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.