CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Receive the report on the Naperville Fire Department CART Program
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DEPARTMENT: Fire Department
SUBMITTED BY: Mark J. Puknaitis, Fire Chief
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The Naperville Fire Department (Fire) launched a Community Advocate Response Team (CART) pilot program in January 2022. The purpose of the program was to create a unit responsible for responding to non-emergency calls such as mental health, drug and chemical dependencies, memory care, and senior/elder care issues. These calls, if not addressed, have the potential to escalate into future life-threatening medical emergencies.
The pilot was made possible by reassigning three shift personnel to a 40-hour (Tuesday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.) work week and using existing technology, equipment, and a reserve ambulance.
Pilot Program - Calls and Data
Results from the pilot revealed 119 residents were calling 911 for frequent health care needs. By applying a team approach and using social services, community, and non-profit resources Fire was able to find appropriate health care solutions for all but 18 individuals.
Data collected during the pilot show the following:
1. An average on-scene call duration of more than 60 minutes compared to an average of less than 20 minutes for all other call types,
2. A gap in service from 5 p.m. - 7 a.m. and no service on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
To address the findings, Fire recommended the implementation of a 24/7 CART Program. However, at the time, the department operations and staffing model did not allow for a 24/7 CART Program without an estimated $1,100,000 annual overtime expense. As such, Fire requested, and Council approved, the addition of six firefighter/paramedics in September 2023.
DISCUSSION:
The June 18 presentation focuses on CART program results from January through May 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A