ICFPD Strategic Plan for Coronavirus Management May 2020

ICFPD Strategic Plan for Coronavirus Management May 2020

Approved by ICFPD Board of Directors June 10, 2020

Executive Summary

ICFPD First Responders (firefighters, EMTs and paramedics) have a critical role in structural firefighting, wildland firefighting and prehospital emergency care and must continue to provide these essential services. During the coronavirus pandemic, workloads have increased, and staff sizes may diminish as employees and their families become ill or are quarantined. Contingency planning for three time periods can mitigate the worst impact.

To help with planning for the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the ICFPD Strategic Plan for Coronavirus provides the following information for first responders:

  • Potential ways to adjust operations to maintain readiness and response.
  • Identification of three timeframes which may impact ICFPD operational readiness and staffing.
  • Present out-of-the-box planning and operations concepts to drive thought and discussion.
  • Potential budgetary impacts of ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Protecting the ICFPD First Responder Workforce and Their Families

Protecting the ICFPD First Responder workforces (both volunteer and career) and their families contributes to the safety and security of our community during the coronavirus pandemic. In March of 2020 ICFPD implemented several methods to protect the staff and community.

Layered defense

A common infectious disease security concept is that of layered defense or layered protection. The goal is to create multiple layers of protective measures against exposure to the virus for the ICFPD First Responder. The more layers of protection, the better protected our staff will be. For first responders, the goal is to protect the emergency service capability of ICFPD. The responders, in turn, protect their families, their workplaces and the community at large. Better-protected first responders are thereby better able to protect the ICFPD community with fire suppression and EMS.

Leadership actions during a pandemic

Employee risks of occupational exposure to viruses during a pandemic vary widely, depending upon role and level of interactions with patients and the public. The level of risk depends in part on the ongoing severity of the virus, whether jobs require proximity to people actually or potentially infected with the pandemic virus, or whether the employees are required to have either repeated or extended contact with known or suspected virus sources such as fellow volunteers, co-workers, the general public, patients, and school children.

Staffing

During the coronavirus pandemic, a major challenge in the next three timeframes identified in this plan could be the reduction in the workforce due to absenteeism. It is important to identify and plan for alternate or nontraditional resources for use during a pandemic before there are severe impacts to the operational response capability of ICFPD. Potential impacts include:

  1. Staffing and volunteer response return to normal levels with no significant increase in call
  2. Reduced volunteer response reducing the number of first responders at each
  3. Reduced career officer/paramedic response due to illness or

Workforce protection

When a vaccine is available, strongly encourage staff and family vaccinations. Colorado EMS regulations do allow EMS staff to provide vaccinations. Provide incentives to employees to get vaccinated.

ICFPD provides telecommuting tools for appropriate employees and leadership. ICFPD limits workplace visits by nonessential personnel.

ICFPD has implemented social distancing precautions.

ICFPD has implemented PPE and administrative controls to limit potential exposure to the coronavirus.

ICFPD promotes emotional support resources and engaging peer support. Sustainability

ICFPD has adequate supplies of PPE for approximately 6 months at the current run rate of emergency responses. EMS supplies are on hand for approximately 2 months at the current run rate of EMS responses.

Resource sharing

ICFPD has shared resources such as PPE with surrounding agencies and has confirmed mutual-aid agreements. ICFPD has offered assistance with staff communication and coronavirus information.

Public communication and education

ICFPD has coordinated with Jefferson County Public Health, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the State of Colorado Joint Information Center on messaging.

ICFPD has focused our social media on the difference between emergency and nonemergency care in order to reduce reliance on emergency services, changes in response capabilities (Denver Metro EMS Protocols), and methods to improve health and safety of first responders and our patients.

Continuity of operations during the coronavirus pandemic

A pandemic threatens to disrupt the essential services and operations within and across our nation. Whenever national disease containment strategies fail, first responders are on the frontlines in the public health battle.

While the severity of the ongoing disease outbreak may vary throughout the three timeframes addressed in this strategic plan, the potentially catastrophic impact of a pandemic demands that organizations engage in contingency planning and preparedness efforts. Pandemic planning recommends that ICFPD refines their definition of “essential” if they are to continue providing critical and services.

Potential impacts of a pandemic

This pandemic presents significant challenges to ICFPD and the community we serve. Typical approaches to obtaining or providing mutual-aid assistance across jurisdictions will be hindered by a potential increase in absenteeism (reduced volunteer response) of the ICFPD firefighters, EMTs and paramedics as well as that of neighboring agencies.

Download ICFPD Strategic Plan for Coronavirus Management May 2020 as pdf.

 

June 11, 2020 in COVID 19, Strategic Updates

Declaration of Special District Disaster Emergency

Declaration of Special District Disaster Emergency

Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District has declared a local disaster emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting potential human and economic impacts on the district due to the current health crisis. The declaration gives Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District potential access to local emergency funds, Federal and State assistance, and adjustments to policies, procedures and ordinances during this challenging time.

The declaration, issued by Board President Mike Swenson, has been filed with the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder and the Office of Emergency Management. Commenting on the declaration, Swenson said, “As with all First Responders, Inter-Canyon is on the front lines of the battle to slow the spread of COVID-19.  While the District is prepared to the extent that we can be, we face many unknowns in the days ahead.”

According to Chief Skip Shirlaw, Inter-Canyon has issued a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. “We are working each day to help our members be prepared. Since we rely on the expertise and dedication of this great team of firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics, we must protect their safety as well as the safety of those in our service ares. Our preparedness plan details actions in the event of potential member exposure as well as large incidents or exposure within Jefferson County,” Chief Shirlaw said.

Typically, no federal reimbursement is allowed for costs incurred prior to the date and time of a local disaster declaration. Costs potentially considered for reimbursement after such a declaration typically include costs for additional decontamination supplies, medical supplies and personnel. The declaration also activates participation in local and state emergency response plans, gives legal justification for accessing the TABOR emergency fund monies, and can also give the Fire Chief greater delegated authority to develop and implement certain policies.

Assessing today’s situation, Chief Shirlaw said “The volunteer firefighters, EMTs and paramedics of Inter-Canyon continue to respond to emergencies and currently have adequate supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Why has ICFPD declared a disaster emergency?
As with all First Responders, we are on the front lines of the battle to slow the spread of COVID-19.  While we are prepared to the extent that we can be, we face many unknowns in this battle.  The declaration of disaster emergency gives Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District potential access to local emergency funds, Federal and State assistance, and adjustments to policies, procedures and ordinances during this challenging time.

Is ICFPD prepared for this impending battle to slow the spread of COVID-19?
We believe that ICFPD is as prepared as we can be at this time. Examples of actions we’ve taken over the last several weeks:

  • COVID-19 Preparedness Plan development and distribution to all responders March 13
  • COVID-19 Ambulance Preparedness and cleaning procedures developed and distributed to all responders March 13
  • Denver Metro EMS Coronavirus protocol implemented for all responses
  • Inventory and analysis of usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) levels

Why did ICFPD close all stations to the public and cancel training and meetings?
In line with recommendations from the CDC and CDPHE we are limiting public contact, increasing social distancing and focusing on infection control measures.  Our goal is to maintain the health of our firefighters, EMTs and paramedics so we can meet the fire and EMS emergency response needs of our communities.

How has ICFPD activated the emergency preparedness plan?
The ICFPD COVID-19 Preparedness Plan details actions we have taken to prepare for potential member exposure as well as large incidents or exposure within Jefferson County. Some of those actions include preparations at our stations and steps to take in the event of certain situations, such as potential exposure to a patient with COVID-19.

What is ICFPD doing to coordinate with other first responders along the 285 corridor and in metro Denver?
It’s clear that COVID-19 does not respect geographic boundaries. ICFPD is in ongoing contact with Elk Creek Fire Protection District, Evergreen Fire Rescue, Indian Hills Fire Rescue and others.  With implementation of the Denver Metro EMS Coronavirus Protocol we are appropriating limiting EMS transports to area hospitals to reduce the potential for overloading healthcare facilities in the metro Denver area.

What’s the status of the District’s current financial reserves?
With voter support of the Mill Levy increase in November of 2019, ICFPD has been building our reserves for future capital expenditure use such as new fire stations and apparatus.  We will continue to evaluate our reserve funds to ensure appropriate use of funds as needed.

Why couldn’t the District use its financial reserves instead of seeking Federal or State disaster funding?
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge for ICFPD as well as all first responders throughout the country. At this time, we do not know what the full financial and human impacts this crisis may have on the District. We are taking responsible action that will enable the District to have a potential access to funding to offset additional costs of dealing with this crisis.  The current financial reserves of ICFPD are the result of sound financial management by the Board and ICFPD leadership. These funds provide reserves for unanticipated needs. Plus, these funds enable the District to move forward on its long-term strategic plan to strengthen our ability to provide fire and emergency services.

How is the current crisis affecting ICFPD meetings and use of your facilities?
We announced recently that all in-person meetings for the District will be cancelled, rescheduled or take place by way of teleconference or video conference. That includes Board Meetings, Board study sessions, training sessions and member meetings.  At this time, the election for Board members is scheduled for May 5th at Station Three. And we had scheduled “Coffee with the Candidates” sessions during April. We are working to develop use of video to allow our voters to hear from the candidates.

Who comprises the current officer leadership team for ICFPD?
Chief Skip Shirlaw
Deputy Chief Matt Araki
Battalion Chief Dan Hatlestad
Wildland/Training Captain John Mandl
EMS Captain Suzannah Epperson

DECLARATION OF
SPECIAL DISTRICT DISASTER EMERGENCY
INTER-CANYON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

WHEREAS, the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic currently is having human and economic impacts on Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Colorado-impacts that are expected to become more widespread and more severe; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Pandemic is, and will continue to cause a public health emergency in Inter­ Canyon Fire Protection District, Colorado by generating multiple disruptions and impacts on healthcare infrastructure and continuity of government for Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Colorado that may cause delays or interrupt capacity to deliver necessary services; and

WHEREAS, on March 14, 2020, the Chair of the Board, as principal executive officer of Jefferson County, pursuant to§ 24-33.5-709 C.R.S. declared a local disaster emergency in Jefferson County to wit, the occurrence of imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property, resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate and in the interests of the public health and safety to rapidly address community spread of COVID-19 and subsequent cascading impacts such as economic distress, and would further protect the health and safety of the public to declare an emergency in Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, the cost and magnitude of responding to and recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic is far in excess of the available resources of Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, declaration of a local disaster emergency will assist and permit access to local emergency funds, Federal and State assistance, and adjustments to policies, procedures and ordinances to protect the public’s health and welfare; and

WHEREAS, the President of the Board, as principal executive officer of Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Colorado is authorized to unilaterally declare a local disaster pursuant to§ 24-33.5-709 C.R.S. and to activate the emergency management operations plan and resolution oflnter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Colorado;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

  1. There is hereby declared to be a local disaster emergency in Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Colorado, to wit, the occurrence of imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property, resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage.
  1. The effect of this Declaration shall be to activate the response and recovery aspects of any and all applicable local and inter-jurisdictional disaster emergency plans and to authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance under such

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Declaration shall be effective upon the date and time given below and shall remain in effect for a period of sixty days unless rescinded or extended by the Inter­ Canyon Fire Protection District, Board of Directors prior to expiration.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that true copies  shall  be  promptly  filed  with  the  Jefferson  County Clerk and Recorder and the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and shal I be promptly distributed to appropriate representatives of the news media.

Signed and effective this 21st day of March 2020, at 2:00 p.m.

Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Colorado

Mike Swenson
Board President

Download DECLARATION OF SPECIAL DISTRICT DISASTER EMERGENCY as pdf.

March 24, 2020 in COVID 19