Exeter Fire Department Chief Robert Jordan said the department’s recent restructuring – based on a model of fire-based EMS services – is not just fighting fires but also providing EMS and paramedic services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The new model began operations on Sept. 17, after taking over the EMS services in March from the Exeter Ambulance Association (EAA).
EAA President Kathy Cortellessa said Sept. 23 that the EAA had requested from the township last year funding of $44 per household to support the EAA.
The Exeter Township Board of Supervisors approved last December that the Exeter Fire Department would provide EMS services in the township.
Jordan said Sept. 30 that the township designated in 2014 a line item of $50,000 to the Exeter Fire Department for EMS services in 2015.
The fire department receives annual funding of $500,000 from the township’s .555 fire services millage tax.
Deputy Chief Chris Chamberlain said the restructuring is a novel approach that uses cross-trained personnel – firefighters and EMS.
“The fire department hired eight full-time and 14 part-time, highly-trained EMTs and paramedics on Sept. 1,” said Chamberlain, adding, “and also for the most part, they are certified firefighters.”
He said employees that are not yet certified have promised that they will be certified by this time next year.
“The Muhlenberg Area Ambulance Association has been here since March – to take over the gap – until Sept 1,” said Chamberlain.
The township received its Advanced Life Support license on Sept. 16, allowing the EMS to begin operating its six ambulances on Sept. 17.
Jordan and Chamberlain said Exeter Township is not the first municipality to use the model of fire-based EMS, but they are doing it a little differently, as more of an EMS-based fire service.
Chamberlain said as the number of structural fires is decreasing due to improved building codes and fire prevention, EMS needs are increasing.
“It’s a natural progression — and a way to continue serving the population.”
“As the community ages, there is a greater need for EMS, as well as fire protection and education,” said Jordan.
“EMS-based fire services is a hard role for older firefighters to swallow, but we’re looking at realistic and needs-based scenarios.”
Chamberlain said although the number of structural fires is down, there is a higher risk to firefighters due to weaker construction and different materials than 50 years ago.
“It’s important to have help when these things occur. That allows us to provide the 911 ambulance services that the township needs, and when needed, additional cross-trained firefighters to assist.”
One example of that was the fast-moving fire two weeks ago in Guilford Court.
“As soon as EMS determined that there were no injuries, they could assist with the fire fighting,” said Chamberlain.
On Friday, Oct. 2, he said the fire department was dispatched to 16 emergencies, compared to the average of eight to 10 in one day.
“A patient went into cardiac arrest. We sent the firefighters, but they were also trained as paramedics and assisted the EMS. The ability to interchange the two gives us so much more depth of resources.”
Jordan compared the Guilford Court fire – a $50,000 loss – to a similar, fast-moving fire seven years ago – a $1 million loss that had about three fire-fighters.
“What was different was the manpower we had at this incident (eight fire personnel and four EMS personnel) and the incremented manpower from EMS personnel.”.
“They aggressively and boldly attacked the fire and did a good job to contain it to the apartment of origin.”
“I am pleased with the enthusiasm and the energy exhibited by the new employees,” said Jordan.
“They have already approached us with innovative ideas on how to advance the EMS in the area, and their ideas are cutting edge.”
“I am most pleased with the public comments,” said Jordan. “Since Sept. 1, there have already been letters and e-mails thanking us for the service provided. They say it’s the best service they’ve ever gotten.”
“I can honestly say we have not gotten one negative comment — all very uplifting and positive.”
Jordan said he is sure there are going to be some “bumps in the road that we will address, but so far very positive.”
He and Chamberlain said planning began in December 2013, and was similar to starting a new corporation.
“Before implementing, the decision to do this was very data-driven. We analyzed all of the data before deciding to cross-train. The reward is very great, and within a month have proven that with two to three incidents.”
“I’m pretty proud of our story – and to see the results of our labor – to see people’s lives and property saved. Even misbelievers are buying into the project.”
“I want to thank the public for their support, as well as the Exeter Township Board of Supervisors for their confidence in our system,” said Jordan.
“Without the public’s help, we would not be where we are today and would not have been able to see this project through to fruition in a timely manner.”
“I also want to recognize the Muhlenberg Area Ambulance Association — truly partners in ramping up our service,” said Jordan. “Without their guidance, we wouldn’t be in this position, and their help enabled us to progress so quickly. They are true partners in this situation.”
Chamberlain agreed, adding that they are an example of true brotherhood and sisterhood of the EMS.
