Excerpts from shawlocal.com:
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District is anticipating a significant rise in emergency calls this year, with an estimated 7,400 service requests in 2022—a 7.6% increase compared to 2021. This comes after a 21% surge in ambulance calls over the past two years, signaling a growing demand on their resources.
Like many other sectors, the fire department is facing challenges such as a shrinking pool of qualified applicants, longer equipment delivery times, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. These issues have contributed to a decline in new firefighters joining the force. To address staffing shortages, the district recently made the decision to hire full-time firefighters for the first time. In December, the board approved the transition from a mostly part-time workforce, adding 12 full-time firefighter/paramedics to the team.
In May, they added another 12 full-time personnel. Alongside these hires, the department also includes office staff, lieutenants, battalion chiefs, and 90 part-time firefighters who ensure 24/7 coverage across the district’s five stations.
With the rising number of ambulance calls, the fire district is now focusing on how to expand and maintain its fleet. The district serves several communities, including Bull Valley, Johnsburg, Holiday Hills, Lakemoor, McCullom Lake, McHenry, Ringwood, parts of Wonder Lake and Island Lake, and unincorporated areas of McHenry County.
To support this growing need, the fire district secured a $361,000 grant from Advance McHenry County to purchase a sixth ambulance. Five more are currently on order as part of a seven-year vehicle rotation plan. Two of these are expected by October, earlier than previously scheduled, while one will arrive in March 2023. Another two, ordered in July, won’t be delivered until 2024. When they finally receive the grant-funded ambulance, the department anticipates an 18-month to two-year lead time.
Currently, the district operates seven ambulances. Five are actively stationed at fire stations, while two remain on standby for special events, high call volumes, or in case one of the active units breaks down.
More ambulance calls are coming with longer transport times. The time it takes to transport a patient to a hospital and return can take from 30 minutes to more than an hour.To manage the increasing volume, the district has implemented various initiatives. Falls, lift assists, and mental health evaluations account for roughly a third of all medical calls. In response, the department has launched educational programs aimed at preventing falls and is collaborating with social workers in McHenry County to help reduce unnecessary mental health-related ambulance calls.
The impact of the pandemic has also played a role in changing call patterns. At the start of the crisis in March 2020, ambulance calls dropped as people avoided hospitals. However, by summer, those who had postponed care began needing assistance. Since March 13, 2020, the district has transported 769 individuals with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.
Thanks, Rob
Honda Roller Shutter Covers,Roller Cover For Mazda Bt50,Back Cover For Mazda Bt50,Manual Roller Shutter Cover
Henan Kapai Import and Export Co.,Ltd , https://www.cnkapai.com