began cardio-cerebral resuscitation (CCR) during thelast quarter of 2013. This aggressive form of CPR has provento enhance patient’s chances of survivability by increasing thenumber of patients who have a spontaneous return ofcirculation. During 2014 LF&R focused on increasing the CPRfractions of patients suffering from out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OOHCA). The CPR fraction is the amount of time,measured in a percentage, that CPR is being performed duringthe resuscitation. The national average is ~50%. LF&R’s CPRfraction was ~90% during the first three quarters of the year.

A further step in the care of OOHCA included trialing aLUCAS device during the last quarter of 2014. The LUCAS isa mechanical CPR device that provides continuouscompression throughout the cardiac arrest resuscitation. TheLUCAS allows for uninterrupted mechanical compressions at aconstant depth and rate that is un-affected by human error. Wewere able to increase our CPR fraction from ~90% to ~95%while decreasing our peri-shock pause. The LUCAS alsoallows us to provide high quality CPR during transport to thehospital without endangering our providers. This trial was sosuccessful that LF&R purchased a LUCAS device to place intoservice with our EMS Supervisors.

EMS continued from Page 9Special Operations continued from Page 12

Continued on Page 37

Logistics Division

The Logistics Division is responsiblefor a continuous preventative maintenanceprogram for 63 vehicles to ensure costeffective and safe efficient operation.Emergency vehicles include 14 enginecompanies, 3 aerial pumper companiesand 1 aerial ladder company, 12 medicunits, 1 haz mat vehicle, and 1 mobile airunit. The department has 2 reserve enginecompanies, 1 reserve aerial pumper, 1EMS Supervisor, 21 support vehicles, 1fire safety house, 1 rehab bus, 1 masscasualty decon trailer, 1 tow vehicle, 1 techrescue trailer, 1 utility trailer, and 1 waterrescue trailer.

The Logistics Division employs threeEmergency Vehicle Technicians (EVT)who are trained specifically for repairs onapparatus and ambulance repairs. This isextremely valuable as we maintain safeapparatus and abide by NFPA standards.

Along with maintaining responsevehicles, the Logistics Division maintainsall equipment mounted on the vehiclesincluding 8 generators, 12 power saws,and 5 rescue tools.

The Logistics Division repairs andcertifies 140 SCBA’s, 300 face pieces,and three breathing air compressors andcoordinates annual pump test of 21apparatus. The division coordinatestesting, inventory, and repair for 40,000feet of fire hose, coordinates annual aerial

testing and ground ladder testing of 1,650feet of ladders, repairs and maintains 14lawn mowers, 14 snow blowers, andprovides snow removal at 13 fire stationsand other facilities.

An average of 600 plus apparatusrepair orders are generated each year.LF&R annual fleet mileage was 433,769miles.

All station supplies, repairs, remodels,and additions, as well as planning anddesign, are coordinated by the chief oflogistics working closely with purchasingand vendors. Maintaining firefighter gearand specifications are coordinated in theLogistics Division.

Driver’s re-certification is coordinatedby the logistics chief. The division chief oflogistics is also responsible forspecifications for new engine, truck, andmedic units replacement and purchase.

The Logistics Division is alsoresponsible for research and developmentof alternate fuels and vehicles as well asdeveloping ways to become more efficientwith our fleet repairs and testing newproducts.

Our responsibilities have grown toinclude management of turn out gear,which involves bi-annual inspection fromour service provider, along with issuingany and all equipment for personal

protective clothing.The air tech provides respiratory

equipment testing and minorrepairs. This tech oversees the flowtesting of our SCBA bottles,checking pressures, checking allpersonnel for mask fitting, as well asoverseeing NFPA surpriseinspections. He also maintains andrepairs all of our certified breathingair compressors for SCBA refillingat Stations 5, 6 and 14.

The stores clerk has manyresponsibilities, including fillingmedical vending machines locatedin the hospitals. This employee alsofills numerous tasks with turn outgear and loose equipment i.e.gloves, hood socks, etc.

The Logistics Divisionsuccessfully started in October of2012 and completed March 1st of2013 the department’s first medicunit remount, resulting in a costsavings of over $80,000 over thecost of a new ambulance. TheLogistics Division completed fourmore remounts in 2014.

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Unit ID Unit # Mileage # of Accidents Miles Per AccidentT1 36047 7,884 2 3,942T5 36020 7,110 0 0T7 36021 9,739 1 9,739T8 36019 8,761 0 0T21 36010 3,310 0 0

Total Accidents: 3Total Miles Per Accident: 12,268

Total Miles Driven: 36,804

Accident Mileage Report2014

Accident shall be defined as:A traffic collision also known as atraffic accident, motor vehiclecollision, motor vehicle accident, caraccident, automobile accident, RoadTraffic Collision (RTC) or car crash,occurs when a vehicle collides withanother vehicle, pedestrian, animal,road debris, or other stationaryobstruction, such as a tree or utilitypole. Traffic collisions may result ininjury, death and property damage.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_collision)

34

Continued on

Unit ID Unit # Mileage # of Accidents Miles Per AccidentE1 36025 7,772 0 0E2 36015 9,989 0 0E3 36024 12,028 0 0E4 36017 8,049 1 8,049E5 36039 9,354 1 9,354E6 36041 11,907 2 5,954E7 36043 8,951 0 0E8 36038 9,672 0 0E9 36042 11,652 0 0E10 36040 10,816 1 10,816E11 36014 3,776 0 0E12 36016 9,287 0 0E13 36023 8,066 0 0E14 36037 9,093 0 0E225 36013 4,427 0 0




35

Accident Mileage Report (Continued from Page 35)

Unit ID Unit # Mileage # of Accidents Miles Per AccidentM2 36051/36056 25,003 2 12,502M3 36049/36057 33,337 2 16,669M5 36052/36054 18,883 5 3,777M6 36048/36050 28,297 2 14,149M7 36053 5,546 2 2,773M8 36051 23,572 2 11,786M24 36029 2,585 0 0M25 36027 3,616 2 1,808M210 36048 1,126 0 0M211 36030/36035 2,207 0 0M214 36035/36052 4,448 0 0M34 36034 0 0 0





Total Accidents for All Vehicles: 25Total Miles Driven for All Vehicles: 324,245

Total Accidents Per 100,000 for All Vehicles: 8

units. The entire front lineambulance fleet has beenoutfitted with the Power PROXT cots and five (5) of the six(6) front line ambulances havethe Power Load devicesinstalled. It is our goal toeventually have all ambulancesequipped with power cots andpowered cot loading devices.

The EMS supervisorsparticipated in a trial of aCMAC video laryngoscopydevice for two months in late2014. The trial was requestedby our Physician MedicalDirector who directed the EMSsupervisors to use the deviceon every intubation where theywere available. The trial wasdeemed a success butunfortunately we were unable tofund the device. LF&R willcontinue to look at ways offunding this very valuable toolfor pre-hospital airwaymanagement.

LF&R purchased four (4)Physio Control LifePak 1000AED’s to replace our LP-500’s. The LP-500 AED’shave been in continuousservice since 1999 and are nolonger supported by PhysioControl.

LF&R researched anddeveloped an InfectiousDisease policy in response tothe Ebola outbreak and thegrowing concern by many thatwe would have an Ebolaoutbreak in the United States.The policy dedicates a specificambulance to transport Ebolapatients to one of two localhospitals. The policy wasdesigned to be able to be usedfor any extremely infectiousdisease process that mayoccur in the future. Training inthe use of personal protectivegear was provided to theHazMat stations by the HazMattrainer and the HazMat stationsthen trained the rest of thedepartment.

LF&R replaced its agingPanasonic CF-19 at-patient-side reporting devices with anew GETAC hardenedcomputer. The devices so farhave been trouble free andwork well according to the staffthat uses them.

LF&R migrated its EMSdata server away from the Cityof Lincoln’s InformationServices (IS) department andentered into a contract with acompany that specializes in

hosting EMS data servers.LF&R has been working withEF Recovery for severalmonths and went “live” withthem December 3rd, 2014.While the transitions has notbeen as seamless as we hadhoped most of the major issueshave been fixed.

The LF&R Training Divisionprovides Basic Life Support(BLS) training to all fieldemployees and Advanced LifeSupport (ALS) training toparamedics.

LF&R delivered over 24hours of (ALS) training to allparamedics. This training wasdelivered at the City’sMunicipal Service Center(MSC) in LF&R’s indoortraining center. The trainingwas geared to cover the topicsrequired by the NationalRegistry of EMT’s and EMSOAand included instruction on RSI,surgical cricothyrodomy, CPAP,administration of intranasalmedications, videolaryngoscopy, 12 lead EKG’sand other topics relevant to theLincoln system.

36

The ALS protocols havebeen updated to include thechanges to resuscitation withthe LUCAS device.

Dr. Kruger continues to ridewith the EMS supervisors eachmonth and provides input onemergency medical scenesduring this time. He is readilyavailable to meet with anddiscuss issues with the staff tohelp make the system better.

LF&R received a grantduring 2013 from theMetropolitan MedicalResponse System (MMRS) topurchase two ambulance cotPower-LOAD systems. Thesedevices have been mounted inambulances and allow for theloading of patients with minimallifting by providers. Thesedevices have beenenthusiastically received by thefield providers using them.

LF&R received anadditional MMRS grants forStryker Power PRO XTpowered patient cots andStryker Power Load poweredcot loading devices. After theinitial trial period was deemeda success we have budgetedfor the purchase of additional

EMS continued from Page 33

Urban Search & Rescue - NE-TF1

37

Urban Search and Rescue NETF1In 1991, Lincoln Fire & Rescue became thesponsoring agency for Nebraska Task Force 1(NE-TF1). NE-TF1 is one of 28 FederalEmergency Management Agency Urban Search& Rescue (FEMA US&R) task forces in theUnited States.

As a member of the National ResponseSystem, personnel from Lincoln’s US&R taskforce have responded to many disasters ofnational significance including: the Oklahoma Citybombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building inApril 1995, the attacks on the World Trade Center towers andthe Pentagon following the events of September 11, 2001,Louisiana and Mississippi in the aftermath of HurricanesKatrina and Rita in September of 2005; the tornado-devastated town of Greensburg, Kansas in 2007; Texas forHurricane Dean in August 2007; and Georgia and Florida forHurricanes Dolly, Gustav, and Ike in 2008. In 2009, NE-TF1members assisted FEMA with coordinating US&R personneland resources for the Presidential Inauguration in Washington,DC, and in 2010 NE-TF1 members supported the earthquakein Haiti. 2013 was an active year for NE-TF1 and wasdeployed to Moore, Oklahoma after a devastating tornado andin September to Boulder, CO, to assist with significantflooding. Both deployments were significant responses for NE-TF1 with a considerable amount of good search & rescue andwater rescue work provided to those communities devastatedby those significant disasters. In January 2014, NE-TF1responded with approximately 20 rescue and a command andcontrol component to assist the Omaha Fire Department withthe structural collapse of the International Nutrition Plant. Aninvestigation found structural failure of what OSHA described

as the east-side truss, after bins that the trusssupported were loaded with “an excess oflimestone.” The extra weight caused the bins tocollapse three floors into the center of thefacility in about 30 seconds, OSHA said.

Of the approximately 190 NE-TF1 taskforce members, 120 are Lincoln Fire & Rescueemployees. Task force equipment, supplies,and a fleet of response vehicles valued at over$6M are maintained in a constant state of

readiness for deployment. The task force must beable to deploy to natural or man-made disasters within four

hours of notification by the Federal Emergency ManagementAgency.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue’s partnership with the federalgovernment has provided invaluable training and specializedequipment that otherwise would not have been possible iffunded locally. Since 1991, the City of Lincoln, State ofNebraska, neighboring states, and region are beneficiariesof the knowledge and experience that Lincoln Fire & Rescuepersonnel have acquired due to our participation in theNational Urban Search & Rescue program.

In 2014 NE-TF1 completed several initiatives required byFEMA. Those programs included NE-TF1 to participate in aUS&R Multi-Divisional Full Scale Exercise. NE-TF1, MO-TF1and the White Incident Support Team (IST) teamed up toparticipate in a tornado exercise in Crisis City located justsouth of Salina, KS. Nearly 250 participants from NE-TF1,MO-TF1, and the White IST as well as FEMA Region VII, theNational Geospacial Agency (NGA), FEMA Program Office,TX-TF1 IST Cache, and the CO-TF1 Hazardous EquipmentPush Package (HEPP) participated.

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