You Make the Call: Using Officer Discretion In Selection of Emergency Response Mode for Fire and EMS

<p>In this research, I have attempted to develop and analyze the effectiveness of emergency and non-emergency response mode criteria. Current and past literature was reviewed looking for similar systems currently in use and studies examining the effectiveness of those programs. National standards and laws were examined to attempt to find criteria establishing what types of dispatched calls for fire or EMS deserved an emergency (use oflights and sirens) or non-emergency (no lights and sirens) response. </p> <p>Data from a volunteer fire department were then analyzed and compared to criteria established under a Fire Officer Discretionary System (FODR) and the more traditional Blanket Lights and Siren (BLAS) response. The results revealed that the FODR system significantly decreased the use of lights and sirens, and still satisfied the response time requirements based on NFP A 1720. </p> <p>As such, the results from this effort suggest that the FODR system was successful in reducing the use of lights and sirens. Additionally, I also developed criteria to assist fire officers in the response mode decision-making process. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Justice Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2008

Author dc:creator

• Sobaski, Branden J.

• emergency management
• emergency medical services
• firefighters
• Criminology and Criminal Justice

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2008 Branden J. Sobaski

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/100

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1099