The Baltimore Fire Department provides emergency medical services and fire protection in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It has served Baltimore and the surrounding areas since 1850. Here are some of their challenges. These include funding, equipment, staffing and death in the line-of-duty.
Staffing
In the third quarter of 2018, the Baltimore City Fire Department received a $6 million SAFER grant to cover personnel costs and retain 40 full-time fire suppression positions. Nine members of the Baltimore City Fire Department were sent to North Carolina after Hurricane Florence, which left behind destruction. They also delivered food to the stranded.
The city is investigating new ways of recruiting firefighters and emergency medicine technicians. The city's chief firefighter has revealed plans for combining recruitment tracks for emergency medical technicians as well as firefighters. However, the City Council is still examining the process. The city is dependent on overtime because its recruitment efforts have not led to the desired staffing increase.
Equipment
Baltimore Fire Department is currently experiencing severe equipment shortages, which are causing slower response times and delayed transport of patients. These issues, according to President of Baltimore Firefighters IAFF 734, are adding pressure on staff and operations. Four EMS units in Baltimore have been temporarily out of action for equipment-related issues over the past weeks.
The new engines are a major investment. With the new equipment, the department hopes to save more than one million dollars per year. These new engines are equipped with the latest technology and have the capacity to handle a variety of hazards. These vehicles can be equipped with sensors that detect dangerous substances. These vehicles also have a range of tools to rescue trapped occupants.
Duty-related deaths
In January, three members of the Baltimore Fire Department were killed when a partially collapsed building caught fire. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives considered the fire an "incendiary incident", meaning that the fire was intentionally started and spread to areas that were not meant to be lit. Lieutenant Joseph H. Zajac, one of the firefighters, was rescued out of the rubble. Two other firefighters were also killed.
The fire that erupted at a vacant Baltimore rowhouse left three firefighters dead. The four firefighters were advancing a hose line into the partially collapsed rowhouse when it caught fire. They had done the task before but this time the partial collapsed interior of the rowhouse forced them to run out. Two firefighters perished on the scene, while the other was transported to University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
Fundraising efforts
Baltimore Fire Department has started fundraising to support the families and loved ones of firefighters who have died. These efforts will result in 100 percent of proceeds going to the families of fallen firefighters. You can make donations to the Baltimore Fire Department Foundation for families of the fallen firefighter. The foundation has already raised more $23,000 in its first two hours. The Baltimore Fire Department will have a huge success reaching its goal of $50,000 by Jan. 31.
A pancake breakfast can be a great way for firefighters to raise funds. This is a cheap way to get the community involved in the fire service. It can be hosted at the station, or at a local cafe. Firefighters can be the hosts. Another option is to hold a silent auction. Local businesses may donate items to the auction.