Using Technology to Enhance Service

August 9, 2019 4:00 PM
by Bill Walker

Over the past few years, the Santa Monica Fire Department has made many strategic capital investments to enhance our service delivery.

One major area of focus has been technology. In 2017, we completed a Technology Strategic Plan and have utilized that process to successfully enhance our technology in many ways. For example, we transitioned from a paper-based patient care report to an electronic patient care report that’s generated on an iPad. Our mobile data computers were changed out for an iPad-based program that’s more effective and significantly cheaper to purchase, install and maintain.

Quite possibly the biggest change is our new digital radio network which serves all through public safety. Other key technology upgrades include a new records management system and state-of-the-art station alerting. We recently received four new custom-built fire engines and a new 100- foot aerial ladder truck, which our Firefighters designed specifically for the needs of Santa Monica. Fire Station 3, on 19th St., underwent a seismic retrofit, and our most exciting project, our new downtown Fire Station 1, is scheduled to open its doors early next year.

The department is currently embarking on a self-assessment process that includes a facilities study, risk assessment, and a Standards of Cover document that will be used to establish a department strategic plan. This will be an inclusive and transparent process which will allow the community to clearly see our resource needs, performance standards, and the challenges we face, which will ultimately allow us to build a plan with input from multiple stakeholders.

What really sets the Santa Monica Fire Department apart is our people and our commitment to customer service. Among the standard responsibilities of providing fire protection and emergency medical care, Firefighters receive additional specialized training in Urban Search and Rescue, Hazardous Materials Response, and Aircraft Rescue. Some Paramedics are even trained as tactical Paramedics, meaning they’re expected to respond as part of the Santa Monica Police Department’s SWAT team to treat patients in an active shooter environment. 

 

We recently graduated a class with eight brand-new Firefighters who are beginning their careers by serving the citizens of Santa Monica. These recruits successfully passed our state-certified 17-week fire academy taught by our training staff. My number one goal is to ensure that we have Firefighters who are trained and equipped to do their jobs safely and effectively. Last year, the skill of our Paramedics helped to restore pulses in 44% of our sudden cardiac arrest victims. The compassion of our members helped several of our most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness get into treatment and housing programs. Our partnership with UCLA’s Mobile Stroke Unit has resulted in dozens of early interventions to patients suffering from acute strokes. The commitment and meticulousness of our fire prevention inspectors have kept our built environment safe from the hazards of fires. And the tenacity and bravery of our Firefighters kept 78% of all structure fires confined to the areas they started, which helped to save an estimated $42 million in property.

The Santa Monica Fire Department is proud to serve the Santa Monica Community and stands ready to meet future challenges, as it has for the last 130 years.

Authored By

Bill Walker
Fire Chief