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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/20/2009 00 Misc Distributed at the Meeting RE: EMS Levy1� ('Ski W fe aE (/ Zo`b MEMORANDUM January 20, 2009 To: Honorable Mayor, Members of City Council Dick Zais, City Manager From: Charlie L. Hines, Fire Chief C�6 Subject: EMS Levy; Media coverage and Paramedic Program Update Over the past several weeks I have been interviewed or written about by virtually every media outlet in town regarding the EMS levy. Unfortunately, some media coverage has not been entirely accurate or complete. Given the limited space and editorial license inherent with a free press, it is understandable that a message can appear to change over time. This memorandum is to clear up any misunderstandings that may have occurred as the result of this coverage. Unfortunately, there are those who have focused their attention on me rather than the facts of the levy. Last week, Yakima Firefighters Association President Randy Raschko and I were guests on "KIT" Radio's morning talk show. It is my understanding that two Council members, Mr. Ensey and Mr. Lover, took exception to some of my responses to the hosts' questions. They in turn contacted the City Manager's Office expressing their concerns. In following up on these concerns, I obtained a copy of the interview and listened to it numerous times. Below I have attempted to respond to their concerns: 1. The Fire Chief should refrain from expressing his support for the levy in the public forum while it is an active ballot measure. State Law specifically addresses this issue: • WAC 390 -05 -273 Guidelines for Local Government Agencies in Election Campaigns (including the Fire Chief). :p "May engage in campaign activities on their own time, during non -work hours and without using public resources." WAC 390 -05 -273 (3) Definition of Normal and Regular Conduct "Public employees do not forfeit their rights to engage in political activity because of their employment." WAC 390 -05- 271(1) General Applications of RCW 42.17.130 "Does not restrict the right of any individual to express his or her own personal views concerning, supporting or opposing any candidate or ballot proposition, if such expression does not involve a use of the facilities of a public office or facilities." The radio interview in question occurred at 7:40 am, prior to me reporting for duty and did not make use of any public facility or equipment. In addition, when distributing EMS Levy brochures door to door, I have been "off the clock ". Throughout the EMS LEVY I have been careful not to represent myself in an official capacity, but as Charlie Hines who is the Fire Chief. At the conclusion of the interview, the host asked Randy and I if we wanted people to vote yes on the levy. Upon listening to the tape, you will notice a brief "pregnant pause" before you hear a response. Even though I was off duty, I didn't feel comfortable urging citizens to vote yes. Instead I turned to Randy and it is his voice that you hear saying "yes ", not mine. 2. Councilman Lover felt I disrespected him when responding to a question on the use of the term "double tax ". Specifically, the host stated /asked, "Councilman Bill Lover is saying that's double taxation..." The only place I had previously encountered that phrase was on the opposition's yard signs. So, prior to answering this, I've got this "imprint" of that sign in my brain. I answered: "you can use any clever phrase that you want to in politics, we know that." For Councilman Lover to take my response as an attack on him is unfortunate. In no way were my comments directed at him, but rather at the political slogan on the signs. 3. The host asked me, "If this thing doesn't pass, Yakima will still be safe right ?" I answered, "No, absolutely not, I'm telling you that the emperor has not clothes on Lance. There are an increasing number of times when you call 911 to report a fire or medical emergency, I've got nobody to send you and that unconscionable, that's not right and it's not safe." Increasing the level of safety is in fact, one of the primary reasons that the Council voted to place the EMS levy on the ballot. On numerous occasions over the past three years, I have communicated to the Council, the fact that "calls for services are outpacing YFD's resources ". While Council is aware of this fact, I believe that the public is ,not aware of the challenges we face to provide them with acceptable level of protection. When a citizen calls 911 to report a fire or medical emergency, there is a reasonable expectation that help is on the way, in the form of professional firefighters from their neighborhood fire station. Unfortunately, that is NOT reality the fact is that we often have no Yakima Firefighters to send. As important, our response times continue to decline. My motivation is simple. I took an oath to serve and protect the citizens of this community from fires, disasters and medical emergencies. For me to turn a blind eye at our growing inability to serve the public in a manner they expect and deserve would be unethical and unconscionable. I have an obligation to present them with the facts. I understand that the acceptability of risk is calculated by the council with input from the fire chief and ultimately decided by the public. For that to happen, facts need to be communicated in an objective manner. If passed, the additional Firefighters funded out of the EMS Levy will dramatically improve the level of safety in our city and close the ever widening gap in our service. M.1 Paramedic Program Update: As approved by the City Council, the EMS Levy now before the voters contemplates. 12 Firefighters • 1 Dispatcher • "Non- transport" Firefighter /Paramedic program This is the package approved by City Council for consideration by the voters and if it passes, it is the package that will be delivered. Much has and is being made of the paramedic issue. This is extremely unfortunate, as our primary need here is having enough bodies to staff the number of engines necessary to protect the lives of our citizens and private and public property throughout our City. As I have reported to you throughout our discussions on this matter, there are times when we do not have the resources to respond to our current call load - this is not acceptable for a metropolitan Fire Department. The FTE's and equipment associated with this proposal, represent nearly the entire cost of the levy. A very small portion of the cost of this proposal is the paramedic skill pay. The annual paramedic skill pay for the eventual 18 Firefighter /Paramedics is estimated to be in the range of $50,000 to $70,000, in terms of the levy this amount represents just over 1 cent of the 25 cents per thousand proposed in the levy. Sadly, this is where the greatest criticism of the proposal rests. Upgrading the skills of a sufficient number of our crews to allow for a trained Firefighter who is also Paramedic, to be stationed in every neighborhood in town is a tremendous bargain for our citizens and will save lives - and again the additional cost of this benefit is just over 1 cent of the 25 cents proposed. As you are aware, Fire staff has worked to gain the approvals necessary to provide paramedic services. This effort was necessary as whether you are a private ambulance or a ,municipal fire department, you can't just decide to "go into the Paramedic business ". There are checks & balances in place to assure quality control and the safety of the public. For the City of Yakima, Washington state law required that the City gain approvals from: • The Yakima County EMS /Trauma Council • The South Central Washington Regional EMS /Trauma Council • The- Governor's sub committee at the Department of Health, State EMS /Trauma Council • The Yakima County Medical Director (PMD) of Pre - Hospital Care r'✓ It was critical that we pursue & receive approval of a Firefighter /Paramedic program prior to the passage of the levy, as without these approvals Yakima voters would be voting for something that was not approved and could not be implemented in a timely manner. These approvals were no rubber stamp. Each EMS /Trauma Council consists of numerous health care professionals, doctors, nurses, representatives from ambulance co's., the fire service, elected officials and citizens. The South Central Washington council has approximately 20 voting members and the State council has approximately 30 voting members. Noteworthy is the fact that both of these councils voted UNANIMOUSLY to approve our request. Comments made were, "We are glad to see Yakima finally taking steps to improve the service ", "It's about time" and from the chairman of the State EMS /Trauma Council, "This application & presentation should be the template for all future requests ". All necessary approvals have been obtained. YFD currently has two Firefighters who are certified Paramedics. With the approvals mentioned above, we now have the "green light" to allow these Firefighters to. utilize.their life- saving skills on critically ill /injured patients. I anticipate having them "in- service" this spring (April). We still need to purchase some equipment, draft protocols, etc. This action will be accomplished within our existing budget. I will note that to deny the public the benefit of utilizing the two Paramedic trained Firefighters at this point would be problematic. As Chief of your Fire Department, I have an obligation to maximize all resources available for the safety of our community, and to do otherwise would be a violation of my ethical obligation to the public and my profession. If you have any questions regarding any of the issues discussed, please contact me. 2008 - 8027018 Sunday, January 27, 2008 8506 Arlington AVE Mutual aid receive WV11 WVFD EMR Unresponsive Person No YFD response 2008 - 8035003 Monday, February 04, 2008 618 S 58TH AVE Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8092014 Tuesday, April 01, 2008 1510 S 14TH ST Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire CAD # 8037189 Tuesday, April 01, 2008 65 W. Prasch No Aid Received Automatic Fire Alarm handled bX dispatch because no apparatus available. No YFD response 2008- 8092015 Tuesday, April 01, 2008 2206 S 72ND AVE Mutual aid receive WV11 WVFD EMR III Person Difficulty Breathing No YFD response 2008 - 8096011 Saturday, April 05, 2008 322 W Yakima AVE Savoy Apts. Mutual aid receive E40, E42, EVFD, E85 UGFD Possible Structure Fire No YFD response 2008 - 8101001 Thursday, April 10, 2008 201 S Naches AVE Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8101002 Thursday, April 10, 2008 7702 W Lincoln AVE Mutual aid receive WV11 EMR 86YOF Difficulty breathing No YFD response 2008 - 8101003 Thursday, April 10, 2008 2102 S 69TH AVE Mutual aid receive WV17EMR Injuries from a fall No YFD response 2008 - 8108004 Thursday, April 17, 2008 109 N 6TH ST Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8108005 Thursday, April 17, 2008 1114 S 5TH AVE Mutual aid receive E85 UGFD EMR Diabetic Problem No YFD response 2008 - 8126027 Monday, May 05, 2008 713 N 5TH AVE Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8129020 Thursday, May 08, 2008 616 S 70TH AVE Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8163013 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 20 E A ST Mutual aid receive E 40 EVFD response EMR non responsive PT No YFD response 2008 - 8200009 Friday, July 18, 2008 8105 Poplar View WAY Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8202010 Sunday, July 20, 2008 500 Jewett Pathway Mutual aid receive TRT response for person trapped in river 2008 - 8244015 Sunday, August 31, 2008 7408 W Walnut ST Automatic aid receiv Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8266028 Monday, September 22, 2008 911 N 30TH AVE Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8266031 Monday, September 22, 2008 619 S 70TH AVE Mutual aid receive WV11 EMR 71 YOF difficulty breathing No YFD response 2008 - 8273017 Monday, September 29, 2008 E Spruce St Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8273019 Monday, September 29, 2008 1 N 36TH AVE Mutual aid receive WV11 EMR 70 YOF Unknown problem No YFD response 2008 - 8278028 Saturday, October 04, 2008 3005 Castlevale RD Mutual aid receive WV11 EMR III Female No YFD response 2008 - 8293003 Sunday, October 19, 2008 1418 S 15TH ST Automatic aid receiv Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8309028 Tuesday, November 04, 2008 817 N 15TH AVE Automatic aid receiv Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8310001 1603 N 1 ST ST Mutual aid receive Selah 12 EMR Seizures No YFD response 2008 - 8310002 4406 W Chestnut AVE Mutual aid receive WV11 EMR Injuries from fall No YFD response 2008 - 8313028 Saturday, November 08, 2008 2700 Fruitvale BLVD Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire 2008 - 8313030 Saturday, November 08, 2008 So 1st St & E Mead Av Mutual aid receive E85 UGFD MVA No YFD response 2008 - 8330003 Tuesday, November 25, 2008 1256 Westbrook LOOP Mutual aid receive WV11 Gas Leak No YFD response 2008 - 8348011 Saturday, December 13, 2008 34000 182 HWY Mutual aid receive E40, C40, E85 EVFD & UGFD MVA No YFD response 2008 - 8348012 Saturday, December 13, 2008 3300 Englewood AVE Mutual aid receive WV11 EMR Injuries from fall TO95 responded frc 2008 - 8348014 Saturday, December 13, 2008 109 N 68TH PL Mutual aid receive WV11 EMR 62 YOM unknown problem No YFD response 2008 - 8348017 Saturday, December 13, 2008 1316 S 11TH AVE Mutual aid receive E85 UGFD EMR possible CVA No YFD response 2008 - 8351015 Tuesday, December 16, 2008 600 W Washington AVE Mutual aid receive E85 UGFD Car Fire No engine in area E95 from out of arei 2008 - 8351041 Tuesday, December 16, 2008 3005 Castlevale RD Mutual aid receive Assistance with Structure Fire Response Times for Structure Fires Fire calls up 1:45 2007 Year 11: ❑ 4 minute Adopted Standard ❑ Structure Fires Response Times for EMS/ Medical EMS calls up 0:14 2006 2007 2008 Year ❑ 4 minute Adopted Standard ■ EMS/ Medical Calls MEMORANDUM January 20, 2009 To: Honorable Mayor, Members of City Council Dick Zais, City Manager From: Charlie L. Hines, Fire Chief Subject: ALS Complaint This is in response to the January 16 letter from Alan D. Campbell of Velikanje Halverson on behalf of Mr. Woody Woodcock, owner of Advanced Life Support Ambulance Service (ALS). The letter expresses the concern on the part of Mr. Woodcock at my use of the term "puppy mill" in to characterize the high turnover of paramedics employed by ALS. I offer my sincere apologies to the City Council for any embarrassment the "puppy mill" remark may have caused, and to ALS representatives any distress they have felt from the term and assure them it was never my intent to defame or disparage them in any way. As noted above, my use of the term was not intended to be pejorative toward ALS, rather it was reflective of my concern about the turnover rate of paramedics that ALS experiences. As documented by the Yakima County Department of Emergency Management Systems,. since 2003 nearly 60 paramedics who have left the employment of ALS. As a Fire and EMS professional, I find this to be an alarming number particularly when you consider there are approximately only 15 full -time paramedics at any one time employed by ALS. In contrast to the relatively low level of residual experience among the paramedic staff under of the current delivery system of paramedic services, the proposal 'to establish a Firefighter /Paramedic program, as a very small part (about 4% of the personnel costs) of the EMS proposal, is to provide long -term stability .and experience in the delivery of paramedic services to Yakima residents. In my opinion, the benefit that a little more than 1 cent of the 25 cents per thousand of the proposed EMS Levy would provide represents an immense improvement in the delivery of emergency medical care to our citizens. Under this proposal, each year of experience gained by one of the City's paramedic skilled Professional Firefighters would remain in our community for that person's entire: career. Again, I regret having utilized the term as it has detracted from the real issues of the EMS Levy debate. VEIL I KAN J IF IHI Al_VERSONP.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW HAND DELIVERED January 16, 2009 Richard A.� Zais, Jr. City Manager Alan D. Campbell - West-H, c.— I-11 ... Mark E. Fickes r Of Cc City bf Yakima 1 North Second Street ` akima, WA 98901 Re: Our Client: Advanced Life Systems, Inc. Matter: Defamation by Yakima Fire Chief Charlie Hines Dear Mr. Zais: We represent Advanced Life Systems, Inc. ( "ALS "), and its President, William M. Woodcock. As you know, ALS is a locally owned ambulance business that provides ambulance services and related emergent medical care for residents of the City of Yakima and surrounding areas. ALS is properly certified and licensed provider of ambulance services. ALS, and Mr. Woodcock, have a commitment to provide responsible, high - quality ambulance services to the Yakima community. ALS has implemented and follows protocols and procedures which ensure that the injured and sick people for whom it provides ambulance services receive the best care available. The Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians employed by ALS, and who man its ambulances, are properly trained, licensed and qualified under Washington law. ALS is a good corporate citizen and an honest member of the Yakima business community. Mr. Woodcock was appalled and insulted by Chief Hines' recent public comment that ALS is the equivalent of a "puppy mill." Implicit in Chief Hines' characterization of ALS a "puppy mill" is the conclusion that ALS employs substandard Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics and provides shoddy ambulance services to the detriment of the community and, in particular, the persons for whom ALS provides emergent care. Chief Hines' statement that ALS is the equivalent of a "puppy mill" is absolutely untrue, unprivileged and was made for the purpose of disparaging ALS and the ambulance services that ALS provides. We are of the opinion that Chief Hines' statements against ALS were defamatory and are actionable because they intentionally disparage the quality of the ambulance services provided by ALS. Unfortunately, Chief Hines' false statement that ALS is the equivalent of a "puppy mill" 509.248.6030 o fax 509.453.6880 a 405 East Lincoln o P.O. •Box 22550 a Yakima, WA 98907 a www.vhlegal.com Richard A. Zais, Jr. City Manager Re: Defamation by Chief Hines January 16, 2009 Page 2 appears to have been made with malice or reckless disregard as to the truth of the matter stated: Mr. Woodcock understands that there should be a good faith public debate concerning the emergency medical services levy presently before the Yakima voters. A vigorous public debate concerning the costs and benefits of the emergency medical services levy is necessary to fully inform Yakima's citizens about the proposed levy, thereby enabling them to make an intelligent decision when they vote for or against the levy. You are hereby notified that the City of Yakima, and all of its employees, must immediately desist from making untrue and defamatory remarks about ALS and its business. The public debate on the emergency services levy should be based on facts, not false and disparaging statements made by those advocating or those opposing the levy. Finally, the City of Yakima is hereby demanded to publically retract and apologize for Chief Hines' statement that ALS' operation is the equivalent of a "puppy mill." An appropriate public retraction and apology will resolve ALS' and Mr. Woodcock's claims for defamation against the City of Yakima and Chief Hines. The City of Yakima's prompt attention to this matter is required. Very truly yours, VELIKANJE HALVERSON P.C. a-0,41 B cjr_� ALAN D. CAMPBELL ADC:wm cc: Yakima City Council Advanced Life Systems, Inc. MEMORANDUM January 20, 2009 To: Honorable Mayor, Members of City Council Dick Zais, City Manager From: Charlie L. Hines, Fire Chief O�j r 1 Subject: ALS Complaint This is in response to the January 16 letter from Alan D. Campbell- of Velikanje Halverson on behalf of Mr. Woody Woodcock, owner of Advanced Life Support Ambulance Service (ALS). The letter expresses the concern on the part of Mr. Woodcock at my use of the term "puppy mill" in to characterize the high turnover of paramedics employed by ALS. I offer my sincere apologies to the City Council for any embarrassment the "puppy mill" remark may have caused, and to ALS representatives any distress they have felt from the term and assure them it was `never my intent to defame or disparage them in any way. As noted above, my use of the term was not intended to be pejorative toward ALS, rather it was reflective of my concern about the turnover rate of paramedics that AL5 experiences. As documented by the Yakima County Department of Emergency Management Systems, since 2003 nearly 60 paramedics who have left the employment of ALS. As a Fire and EMS professional, I find this to be an alarming number particularly when you consider there are approximately only 15 full -time paramedics at any one time employed by ALS. In contrast to the relatively low level of residual experience among the paramedic staff under of the current delivery system of paramedic services, the proposal to establish a Firefighter /Paramedic program, as a very small part (about 4%-of the personnel costs) of the EMS proposal, is to provide long -term stability and experience in the delivery of paramedic services to Yakima residents. In my opinion, the benefit that a little more than 1 cent of the 25 cents per thousand of the proposed EMS Levy would provide represents an immense improvement in the delivery of emergency medical care to our citizens. Under this proposal, each year of experience gained by one of the City's paramedic skilled Professional Firefighters would remain in our community for that person's entire career. Again, I regret having utilized the term as it has detracted from the real issues of the EMS Levy debate.