Central County Fire & Rescue Releases 2018 Annual Report Highlighting Highest Call Volume In District’s 20-Year History
In 2018, Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR) celebrated 20 years of serving the community with its highest call response ever. The fire district, one of the largest in the St. Louis Metro area, responded to 6,509 emergency calls. When the District started in 1998 it responded to 3,500 calls and in 2017 there were 6,301.
“Over the years we have seen a shift in the emergency needs of our community, and we have adapted our services to meet these needs. We no longer just fight fires, we are a multi-service emergency response and emergency preparedness organization,” said CCFR Assistant Chief Steve Brown.
“Last year, shortly after implementing an advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical service program, more than half of our calls were related to emergency medical incidents,” said Brown.
The District’s first full year providing ALS service was 2018. ALS service means CCFR’s trained paramedics can administer medications, start IVs, secure airways and provide advanced medical monitoring. District leadership worked to secure the proper licensure, established medical protocols with the St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD), and researched and purchased the proper medical equipment to best meet the needs of the community.
The District also continues to work toward full implementation of the community-created SAFE-T plan, which included recommendations for service, program, equipment and facility updates. In 2018, the CCFR saw its first full year using a new fleet of fire trucks that was recommended in the plan. This new equipment reducing truck maintenance costs by 79 percent, as many repairs are now covered under warranties.
“As our community grows and changes, our District and its capabilities grow with it. With additional training and up-to-date equipment, CCFR can handle more types of emergency situations, provide advanced emergency medical services, and offer robust community risk reduction programs and community outreach efforts,” said Brown.
The District also remains committed to maintaining financial stability to consistently provide quality emergency services to its residents, continually working toward the recommended six months in reserve funds for CCFR.
To view details about emergency calls in 2018, the CCFR team and more click here to view the entire report.