Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Rogue Valley doctor runs for governor on climate change platform ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... Rogue Valley doctor runs for governor on climate change platform ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... Ashland sees spike in 911 calls Aging population puts added demand, stress on first-responder system Comment By John Darling for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 10, 2015 at 12:10 PM By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 10, 2015 at 12:10 PM » Social News As Ashland draws more retirees and its population ages, demand for emergency services from Ashland Fire & Rescue is “exploding,” a situation that is more costly and more difficult for existing staff to cover without stress and “gaps” in service. That’s the problem opened up by Mayor John Stromberg at a recent City Council study session — and one, he said, that’s going to require some creative planning, cutting and spending, possibly even a merger with Fire District 5. AFR responds to some 4,000 calls a year in a 650-square-mile area. That’s two to six calls a day, AFR Chief John Karns told the council. This involves much drive time — a three- to four-hour commitment if, he said, it’s an emergency on Moun Ashland, with transport to a Medford hospital. This can lead to overtime, gaps in service availability and, if it’s transport out of town, to “stress” on the quality of service, said Stromberg. It’s “very sad,” he added. AFR transports 1,700 people a year, Karns said, and 1,300 to 1,400 are emergencies, which they are “bound” to transport. Emergencies are usually about heart and breathing issues, while nonemergencies can include calls related to injuries from falls and problems related to chronic conditions such as diabetes. Call volume in recent years has outstripped cost increases and, said Stromberg, “We have a lot of old people, and they are getting older.” More elders are moving here and leaving their support structure of family and friends, said Karns, “so they will call us. It’s exploding.” AFR handled 3,100 calls in 2009 and is on track for 4,000 this year, “a dramatic increase … the public relies more on the 911 system than in past years.” Several issues need to be explored, said Stromberg. Should AFR focus more on stabilizing patients and less on transporting them? Can AFR focus on emergencies within the city limits? Should the city expand fire-rescue staff and budget? Firefighters appreciate income from overtime, said Karns, but it brings up the issue of burnout. AFR makes $275,000 on transporting, he adds. Karns said it’s typical to have 5.7 firefighters per 10,000 people, so he would look for 11 firefighters here — with the city exploring creation of a student program. Ashland, he said, is “somewhat” below the target staff. A student program would cost up to $160,000 a year, he says. Stromberg called for the discussion to open up the issue for planning, adding, “It looks like it’s just going to get worse and worse. The temptation is to get out of medical transport, but there are financial consequences,” because AFR makes money doing that. “We’d have a public outcry. We’d have to make up $280,000 a year. We’re caught in kind of a bind, not being able to afford staff to the level of cities our size. We’re not able to get out of the responsibility without a financial hit.” He called for prioritizing services “to see what we can let go of.” Noting duplication of services, Stromberg raised the possibility of merging with Fire District 5 in Phoenix, with them contracting AFR for services. It would raise “cultural and societal issues” as well as “fire chief ego issues,” Karns said, noting other options include dissolving AFR and contracting with FD5 — or dissolving both and creating a new special district. He said such mergers are a trend in the nation. City Administrator Dave Kanner reminded council that the city charter requires a fire department. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 10, 2015 at 12:10 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501