Squad Program – Phase 2
February 7, 2022
Dan Griswold, Fire Chief
Ryan Munger, EMS Coordinator
Program History
The Squad Program is a Measure N adopted program.
Measure N in the City of Visalia’s half-cent Essential Services Measure approved in November 2016 with a 65% of the voters’ support.
Through the Measure N Oversight Committee and by the adoption of Council, Measure N priorities were established and a 10-year plan for projects planned to meet the priorities was developed.
Phase 1 of the Squad Program was approved in July 2019 was completed through the purchase of Squad 51, the hire of EMS Coordinator Ryan Munger, the hire of three single-role paramedics.
Squad 51 began operation on June 7, 2021.
Squad 51 response data
From June 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021
Total Fire Department EMS/Rescue incidents: 5,004
EMS/Rescue responses by Squad 51: 897 of the total.
18% of EMS/Rescue incidents serviced by Squad 51.
From June 2, 2021 through October 31, 2021
Total miles drive to EMS/Rescue incidents: 3,296
Total miles driven by Squad 51 on EMS/Rescue incidents: 477
12.5% of the total miles driven to EMS/Rescue incidents were driven by Squad 51.
Phase 2 Proposal –Staffing/schedule
Three, 40 hour/week single-role paramedic positions
Fire Department incident analysis indicates the period of peak call volume is 8:00 am and 8:00 pm and Monday through Friday has a higher proportional call volume than Saturday and Sunday.
The proposed staffing is the same level as Squad 51 which normally allows for squad coverage Monday through Saturday, ten-hours a day.
Phase 2 staffing would allow for a second squad in service Monday through Friday and would add Sunday coverage.
Staffing squads during periods of peak call volumes facilitates efficient response and enhanced coverage when the system is more stressed.
Continue to incorporate squad coverage for special events/dates as appropriate.
Peak Call Volume Data representation
Squad Vehicle
Comparable vehicle to Squad 51, 2019 Ford Expedition.
Benefits
Drawbacks
Phase 2 Budget
Thank you.
Questions?