3.b) Staff Report-EMT Requirements
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: January 8, 2014
To: City Council
From: Kristina Handt, Administrator
Re: Fire Department EMT Requirements
Background:
At the October work session, members of the Council questioned whether EMT certification for
Scandia firefighters was still necessary given Lakeview’s presence at the fire hall, the potential
cost savings and advantages to recruiting new members. It was also noted that other departments,
such as Lindstrom, Chisago Lakes, Forest Lake, etc do not respond to medical calls unless
specifically requested because there is an ambulance stationed nearby.
Issue:
Should the requirements for members of the Scandia Fire and Rescue Department be amended to
remove the EMT certification?
Proposal Details:
Included in your packet is the section on Member Training and Certification Requirements from
the Scandia Fire Department Operational Policy. The current policy requires all members to be
certified as an EMT within their first two years of hire. If the Council would like to eliminate
this requirement, it should be struck from this section as well as the desired minimum
qualification on the appropriate fire department job descriptions.
The officers of the Scandia Fire and Rescue Department discussed this issue at their December
meeting and would like to retain this requirement. The Lakeview Ambulance may not always be
stationed at the Fire Hall, resulting in the Fire and Rescue members arriving at a scene before the
ambulance. Lakeview is only required to be within a 30 minute response time.
Scandia Fire and Rescue has been granted a number of variances in order to administer some
drugs on site without the ambulance. Variances exist for epi-pens, advanced airway, nitro and
nebulizers. Lakeview and Regions would like to see Scandia Fire and Rescue also obtain
variances for diabetic treatment and IVs. One of the requirements of the variances is that at least
two EMTs be on the scene. Given the volunteer nature and varied scheduled of the department
members, it can be difficult to ensure that at least two EMTs are on scene if not everyone is
required to obtain this certification.
If the EMT requirement is dropped, first responder training would still be required. Fire Dept
officers estimate the initial training for first responders is about 50% of EMTs and the refresher
training is about 20% less. The Fire Department has also mentioned there may be a grant
available to cover the EMT training costs but that it would not apply to First Responders
training.
Fiscal Impact:
The 2013 fire department budget included $16,000 for medical training, roughly $12,000 was
earmarked for EMT training for recent recruits. The EMT training is typically offered every
other year so the medical training budget for 2014 is only $4,000.
Fire Department personnel will bring more financial impact information to the meeting.
Options:
1) Remove EMT certification requirement from Member Training and Certification
Requirements section and all fire department job descriptions. Possible consent agenda
at next Council meeting.
2) Make other changes to EMT requirements.
3) Make no changes to current EMT requirements.
Recommendation:
Fire Dept requests Option 3.
If Council would like to make changes, I recommend they decide before authorizing advertising
for new recruits in February so that the requirements can be properly reflected in the posting.