LEBANON FIRE DEPARTMENT

2009 LEBANON FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

INTRODUCTION The following is a summary of activities for the Lebanon Fire Department for 2009. The Department responded to 3,172 calls for service, which represents a 25% increase over 2008. Of this total, 3 were for building fires, with an estimated dollar saved of $4,509,500.00 (based on assessed value less the actual fire damage loss). Fires in general accounted for 2.7% of our total calls for service. There were 1,786 calls for Emergency Medical Services, or 56% of our calls for service. Of these EMS calls a total of 1,517 patients were transported; approximately 46% were for non-lebanon residents. In addition to Fire and EMS calls, the public relies on the Fire Department to assist them when they have a problem. 19% of our total calls for service are classified as good intent or service calls. Some examples include: hazardous conditions, fuel spills, carbon monoxide incidents, downed power lines, water removal and smoke conditions. Over and above calls for service, we continue to prepare for the many challenges we face through a comprehensive training program. We deliver fire prevention programs from inspectional services to public fire safety education. Additionally, I as Fire Chief am also responsible for Emergency Management. Through this function it is my responsibility to ensure that all City Emergency Operations Plans are up to date and exercised periodically. Our plans provide operating guidelines to better guide the City in response to natural and manmade disasters such as: snow or ice storms, major power outages, hazardous materials emergencies and public health emergencies. Major Goals for 2010 Review and update all Standard Operating Guidelines Increase Public Fire Safety Education activities Review Fire Department Staffing Levels Identify areas where the Fire Department can reduce costs Identify potential new revenue sources Update Fire Department Training Plan to incorporate new, specialized rescue capabilities The Lebanon Fire Department is an active, efficient, effective and professional organization within the community. This high level of professionalism would not be possible without the support we receive from the City Council, Mayor, City Manager, other City Departments, the residents of the City we proudly serve, and the commitment and dedication of the members of the Lebanon Fire Department. I would like to thank everyone for their support as YOUR Fire Chief! Chief Chris Christopoulos, Jr. 2

EMERGENCY ACTIVITY Our Firefighters respond to fires, emergency medical calls, hazardous materials emergencies, auto accidents, fire alarms and other service calls. All of the above responses require a high level of training and personnel resources. For example, to safely combat a fire in a single family residence we require a minimum of 16 firefighters on scene within 9 minutes. Full-time Career personnel provide 24/7 staffing of two of the three stations as follows: Station 1 South Park Street, Lebanon 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant and 2 Firefighters Station 2 Main Street, West Lebanon 1 Lieutenant and 1 Firefighter Station 3 Route 4, Lebanon no staffing There are a total of 24 Career Firefighters, 2 Fire Inspectors, 1 Fire Chief, 1 Assistant Fire Chief, 1 Department Administrative Assistant, 12 Paid on Call Firefighters and 10 Support Staff. 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 10 Year Call History 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 3

Good Intent, Hazardous 4% Condition, 3% 2009 INCIDENT SUMMARY Fire, 3% Other Misc., 1% False Calls, 10% Service, 15% Rescue & EMS, 64% 4

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES The Lebanon Fire Department operates Advanced Life Support (ALS) transporting ambulance service. Advanced Life Support skills are provided by highly trained paramedic and EMT- Intermediates. All full-time emergency response personnel are currently trained and certified to provide EMS. Currently, the Department has 15 Paramedics, 8 EMT-Intermediates and 5 EMT- Basics. We operate two ambulances, one each at Station 1 in Lebanon and Station 2 in West Lebanon, with a back-up unit housed at Station 1. The Lebanon Fire Department provides service to Lebanon, West Lebanon and by contract to the towns of Plainfield and Enfield, NH. In 2009 the Department purchased (2) Massimo Carbon Monoxide monitors, one of which was funded by a grant. These monitors will allow our personnel on an emergency scene to determine how much Carbon Monoxide a patient has in their blood and adjust their treatment accordingly. In 2005, all department paramedics participated in a pilot program sponsored by the State of New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Medical Services that allowed them to provide seasonal flu and pneumococcal vaccinations as a result of an expanded scope of practice. Over the years our paramedics have maintained this skill by providing flu shots to City of Lebanon employees and their families. In 2009, as a result of the H1N1 worldwide pandemic, this scope of practice and training was expanded to EMT-Intermediates for H1N1 vaccinations only. This training proved to be invaluable during the Fall and Winter of 2009. In the Fall of 2009, the Fire Department began talks with the Lebanon School District to initiate a program to provide seasonal flu vaccinations to all school age children. Beginning in early October, Lebanon Fire Department Paramedics were able to vaccinate 600 school children in Lebanon for seasonal flu. In mid-december this program was expanded to provide for H1N1 vaccinations in the schools. Our planning region was the first in the State of New Hampshire allowed to begin vaccinating all school aged children. Our EMS providers were instrumental in helping to vaccinate over 3,500 school children in the Upper Valley. In 2009, we began using a new ambulance billing company to provide all of our ambulance billing services. Through this change, and realigning our ambulance rates to better reflect fair market rates, we have been able to increase our ambulance revenues. Ambulance revenues for 2009 were as follows: Ambulance Billing = $655,888.00 Plainfield Contract = $18,500 Enfield Contract = $43,311 Total Ambulance Revenues = $717,699.00 5

$700,000.00 AMBULANCE REVENUE HISTORY $600,000.00 $500,000.00 $400,000.00 $300,000.00 $200,000.00 $100,000.00 $0.00 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 AMBULANCE TRANSPORTS RESIDENT vs. NON-RESIDENT Non-Resident, 31% Lebanon, 37% Non-Resident by Contract, 15% West Lebanon, 17% 6

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT The Lebanon Fire Department provides coordination for all activities related to the City of Lebanon Emergency Management Program and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The City s EOC is housed at Lebanon Fire Department, Station 1 and serves as a command and control center in the event of a major incident. Chief Christopoulos serves as the Emergency Management Director (EMD) and is backed-up by Police Chief James Alexander and Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Libbey as Deputy EMDs. Emergency Management is responsible for the overall Emergency Preparedness of the City of Lebanon in the event of a natural or manmade emergency and for maintaining the City Emergency Operations Plan. The Lebanon Emergency Operations Plan establishes a framework for City government to provide assistance in an expeditious Ice Jam Great Brook at Spring St. Overpass manner to save lives and to protect property in the event of a disaster. The City of Lebanon appreciates the continuing cooperation and support from all the departments and agencies, and to the volunteer and private organizations, which have contributed to the development and publication of this Plan. The purpose of the Emergency Operations Plan is to facilitate the delivery of all types of emergency response and to help deal with the consequences of significant disasters. The Plan outlines the planning assumptions, policies, concept of operations, organizational structures and specific assignments of responsibility to the City Departments and agencies involved in coordinating the Local, State and Federal response activities. OPERATIONS Grants and Donations The following grants were submitted by the Lebanon Fire Department in 2009. 1. The Lebanon Fire Department applied for a Wellness Fitness Grant through the Fire Acts Grant. This Grant would fund the Department to obtain immunizations, physicals and exercise equipment to set up a voluntary fitness program. 2. The Lebanon Fire Department applied for the Fire Prevention Grant. This Grant is to purchase a Bullex Fire Extinguisher prop that would allow for better education and training to the community and local business owners. 7

Operations 2009 has been a very busy year at the Lebanon Fire Department. All personnel have played a very important role in making the Lebanon Fire Department more resourceful. This year the Department was able to replace needed equipment. Personnel have made their time available to assist in several H1N1 vaccination clinics to deliver over six thousand vaccinations to the region. 1. In January the Department participated in the Lebanon Airport table top required by FAA. 2. In February the Department created four new lieutenant positions. The four lieutenants Civil Air Patrol Fire participated in an assessment center, which tested their knowledge. The test consisted of general questions, fire base scenarios, role playing, and a presentation. The four new lieutenants promoted were Zach Bryan, Kevin Follensbee, John Cook and Jim Wheatley. 3. In September Mark Beliveau was promoted to Lieutenant. His promotion was due to the retirement of Captain Jon Sterling. Mark also went through an assessment center. Mark has been a long time employee with the City of Lebanon and we wish Lieutenant Beliveau the best of luck with his new position. 4. In September Lieutenant Jeff Egner was promoted to the rank of Captain. Captain Egner went through an oral board and had to present a project promoting a training program. Captain Egner will be in charge of fire training. 5. Assistant Chief Jeffrey Libbey attended the Hospital Incident Command System Training held at DHMC. 6. In January the Department passed its FAA test and completed all necessary training required by FAA Standard. This year the Department travelled to Logan Airport in Boston and fulfilled the live fire training. 7. The Department also added scheduling software to our Firehouse Software; this will allow the Department to add electronic payroll in the future. 8. The Department spent many hours assisting Genesis Elder Care in the preparation of their Emergency Operation Plan. 8

9. In March of 2009 the Department made a change in self contained breathing apparatus from Draeger to Scott air packs. This change provided the Department with up to date equipment and currently meets all the respiratory requirements. 10. Lieutenant John Cook and Firefighter Patrick Ericson both graduated as paramedics from the EMS Institute. This certification shows the dedication of many hours of training to meet this certification. 11. In April Ladder 1 was sent to Ocala, Florida to go through a complete refurbishment. This refurbishment would bring the Ladder truck up to National Fire Protection Safety Standards. Ladder 1 was returned early August and is back in service. 12. Assistant Chief Libbey instructed several, community based fire extinguisher classes, CPR classes. He also reviewed several Emergency Operation Plans from several industrial and health care facilities. 13. The Department implemented an annual evaluation, completed by the firefighter and his immediate officer. This evaluation covers key points regarding the knowledge of the firefighter relating to aspects of his firefighting. NEW EQUIPMENT This past year the Department was very fortunate to purchase necessary equipment to provide emergency medical and fire rescue emergencies. It is very important that the firefighters have the needed resources to provide the highest level of service to the residents of the City of Lebanon. These purchases would not have been possible without the support of the Interim City Manager, City Council and the Chief of the Department. This past year the Department was able to purchase the items listed below: Achilles Rescue Boat with a 25 horse power Yamaha Motor Blitz Fire Monitor John Deere 4x4 Gator MSA Thermal Imaging Camera Two 4 Meter Gas Detectors Two Hydrogen Cyanide Detectors Two Carbon Monoxide Detectors Masimo Rad 57 Monitor ( this monitor detects carbon monoxide in the blood) Two Ice Commander Mustang Suits for cold water rescue 9

TRAINING Training continues to be a priority for the Lebanon Fire Department. Training has been conducted in the following areas: All members of the Department recertified their annual ARFF Training. This accounted for a total of 40 hours, which included classroom, airport, and live fire training. The live fire training was conducted at the Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Facility in Concord, NH. On January 22, 2009 the FAA conducted the Annual Airport Field Test. The Airport Test was composed of a time test for response of the crash fire rescue unit, and to inspect training records. The Fire Department received a passing score, but had to make a few adjustments to training and record keeping. EMS Continuing Education has been a great addition to the Lebanon Fire Department. Personnel are able to attend monthly EMS training on new techniques and stay current with up to date trends in the EMS field. More than half of the Lebanon Fire Department personnel recertified both the EMT and Paramedic Refresher. This year the EMT Basic Refresher was taught by Captain Andrew White and the EMT Paramedic Refresher was taught by the Advance Life Support Institute. The Lebanon Fire Department hosted an IS 400 Incident Management Course. This class met the Federal mandates from Homeland Security Presidential Act. The Lebanon Fire Department hosted a Hybrid Extrication Course. This class allowed the firefighters to see up close the new technological advances that create new challenges during motor vehicle collisions. The Lebanon Fire Department continued its commitment to send one firefighter to Paramedic School. This year Firefighter Eric James will be taking his Paramedic class at the New England EMS Institute. This class will take 18 month to complete. Fire Department personnel have been trained to the new CPR guidelines. Several members of the Department attended the Lessons Learned in New London on Airway Management. 10

The Assistant Fire Chief attended the Fire Department Instructor s Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. This consisted of hundreds of training topics that can be brought back to the Department. Lebanon Fire Department Administration attended the 2009 New Hampshire Emergency Preparedness conference. The Assistant Chief and two Fire Inspectors attended the 48 hour National Fire Academy Plans Review Certification. Inspector Paul received recognition for completing all necessary classes and is now recognized a Fire Investigator by the International Association of Fire Investigators. Several firefighters attended a Propane Emergency Class conducted by Callan and Company. This class trained firefighters in extinguishment operations for propane emergencies. The Fire Department conducted a school bus extrication drill that encompassed the use of extrication equipment, the plasma cutter and removal of victims from a school bus. The Department hosted a table top exercise on All Health Hazard Planning. This class was conducted by the New England Center for Emergency Preparedness. All Members of the Fire Department attended training from the New Hampshire Bureau of EMS. The training was for the members to give both seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations. This training has been very influential with vaccinating the community of Lebanon and vaccinating our school aged children. This program was a great success. School Bus Extrication Drill The Assistant Chief and several other members of the Department attended an NFPA 1851 Turnout Gear Class. This class will allow us to check all turnout gear for safety and compliance. 11

2010 Training Goals: FIRE PREVENTION Basic Firefighter Skills Emergency Medical Continuing Education Hazardous Materials Technician Advance Cardiac Life Support Vehicle Extrication ARFF Refresher New Hampshire Fire Academy Live Fire Training for ARFF FAA Annual Airport Test ( NIMSCAST) Focus on National Incident Management Training for School staff, City officials, Police, DPW to meet Federal Guidelines. Rescue Boat Training Safe Boaters Operation Course Emergency Vehicle Operation Class Fire Investigation Classes Fire Department Instructors Conference Firefighter II Rescue Modules Tri-Annual Airport Exercise Extrication Training The Fire Prevention Bureau is pleased to report that 2009 was another active year that saw several accomplishments. The Fire Prevention staff is responsible for reviewing building permits, inspecting buildings, investigating fires, and responding to fire and emergency medical incidents within the City of Lebanon. A slight shift in the workload has been seen during the last year. Over approximately the last 5 years the work load of Fire Prevention was centered largely on new building construction and building permit reviews. However, during 2009, when the economy dipped and building construction started to slow, more emphasis was placed on inspecting the existing buildings within the City for compliance with the fire codes of the State of New Hampshire and the City of Lebanon. One particular area where effort was placed was in the inspection of existing buildings containing multi-family dwellings. The decision to inspect these types of occupancies was driven largely by several multi-family building fires during 2008. Some of the common issues that have been discovered are the lack of working smoke detectors and means of egress/escape from apartment units. The Fire Prevention Bureau is pleased to report that the City of Lebanon saw a drop in the number of fires involving multi-family dwellings during 2009. During 2009 the Fire Prevention Bureau received some complaints that resulted in three illegal lodging and rooming houses being discovered within the City. 12

The owners of the buildings were contacted and several inspections resulted which found unsafe living conditions in some instances. Through working with the owners of these properties over several weeks, the dangerous and illegal use of apartments and single family homes as lodging and rooming houses were corrected as well as the serious code violations that were discovered. Another area that inspections have been focused on is fire protection systems installed in buildings. During the course of inspections 2009 FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITY REPORT for building permits or during emergency Public Emergency calls, it was noticed that fire protection Training Education Calls systems in the buildings of the City were not 3% 2% 9% Inspections being properly maintained. This is a huge Consultatio 38% disservice to the building owner, the occupants, and the fire department. All ns 19% parties involved rely on and place confidence that these installed systems will work when needed and automatically notify the fire department when an alarm condition is present. Fire Investigatio Over the summer, both fire inspectors and the Assistant Fire Chief attended a 6 day class at the NH Fire Academy in Concord for Plan Review 23% plans review. The class was very informative and provided all who attended with a better understanding of building plans, how to identify key areas, and assist in determining if the plans are compliant with the model fire and building codes. At the end of the class, both fire inspectors and the Assistant Fire Chief successfully passed a written examination and were awarded a Certificate by the National Fire Academy. Additionally, Fire Inspector Jonathan Paul was certified by the International Association of Arson Investigators as a Fire Investigation Technician. Two new programs were also kicked off this year by the Fire Prevention Bureau. The first program was organized by Fire Inspector Jonathan Paul and was a Fire Safety Day held at the Lebanon High School in October. Inspector Paul put forth countless hours of hard work organizing the event and lining up vendors. Members of the public were taught how to use fire extinguishers properly by extinguishing a live fire where people were able to spray water from a hose line. This provided a great opportunity to hand out fire prevention materials. The highlight of the event was the burning of two bedrooms to show the difference between a regular bedroom with only a smoke detector installed and a bedroom that had a smoke detector and an automatic sprinkler installed. The burning of these two rooms showed everyone that attended the importance of residential sprinklers. People were able to see firsthand the difference in the amount of damage to the two rooms. ns 1% Legal 5% 13

The second program that was started was geared toward elementary school children in the first grade within the City s schools, to teach them about safety. The program was developed by the National Fire Protection Association and is called the Uh-Oh s. A small, brightly colored plastic figurine with a code on it was distributed to the Mount Lebanon and Hanover Street Elementary School first graders. The code is used to access a website with interactive educational games for children. The educational programs cover everything from playground safety, water safety, and fire safety in a unique way that engages the children and makes it fun to learn. The Fire Prevention Bureau has worked with the Lebanon Police Department on two arson cases over the last year. As part of these investigations, the Fire Prevention Bureau conducted several test burns of materials in an unused, City owned building to help support the findings of the original investigations. A third unrelated case is still working its way through the legal system. During the last two months of 2009 effort to educate the owners of multi-family dwellings of recent changes to the carbon monoxide detector laws in the State was put forth. It is anticipated that during 2010, significant time will be spent educating these owners of the recent changes to the laws that now require carbon monoxide detectors for all multi-family dwellings and rental properties as of January 1, 2010. A couple of multi-family dwelling complexes that are still under construction were also notified of the upcoming change in the laws so that they were able to install these detectors during the construction phase. The prospect of new buildings within the community is also growing as evidenced by several recent site plan submissions and conversations with developers. Site plans have been reviewed for several new buildings in both West Lebanon and Lebanon. It is anticipated that during 2010 construction will begin to pick back up increasing the workload of the Fire Prevention Bureau. 14