Excerpts from RRStar.com: Fire departments, much like social service agencies, are working to reduce the need for their own services. While municipalities often require new homes to have smoke detectors, many fire departments go a step further by offering free smoke alarms and conducting home safety inspections for older residents. In commercial buildings, especially high-rises, sprinkler systems are now mandatory. According to the U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station, the number of wildfires caused by discarded cigarettes has dropped by 90% over the years. The result? Fewer fires across the country. Rockford is no exception. In 2014, the city reported 638 structure and non-structure fires, a 20% decrease from 796 in 2005. Despite this decline, the Rockford Fire Department has seen an annual increase in call volume of about 3%. Of the 26,010 calls last year, only 2.45% were related to fires—while 80% were for EMS or search and rescue operations. This growing demand for medical response is largely driven by the aging Baby Boomer population. For example, between January and September 2014, 20 individuals accounted for 192 emergency room visits at SwedishAmerican Hospital. In response, the Rockford Fire Department partnered with the hospital to launch a pilot program called Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH). This initiative targets “frequent fliersâ€â€”individuals who repeatedly use emergency services. Under the MIH program, Bob Vertiz, the EMS coordinator, along with two nurses trained in case management and social work, visit these individuals at home. Vertiz checks for fire hazards, while the nurses ensure patients are taking medications properly, attending doctor appointments, and addressing other health concerns. The goal is not just to respond to emergencies but to provide long-term care solutions. “Most of these people have real health issues,†said Knott. “The idea is to connect them with the right resources. Just picking them up and taking them to the hospital isn’t the answer. They need sustainable care.†The results of the pilot program are expected to be presented at the November Rock Stat meeting. While expanding the program may involve short-term costs, it could lead to significant savings for both the city and its residents in the long run. As Knott explained, “It’s not just about money. It’s about patient care.†Heather Schafer, CEO of the National Volunteer Fire Council, noted that volunteer departments are also seeing a shift. Many now handle 80% of their calls as EMS-related, often with fewer resources than full-time departments. “Cross-training firefighters and securing funding are big challenges,†she said. “The cost of training, equipment, and apparatus adds up quickly.†Cherry Valley Fire Protection District Chief Craig Wilt shared similar concerns. His department has 15 full-time and 30 paid-on-call firefighters, with 75–80% of calls being EMS-related. “As the Baby Boomer generation ages, we expect more of the same,†he said. To manage staffing, new full-time hires must already be certified paramedics. “That helps reduce training costs and ensures we’re ready when we need to be,†Wilt added. Horizontal Slurry Pump Heavy Duty Horizontal Slurry Pump,gravel pump Sichuan Zhongying Industrial Pump Co., Ltd , https://www.zygyb.com