City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2013
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER /s/
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Consideration of a Grant Application to the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) Grant Program, Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) Grant Program, Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the submission of the grant application (due September 16, 2013); and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
DISCUSSION: As part of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) project within the City, the need for improved Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) has been identified to aid in improving our EMS system. The City has selected PowerPhone as our preferred EMD software. PowerPhone is an integrated 911 call handling system for enhanced 911 call dispatch. The PowerPhone system works at the start of the call-taking process to centralize information, provide structured emergency medical questioning, and offer objective dispatch recommendations. This system results in greater call taking consistency, enhanced victim and responder safety, better evidence preservation and risk mitigation.
Although this software will be installed and utilized The Department of Emergency Communication (DEC) DEC, the Fire Department, as the licensed EMS agency for the City, is taking the lead role as the grant applicant.
BACKGROUND: On August 1, 2013, the Virginia Department of Health opened the grant application period for the 2013 RSAF (Rescue Squad Assistance Fund) Grant Program. The RSAF is a multi-million dollar matching grant program for Virginia governmental and non-profit Emergency Medi...
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