Representatives from the City of Mountlake Terrace, including Mayor Jerry Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Laura Sonmore, Councilmember Doug McCardle and City Manager John Caulfield, met with officials from Snohomish County Fire District 1 on June 19 for an annual review of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) services in the city.
The report showed that in 2012 Fire District 1 firefighters arrived within eight minutes on 89 percent of emergency calls, just below the 90 percent standard outlined in the interlocal agreement approved in 2005. The response time is calculated from the time the SNOCOM dispatch center receives a 911 call, which is a much higher standard than when the unit leaves the station. The response time stops when a fire and/or EMS unit first arrives on site.
The report shows that the fire district achieved a cardiac arrest survival rate of 47 percent in 2012, well above the national average of 10 percent. This high survival rate is a testament to the quality emergency medical services provided by the fire district, officials stated.
Overall, calls for fire and emergency medical services increased slightly in 2012 from 2011 (43 calls, or 2.0 percent). Fire calls, which comprise 21.1perent of total calls, increased by 10.8 percent. EMS calls, which comprise 73 percent of total calls, decreased by 2.3 percent in 2012 in comparison to 2011 EMS calls. The remaining of calls were calls cancelled as Fire District 1 personnel were en route.
Fire prevention services, public education programs, fire marshal services, community outreach, training and volunteers were also reviewed at the meeting. “The city’s relationship with the Fire District continues to be very strong,” said Caulfield. “While the fire district is a separate municipal agency, we view the fire district and the services they provide as an extension of the city. This partnership demonstrates the benefits that can be gained through fire service regionalization. By working together, we’ve been able to improve efficiency and service. We’re also able to provide a wider range of programs to the public.”
The annual review, a requirement of the long-term contract agreement between the City of Mountlake Terrace and Fire District 1, can be viewed here.
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