Cost and efficiency of Fire Departments

Commentary by Frank Schroth

At the most recent meeting of the Board of Selectmen Chief Grant of the Milton Fire Department gave his quarterly update. A princicpal issue discussed was the departments response to medical emergencies, the need and the cost (read post here). The issue of efficiency and cost of Boston fire departments is one the Globe wrote about recently. The article reports trends consistent with Chief Grant’s report: fires are down and the majority of calls the department goes out on are medical related.

The article states, “Firetrucks, some with defibrillators and oxygen, are often the first to arrive at certain medical calls, such as cardiac arrests, along with EMS paramedics.Firefighters usually start basic care, including administering oxygen.” Grant made a similar statement when asked why large engines were responding to medical emergencies.

At town meeting it was determined that a fire space needs committee should be formed. Should the town  rehab existing fire stations or build a new central fire station? Should EMS response be brought in house and how would that affect space needs? Should a regional solution be explored? Right now we are not doing anything – not a good strategy.

The article, which you can find here (note, it requires a subscription) is about Boston; but the issues are relevant to all communities. The formation of the space committee is needed now and the debate and discussion need to begin.

 

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