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Pre-Fire Plans: Deputy Chief Dan Ryan coordinates the pre-fire planning program with the assistance of Fire Inspector Eric Scholz. The data is being transferred into Fire Zone 8.0 Software that works directly with the new Mobile Data Computers installed in the fire engines. In the near future the District will be able to access pre-plans on the same computer that is dispatching the apparatus. This should greatly enhance the capability of the company officer to quickly access needed information with a minimum number of steps while responding to an emergency. |
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Special Operations: During the first quarter of 2008, the Special Operations Division received new low pressure lift bags to expand our extrication equipment cache. The Division replaced most of its old and out-of-date water rescue personal protective equipment with new equipment for the cache. Applications for Water Rescue Technician positions were reviewed and filled upon training, experience and seniority.
In May, water rescue members attended the United States Coast Guard course, Rules of the Road, hosted by Sanibel FD. During May and June, our Special Operations members participated with the Urban Search and Rescue team in the four courses listed below. Some of our Special Operation members received first time certification and a few others were recertified including Swift Water Rescue Technician, Rescue Boat Operator, Confined Space Rescue Operations and Trench Rescue Operations.
During the last quarter of 2008, a few of our Special Operations members attended the 32-hour Large Animal Rescue training course, sponsored by the USAR team. We completed a two-day program encompassing scenario-based training with our current self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) relating to emergency communications and had the opportunity to try and evaluate new SCBA Air Packs from different vendors.
Special Operation members continue to conduct and complete awareness and operation levels in Confined Space Rescue Operations.
In summary, the Division has been working toward the continued training to bring members to the operations level in the respected disciplines within the Special Operations realm. |
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Activities: Emergency: We respond to a wide range of emergency incidents that require our immediate attention. Included are: fires (structural, vehicle and wild land); medical and trauma emergencies; vehicle accidents; special operations (confined space, rope, trench, water rescue and hazardous incidents).
In order to provide safe and efficient service upon our arrival to an incident, we have adopted the National Incident Management System. This system provides for the effective management of personnel and resources and is designed by the Department of Homeland Security for the management of natural disasters and terrorism incidents.
Non-Emergency: These activities fill the remainder of our firefighter's work day. They include: the inspection and maintenance of our apparatus and equipment; training; public education assignments; pre-fire planning of buildings; street mapping; routine house cleaning and maintenance of our fire stations; and physical fitness training. |
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Advanced Life Support Non-Transport Service: We have completed our eighth year of providing non-transport advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical care to the residents and visitors of the District. There are currently eight ALS units serving Bonita Springs. The District placed two light rescue vehicles in service during 2008 which are utilized as first out medical response units at Station One and Four. BSFD serves the public with a complement of highly trained and skilled paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Personnel perform various basic and advances life support procedures such as cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, I.V. therapy and drug administration to the sick or injured patient. Many times these procedures are performed prior to the arrival of a transport provider, patient care is transferred to them so that the patient can be transported to the hospital. This system provides the patient with quick, continuous, and uninterrupted medical care between the fire department, the transporting agency and the receiving hospital.
Dr. Michelle Nathan, the District's medical director, provides quality control review of patient care and monthly training sessions on a variety of emergency medical subjects. |
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Apparatus: An Aerial Apparatus Committee made its recommendation to the Administrative Staff and Commission and approval was given for a 70-foot Sutphen Platform to replace the current 1985 Pierce Ladder truck. Additionally, a Fire Engine Apparatus Committee assembled a recommendation to purchase a replacement engine for Bonita Engine 21. Purchasing the engine early could potentially save the department $100,000 over the next few years. Approval was given for the Pierce engine. Both will be constructed during 2008 and 2009 with delivery of by mid-year 2009. |
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Incident Response: During 2008, out firefighters responded to 5,122 incidents. This is a 2% increase over the 5,012 incidents which occurred during 2007. |
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Life and Property: District firefighters are responsible for the emergency medical treatment and fire protection services to one of the fastest growing areas in Southwest Florida. The 2008 population of our 72-square-mile fire district is approximately 43,657 year round residents with another 21,800 seasonal residents. The taxable value of all real estate property located within the District as reported by the Lee County Property Appraiser for 2008 was $10,830,715,554.00. This was a 6% decrease from 2007, of $11,516,123,364.00. |
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Maintenance: District personnel are dedicated to the maintenance of apparatus and equipment. A great sense of pride and responsibility is felt by all District employees to keep the equipment in excellent working condition. Some examples of this dedication and pride include:
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Personnel: During 2008, the Suppression Division consisted of three battalion chiefs, 24 lieutenants, and 54 firefighters for a total of 81 personnel. In addition to each being state certified firefighters, 33 are also state certified paramedics and 47 are state certified emergency medical technicians. |
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Physical Fitness: The job of a firefighter is both physically demanding and mentally stressful. Firefighters routinely go from a relaxed condition to a state of maximum output at the sound of an alert tone. This requires that firefighters maintain good physical condition. The District provides a variety of physical fitness equipment at our fire stations for the use of our employees. In addition, the District provides complete annual physical examinations to monitor the health and well-being of our personnel. |
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Protective Clothing: The design of protective clothing for firefighters is constantly being improved upon to provide the best protection for firefighters. Early turnout gear was designed to protect firefighters from the elements, such as rain and snow, but offered no thermal protection. As thermal protection and flame resistance became a primary concern, the design and manufacturing processes changed dramatically. Inner liners were developed to provide thermal protection and vapor barriers were developed to protect the firefighter from steam burns. Turnout gear evolved from single layer to a three layer clothing ensemble. The cost of a complete set of turnout gear, which consists of a helmet, fire hood, bunker coat, bunker pants, bunker boots, and suspenders is approximately $1,500. |