News

Work Load Increases for Pa. Emergency Responders

Kevin Kunzmann

08/26/2015

Aug. 26--A look into Monroe County first responding agencies showed that the workload has increased since last year, and that responders are more prepared for it.

Connecticut-based safety consultant JLN Associates collected information on the county's emergency responding agencies, including fire and police departments, dispatch control centers, emergency medical services and other agencies and presented a collection of its data to representatives of the agencies last week.

The results showed an increase of hazardous material incidents in Monroe County from 2013 to 2014 -- from 18 to 28, respectively. However, the average response time of each reported incident dropped from 9:11 in 2013 to 7:16 in 2014.

What's more impressive about that improvement, Monroe County Emergency Management Deputy Director Maryellen Keegan said, is that the time got faster with less personnel.

Although Keegan said the county's culture is becoming more aware and understanding of how to prepare and react to an emergency, its volunteer bases are "shrinking."

"It brings into question how long we can maintain those response times," Keegan said. "We're always looking for volunteers."

The report is a census-like summary of each agency, entailing personnel count, equipment stock and training in relation to hazardous material incidents. Although it's not in final-draft form and is missing detail from particular agencies, JLN Project Manager Tom Negrelli said it was a well-received study.

"There will be more info once final report comes out, more detailed info, but overall the report went very well," Negrelli said.

The final draft of the study will be made available to the public through the county, but if public sessions held by JLN on the study indicate anything, it's that interest in the results are minimal.

At the the two public sessions held this week to present the study's findings, Negrelli said a total of three people attended.

Keegan says that culture needs to be addressed going into National Preparedness Month in September.

"Part of being prepared is being aware," Keegan said. "Knowing your municipality's capabilities plays a part of what risks you make. Attending local meetings is very important. Making sure you're safe and knowing what your risks are is very important."

In all, Negrelli said the consultant's first work with the county went well, with no large concerns to note in the study. The hope is that its results can help improve agency's equipment purchases and response times. How many people that are at the agency, though, is up to the individual.