Evanston Fire Department 2014 Annual Report

EVANSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT The Evanston Fire Department’s mission is to protect life, property, and the environment. We achieve our mission by providing superior quality fire suppression, emergency medical, technical rescue, public education, and fire prevention services for the community we serve.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

By the Numbers

110

Full-time professional staff 107 sworn firefighters + 3 civilian support members

24/7

Stations are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

5 5 2 2

Fire stations Fire engines Aerial ladder trucks Ambulances

2

Rating from Insurance Services Office (ISO)

0

Fire deaths in 2014

(placing Evanston in top 1.8% of all U.S. fire depts.)

Annual Report 2014

2

Year in review

highest

total call volume ever

3,637

fire responses

< 4 minutes response time

5,980

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls

9,617

2014 average response times for both fire and EMS calls (below 4-min.standard of National Fire Protection Association)

calls in 2014

98%

property involved saved

$156,401,492 saved property

120 fires mitigated Estimated loss of $3,359,896 in 2014

Annual Report 2014

3

2014 Highlights by Division Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness •

More than 750 site inspections were conducted citywide, including on the Northwestern University (NU) campus. Additionally, 758 fire and life safety construction plans were reviewed.

•

There were 510 public education presentations given at fire stations, schools or neighborhood block parties.

•

Fire investigators spent 200 hours determining the cause and origin of structure fires.

•

Staff assisted NU by conducting the first Campus Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in Illinois. Members of the Evanston CERT team provided nearly 1,000 volunteer hours providing support for parades, fireworks and special events.

•

The antiquated fire station emergency alert tone out system was replaced. The new system is expected to provide even faster response times and has a tone that escalates in volume, which will be less jarring to the firefighter/paramedics.

Graduates of the inaugural Citizen’s Fire Academy

Training and Operations • Created and implemented a five-year strategic plan • Revised the department’s rules and regulations • Formed a department honor guard • Conducted the first-ever Fire Officer Academy for all newly promoted Fire Captains and Acting Captains • Conducted the inaugural Citizen’s Fire Academy.

Over nine weeks, 20 Evanston residents learned all aspects of operations and participated in hands-on drills. The program was an overwhelming success and will now be conducted annually.

EMS and Special Rescue •

Automated stretcher load systems were installed in the two front line ambulances, which will result in fewer injuries and reduced worker’s compensation claims.

•

EMS computers were formatted to allow paramedics in the field to send a patient’s 12 lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) directly to Presence Saint Francis Hospital’s emergency department.

•

All paramedics had the opportunity to obtain Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification.

•

Two members were added to our Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Hazardous Materials team, one member to our MABAS Dive team, and one member to the Water Rescue team.

•

The Citizen CPR Program taught 262 people cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.

Visitors at the Fire Station #1 Open House learned how to use a fire extinguisher.

Ambulances with automated load systems eliminate manual lifting and pushing of stretchers into the vehicles.

Annual Report 2014

4