Does having more paramedics always produce better outcomes? What is the real story behind compressed air foam? Are there combination vehicles that can meet the needs of both fire suppression and medical rescue? Can emergency medical dispatch create efficiencies in fire and EMS service delivery?

The "traditional" method for deploying fire and EMS resources in the United States was developed in the United Kingdom beginning pre-World War II. The concept, "Standards of Cover" was designed to ensure resources survived the oncoming assault of the UK as it witnessed Germany's invasion of its neighbors in Europe. The concept was further developed in several concept papers before a comprehensive study in 2001 showed the flaws inherant in using a Standards of Cover approach.

The main flaw was that incidents tend to be linear. In other words, you can add stations, personnel, and additional resources but once a crisis is underway, the outcome is quite predictable. Instead, the focus in the United Kingdom shifted to what happens before a call for service. The United Kingdom now mandates the preparation and analysis of data and calls for service to create "integrated risk management plans" or IRMPs. The analysis and inspections are used to mitigate risks before a call for service with the goal of eliminating incidents from occurring. Results in fire districts have shown double digit decreases in calls for service, damage, and injury/death.

Explore these issues and more with ICMA’s Thomas Wieczorek, Leonard Matarese, and Joseph Pozzo in a frank, engaging web conference that will cover advances in technology, as well as the latest research in the field. We can also schedule Tony McGuirk, retired chief of Merseyside Fire District in the United Kingdom, if we receive sufficient notice.

For more information, contact Thomas Wieczorek, director of the Center for Public Safety Management at 616-813-3782 or twieczorek@icma.org; or Leonard Matarese, director of Research and Program Management for the Center for Public Safety Management at 716-969-1360 or lmatarese@icma.org.