Learn How Calling 9-1-1 is More Than Just Dialing Three Numbers

It's important to know how to call 9-1-1. Dialing is simple. Three, easy-to-remember numbers punched into your phone will bring  your Los Angeles Firefighters to your front door in a matter of minutes. That's why the 9-1-1 system was established - to help people who needed professional help during an emergency.


With the advent of mobile technology, the 9-1-1 system nationwide has had to rethink it's approach to dispatching emergency resources. Los Angeles is no different. That's why the Los Angeles Fire Department partnered with MySafe:LA to create the short yet powerful and informative film above. View it to learn how to access emergency resources quickly and effectively. Learn the importance of clear, concise communication with 9-1-1 call takers and determine the most important information you can share with our Firefighter/Dispatchers - your EXACT location.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Prevent a Nightmare on the 4th of July

Fire Chief Brian L. Cummings wants you and your family to have a fun and safe 4th of July. The best way to do that is to be prepared and know your local laws.

Some are still surprised to learn that the use or sale of ALL FIREWORKS including so called "safe and sane" have been illegal in the City of Los Angeles since 1942, except at approved fireworks shows of course.

As you can imagine, every 4th of July is one of the busiest days of the year for emergency services, and most calls are for fires and injuries caused by people using illegal fireworks. All too often, firefighters care for painful and disfiguring firecracker injuries that happen to the eyes, hands, head, and face.

Here are four statistics to contemplate...

1. Almost half of all people injured were children under the age of 15.
2. According to the United States eye registry, more bystanders are injured by fireworks than by the people who set them off.
3. Sparklers can heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit (that is hot enough to melt gold).
4. The highest numbers of injuries are firecrackers (26%), rockets (21%), and sparklers (11%). 

Playing with fireworks can hurt your pocketbook and calendar too. Possessing fireworks is a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of $1,000 and/or one year in jail. In addition, our law enforcement friends remind you of the obvious dangers associated with discharging firearms into the air.

Your LAFD is committed to safety and thus started the Anti-Fireworks campaign in 1982 and participates in an annual joint 4th of July Anti-Fireworks Press Conference, educating and informing citizens, all in an effort to reduce the number of injuries and property loss caused by illegal fireworks.

We need your help: 

• If you see a fire, call 9-1-1. 
• Remind others to never experiment with or make their own fireworks.
• Never let anyone touch or pick up a dud firecracker that is lying on the ground.

Lets not forget about our furry friends. Remember, they have very sensitive hearing and can be stressed or frightened due to noise from fireworks. So, how about keeping your pets indoors with the windows closed and the air conditioner on? Give them the night off and let them enjoy the television or radio, it helps to block some of the noise.

"Prevent a nightmare on the 4th of July. Stay away from playing with fireworks, and play it safe by attending a public fireworks display." - Fire Chief Brian L. Cummings

FOR A LIST OF FIREWORKS SHOWS IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA:

safejuly4th.org or (888) 654-FIRE
     

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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'Hands-only CPR' and the 'AED': What are they?

They are what to do until professional help arrives. By allowing us to explain, you can help kick-off National CPR Week.

Did you know? Every uniformed member of the Los Angeles Fire Department is trained, not only in the proper administration of CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), but also in the use of the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). That's right, every member. That is a great thing and something we hope you find comforting.

Did you also know? Not only is it possible, but it is easy for you to achieve that very same level of training. Yes, YOU have the ability to save someone's life. Interested in learning how? We thought so. Please read on...

Here are a few statistics:

• 70% percent of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency. The fact is, you need to know it.
• A staggering 88% of cardiac arrests occur in the home. Need we say more? 

Most of us probably have friends and/or family that may not be in the best of health. Perhaps you have little ones at home. Maybe you frequent social gatherings. All are reasons to become intimately familiar with the American Heart Association's (AHA) approved method of CPR and learn how to perform it. Here is the thing...it is actually much easier than you think! It's called "Hands-only CPR."



Now, let's just say you are witness to a cardiac arrest and then, are fortunate enough to be close-by a wall-mounted AED (again...Automatic External Defibrillator). By doing so, you have put yourself in a position to truly help. Have someone grab that AED! The AED is a device that externally shocks the human heart out of a potentially fatal cardiac (heart) rhythm, allowing a normal rhythm to resume. It sounds complicated, but the AED was designed with three things in mind: 1) ease of use 2) safety and 3) reliability. It actually provides audio instruction and literally tells you what to do.

In recent years, the LAFD has embarked upon a promising program to bring AEDs to many public facilities throughout the City of Los Angeles. This Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program has the backing of medical leaders, including the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. You might be surprised by how many AEDs are readily available for use... by anyone! Take note, next time you are out and about.

We hope you find this information helpful. Moreover, we hope you find it inspiring! Don't be part of the majority...don't be afraid to act! As our friends at the American Heart Association say "Don't be a bystander. Be a life saver."

Want more? Then go here to find a CPR class near you!

Thank you for caring enough to take action.

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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20 Years Ago Today, LAFD Remembers 'Civil Unrest'

Today marks 20 years since the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest, often referred to as the "L.A. Riots", where rampant arson, looting, assault and murder occurred over a six day period in the greater Los Angeles area.

Approximately 3,600 fires were set, destroying over 1,000 structures and flooding 9-1-1 fire calls. Property damage reached roughly $1 billion, over 50 people died, and approximately 2,000 more were injured. Due to violent mobs pelting Firefighters with rocks, bottles and even shooting at them, Fire Crews began to respond with police escorts. A dawn-to-dusk curfew was implemented and eventually the deployment of the National Guard assisted to control the situation.

These two short, but powerful videos attempt to manifest what your Los Angeles Firefighters were battling. Protection of life and property took on new meaning, as they never expected that it would include their own:

This 3:18 clip depicts a Fire Captain's "impossible mission", 48 hours into the epicenter of the riots...






This 8:04 clip provides aerial footage from April 29th, 1992 - May 2nd, 1992 and includes dramatic dispatched radio traffic from firefighters...





The Los Angeles Fire Department offers a proverbial tip of the helmet to allied Fire Department's, Law Enforcement, Military and Citizens that assisted during, and the rebuilding after, this landmark event for our City and Department.


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Woman Meets LAFD 9-1-1 Dispatcher Who Helped Save Husband's Life

EAGLE ROCK - On February 27, 2012, Deanna Brigidi-Stewart dialed 9-1-1 in extreme distress, after her 35-year-old husband suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter/Dispatcher Al Camacho immediately calmed Mrs. Brigidi-Stewart, guiding her to focus on the situation at hand - initiating teamwork that ultimately saved her husband's life.

On Friday, March 30, 2012, Mrs. Brigidi-Stewart, her husband and children visited LAFD Metro Fire Communications and met Firefighter/Dispatcher Al Camacho. It was a touching reunion that underscored the importance of trust and timely action whenever life is at risk.

In Los Angeles, well trained Firefighter/Dispatchers like Al Camacho are ready to answer your 9-1-1 call in an emergency. As trained rescuers with hands-on crisis experience, they have an instant virtual presence to guide you in life-saving care - while seamlessly coordinating the rapid response of firefighters and paramedics.

When you have an emergency in Los Angeles, Call 9-1-1!

[Video]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Provides Additional Information Regarding 9-1-1 Response Times

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is currently being asked: have response times gotten worse since the budget was cut a few years ago?

It’s a question being posed to fire departments across the country that are all having to do more with less. The LAFD is no different.

The Fire Department’s budget has been cut by nearly $80 million over the past three fiscal years. To adapt to these cuts the LAFD has used various iterations of deployment and coverage plans that have saved the Department millions of dollars while continuing to ensure the high level of protection and emergency response the public deserves and expects.

The LAFD responds daily to over 1,000 calls across 469 square miles. As calls for emergency medical services continue to increase, the LAFD uses response times to the most critical medical calls as a benchmark. A recent review of data under the newest Deployment Plan shows, as predicted, response time did increase, but the overall impact is minimal.

In fiscal year 2008-2009, prior to any budget cuts, LAFD arrived on scene to an advanced life support call in an average time of four minutes 41 seconds. Under our new plan, the average time is just four seconds longer, four minutes 45 seconds.

The reasons for the increase in response times are based on facts, not false information as some would assert. The City of Los Angeles has seen a 3% increase in the number of Emergency Medical Service calls, while daily staffing has been reduced by 12%, fire companies have been reduced by 12%, and Basic Life Support ambulances have been reduced 17%.

In March of 2011, as part of the budget process, the LAFD submitted a three year Deployment Plan to the Fire Commission and City Government. This plan focused resources to the areas where they are most needed as a way to save money while still maintaining response times recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and jobs.

The plan allowed the LAFD to end disruptive rotational closures of 22 fire companies and six Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances.

The Fire Chief at the time, Millage Peaks, explained the Deployment Plan using new software. The software program projects the impact of redeploying firefighting resources. Using dispatch data, the computer modeled possible deployment solutions based on response times, call frequency, and incident types within each fire station district.

Since it is impossible to predict the number of fire companies that will be called on to respond to a emergency incident at any given period in time, the computer calculated as if ALL the city’s fire companies were in service and available; a best case scenario. The software generated projections only, not actual response times.

Adding to the complexity, in 2009 the LAFD transitioned to a new method of calculating response times and performance. Under the old method, the Fire Department calculated response as 59 seconds for dispatch time and arrival on scene in less than five minutes, for a total of 5 minutes 59 seconds. The current method, aligned with NFPA recommendations, aims for less than five minutes.

When responding to a structure fire, the NFPA allows firefighters an extra 20 seconds in which to don their gear, providing a guideline of five minutes and 20 seconds to reach the scene. Recent data show the LAFD arrives on scene on average in three minutes and 55 seconds; only two seconds slower than units arrived prior to the new Deployment Plan.

The Los Angeles Fire Department monitors its response times on a daily basis and makes changes as necessary to meet demand in different areas when calls for service increase. The Department has not misled the public or city leaders and in fact has been transparent in its efforts to provide accurate response time information. I welcome anyone to review our data and compare us with other departments across the region and country.

I am extremely proud of the Los Angeles Fire Department and the level of service the men and women provide in keeping our city safe. - Brian L. Cummings, Fire Chief

BFC 11-169 November 30, 2011 Deployment Plan Analysis and Report
http://www.ci.la.ca.us/lafd/reports.htm

BFC 11-048 April 28, 2011 Revised Proposed Budget Fiscal Year 2011-12 LAFD Deployment Plan
http://www.ci.la.ca.us/lafd/reports.htm


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Fire Chief Addresses 9-1-1 Response Times

On March 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM, Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian L. Cummings addressed LAFD's 9-1-1 response times...

 "As we transitioned to our current Deployment in early 2011, we were also transitioning to a different methodology for calculating performance data. At every point in the process, we have been consistent in using a single method for comparison.

Information provided by this Department to the public and city government has been accurate.

I fully support the integrity of Captain Mark Woolf and Retired Captain Bill Wells.

The statistical data that each of these Officers have provided on LAFD response times have been valid and accurate.

In the past, (2008), the LAFD’s response times were calculated by hand and measured using 5:59 seconds as a benchmark.

Chief Millage Peaks, Fire Chief at the time, made the decision to align the LAFD’s data analysis with the NFPA’s 5 minute turnout and travel time recommendation. This would align the LAFD with the national recommendation.

I have confidence in our response times and welcome an audit.

The data is the data.

With increased number of incidents, 22 fewer units to respond, workload has increased. There has been an impact on response times and company availability. This deployment was planned to minimize that impact. We are constantly assessing the deployment, analyzing our data and do plan to make adjustments as necessary.

On February 28, 2012, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) moved our 9-1-1 dispatching facility, known as the Operations Control Division (OCD) from City Hall East, to the City’s new Emergency Operations Center. This new dispatch facility is called Metro Fire Communications (Metro).

This historic move from an underground cold war era facility to a technologically advanced communications center was funded when the voters of Los Angeles approved Proposition “Q”.

The Los Angeles Fire Department operates the busiest fire department 9-1-1 dispatch center west of the Mississippi, processing over 800,000 calls per year.

Currently, the 9-1-1 phone system is operating properly, and we are receiving emergency calls as they come in.

The Fire Department radio system is working across our 460 square mile jurisdiction.

The Computer Aided Dispatch system is running as normal, reaching each of our 106 neighborhood fire stations.

However, shortly after the move to Metro, the Dispatch Communications Network that connects the city’s fire stations to Metro, experienced periods of instability, resulting in the intermittent delivery of audible voice dispatches to the fire stations.

Thankfully, there are supplemental notification systems in place to notify firefighters at the fire station when a incident comes in, they include:

Tones that sound
Fire phones that ring
A dispatch print out
Lights that turn on
Station bells that ring

These systems have been operating normally.

The LAFD’s dispatch system is working 99% of the time. However it is this 1% of the time that we are in the process of remedying.

On March 7, 2012 at approximately 10:00 A.M. the Dispatch Communications Network experienced a sudden slow down in data throughout. Simply put, the calls were not reaching the fire stations. The Commanding Officer at Metro Fire Communications ordered the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to be bypassed which required a systematic transition into “manual mode”. This means our dispatchers had to manually process calls and track LAFD resources. This also required our neighborhood fire stations to monitor their radios for dispatch information, establishing a process called “Radio Watch.”

Coinciding with the transition to the manual mode Metro experienced an elevated level of incoming calls. This caused the processing times for some calls to be extended and resulted in a delay in responses, specifically involving two of the more than 1000 incidents handled by the LAFD that day.

These calls are currently under review by the Commanding Officers at Metro Fire Communications.

Engineers from the City’s Information Technology Agency (ITA) have been working with a private network engineering firm through the weekend to remedy the problem.

The dispatch communications network is a 20 year old system that the Department is seeking to replace.

I must commend the firefighters in the field, the firefighter dispatchers at Metro Fire Communications, the Department's civilian staff and ITA for their vigilance in trying to remedy the problem, ensuring that our resources are responding a quickly as possible when the emergency calls come in."
Los Angeles Fire Chief Addresses Response Times


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Rescue Female Trapped in Burning Van Nuys Apartment

VAN NUYS - Just before 5:00 AM on Saturday March, 3rd, 2012, Los Angeles Firefighters rescued a 19 year-old female trapped in a bathroom, inside her burning apartment.

Firefighters rushed with lights and sirens to 15440 West Sherman Way, where they found a large three-story apartment building with smoke beginning to pour out from one unit on the second floor.

Meanwhile a young college student, who described herself as a, "deep sleeper", curtly awoke to the sound of smoke alarms echoing, alerting her of a fire. When she instinctively opened her bedroom door to the living room, she said it was, "ablaze". Using her cell phone, she immediately dialed 9-1-1. The call was received at LAFD's new Metro Fire Communications, where a scared woman was heard stating, "smoke is flooding my bedroom and I can't get out!" After determining her address, where she was inside the residence, and that she was unable to get to a window, the 9-1-1 Firefighter/Dispatcher instructed her to close the door, and get away from the fire. Over the next few minutes, life saving advice was provided.

Unable to escape, it was determined that a bathroom connected to her bedroom was the safest place to find shelter. As heavy black smoke rapidly crept in, she was instructed to place wet towels around the door and in the cracks to diminish it's deadly threat. Shortly thereafter, through sporadic coughing, and smoke stung eyes, she confided in the dispatcher, "Oh my God, I'm terrified". The dispatcher reassured her that firefighters were outside and running to her apartment, then stated, "I'm going to stay on the phone with you until they find you." She was then instructed to place a wet towel over her nose and face to filter smoke and lay flat on the ground to find clean air.

 

Concurrently, firefighters rushing to her aid were notified exactly where the trapped victim was located, expediting her rescue. A "drop bag" operation was swiftly executed to bring hose-lines to the second story. Firefighters then broke through the front door, battled intense flames and performed an immediate search of the 1,000 square-foot apartment, and rescued the woman in a matter of minutes. She stated, "They were wearing masks and had flashlights. It was like a movie."

She was safely rushed outside and compassionately treated by LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics, then transported to Valley Presbyterian Hospital as a precaution. Later that day she was without injury or medical complaint and stated, "I'm so happy to be alive".

Under the command of Battalion Chief Hayden, 75 firefighters fully extinguished the blaze in just 22 minutes. The bulk of the fire was in the living room and kitchen.

The cause of this early morning blaze, is undetermined, possibly electrical in nature. The dollar loss is estimated at $40,000 ($20,000 structure and $15,000 contents).

Due to the amount smoke and fire, the woman would not have survived if it were not for three important things:
 

1. Functional smoke alarms providing early fire detection, and time to call 9-1-1.
2. Listening to the 9-1-1 Firefighter/Dispatcher's lifesaving instructions.
3. The outstanding work of trained Los Angeles firefighters.

This brave young woman's first name is, Blessing.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD's 9-1-1 Dispatch Center Made Historical Move

 Los Angeles Fire Department's (LAFD) dispatch center, known for it's motto, "It all starts here", made a historic move today. During the early morning hours of February 28, 2012, 9-1-1 call taking and resource dispatching moved locations from the Operations Control Division (OCD) at City Hall East to the new Metropolitan Fire Communications (MFC) facility at 500 E. Temple Street.

Now that the the transition to MFC is complete, OCD has become the Department’s back-up dispatching facility and the radio call sign "OCD" is no longer operative. At one in the morning, the strategically planned five hour radio transfer was made. Now, all inbound and outbound radio transmissions will use the call sign, “Metro.” No other changes to radio terminology, resource dispatch algorithms, or operations will occur.

In addition, LAFD's Public Service Office (PSO) made the same geographical migration. Matt Spence, Brian Humphrey, and Erik Scott sincerely appreciate the patience of all during this exciting and elaborate transition, as they have had decreased availability at times. As for members of the media, the phone number for the PSO EPI-Center will remain the same, for the time being. We and look forward to better serving you from our new location.

Construction of the Metro Fire Communications facility which includes Fire Station 4 and the City’s Emergency Operations Center, began on January 19, 2006 as part of Prop “F” funding. Although the 120,000 square foot facility has been up and running for the past couple of years, the Metro Fire Communications sophisticated 9-1-1 telephone and dispatch equipment installation was just recently completed.


The move to the new Metro Fire Communications facility involves many City agencies, Vendors, and private contractors. Planning for the actual transition from City Hall East to the MFC has been in the works for the last several months, which includes the training of dispatchers and staff for familiarization of new state of the art equipment. As of February 29, 2012, the Coldwater back-up dispatch center will no longer be operational. The Department appreciates your interest and cooperation in this historic move.

Some have recently said, the previous commonly used ending radio transmission, "OCD Clear", now takes on a new meaning.

Submitted by Administration & Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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