Future of Fire/EMS Service in the United States Essay

In addition to being managed at the most central level by the federal government, United States’ Emergency Medical Service (EMS) usually offer heightened medical care to out-patients as well as providing transport to perfect care to the needy. The federal government is mandated with the task of setting the lowest standards that must be adhered to by the emergency service providers of all states. Additionally, these state governments are responsible for ensuring that they strictly regulate the standards of emergency medical services that they administer. The emergency medical service differs from one state to the other because of the broad differences of states. Current State of Fire/EMS Service: The Fire-based EMS systems in the United States are well positioned to offer pre-hospital EMS service that includes timely decisive response as well as efficient patient care. In addition to offering affordable operations, the Fire/EMS service systems basically lay emphasis on the safety of the responder and experienced and compassionate workers. The United States fire service department is responsible for provision of critical public safety functions which foster prosperity, community health and security. In most cases, the public safety functions provided by the fire service department is usually known as the pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency response (â€Å"Statement of Principles† par, 1). For policy makers, understanding the importance of need of emergency medical service is very essential. Currently, the pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency medical response (or the Fire/EMS service) is provided by the country’s paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMT’s). This is due to the knowledge, preparation and the equipments that these paramedics and EMTs use in responding to fire emergency. Additionally, paramedics and emergency service technicians are involved in providing emergency medical response because of their ability to concurrently protect a scene, lessen the hazard, treat and transport injured patients to a proper medical facility. Consequently, an important aspect of these services is time efficiency making the fire emergency service to be the system with capable and speedy multi-faceted response. One of the key emergency response systems that should be considered by the local, state and federal governments in their plans for emergency response to hazards is the fire emergency service system. It’s important for policy makers to identify that the perfect model of pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency response organization is the U. S fire service department. As a result of a report released by the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control in early 1970’s, the congress established an entity within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) known as the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The report highlighted United States’ fire problem and the need for effective fire response services. One of the major missions of the USFA was to help in the reduction of catastrophic losses while fostering the proficient development of the fire emergency response system. In addition to this, the USFA is responsible for provision of national leadership that promotes a concrete foundation for prevention, vigilance and response of the stakeholders in the fire service department (â€Å"Fiscal Year 2009 Report†, 2). Furthermore, this entity is mandated with the task of working towards for a fire safe America given that the country’s fire death rate one of the highest compared to other developed countries. Though there have been some improvements in America’s fire losses in the last twenty years, it is estimated that fire outbreaks result in about 3,700 deaths while leaving over 20,000 people injured annually. Additionally, fire leads to direct property losses that amount to an approximate of $11 billion each year with close to 100 firefighters losing their lives while in rescue missions. One of the greatest achievements of the United States Fire Administration agency is that it has been able to lessen America’s fire deaths by more than half as compared to the early 1970’s. This has just highlighted the fact that fire deaths and property losses are preventable to a greater extent through ongoing collection of data, research, training and public education. The United States fire departments act in response to an average of four thousand five hundred fire calls a day. In addition to the dramatic changes in the fire service in the last twenty years, various fire departments have initiated integrating services in order to provide better services to the public. The integration of emergency medical services in the fire service departments is primarily because of the need to well-organized with public funds while sustaining the high level of efficiency. For many of the leaders in these departments, being productive while providing the needed services is one of the main goals (West par, 1). The need to be effective and productive has resulted in many fire service departments to incorporate a medical first responder program. This program has enabled the fire departments to achieve half of their mission since saving lives and protecting property is a fundamental objective of the fire departments. Moreover, some fire service departments have expanded into specialized services such as vehicle rescue, technical extrication, perilous materials response and swift water rescue among other services. The medical first responder program is not only the most needed service in every community but it is also the cheapest EMS program to implement. However, some fire departments have been very reluctant and slow in making the transition to incorporate the medical first responder program in their services. This is partly because of their size and type that makes it harder for them to offer some new level of service. The other reasons for the slow speed in implementation of the program is the challenges that these departments encounter in providing and sustaining the existing levels of service as well as the contentment of firefighters in providing current services and response to fire-related calls only. Future of Fire/EMS Service: Given that the world is experiencing technological changes time after time, the Fire/EMS service has also continued to experience major changes since the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control released a report in early 1970’s. These changes have significantly brought changes in the fire service departments while helping America to tackle fire-related emergencies. The future of Fire/EMS service in the United States is also expected to experience significant changes in the next twenty years. The most immediate changes in the career of Fire/EMS service will be as a result of the five year strategic plan developed by the United States Fire Administration agency. The focal point and emphasis of this strategic plan is on several performance goals such as lessening the fire-related risks at the local level, developing the planning and preparedness at local level, developing the capabilities of fire and emergency service and improving the professional status of emergency services. These performance goals are expected to have significant changes in the career and field of Fire/EMS service. As compared to today, the fire service department in the United States will also change significantly because of the continual review and revision of USFA strategic plans. For individuals who aspire or are currently working in this field, there is a great for them to keep up with the changes that are being implemented by the USFA. As part of its strategic plan, the United States Fire Administration agency has developed new measures that will result in improvement of training and research methods, awareness initiatives, collection of data and technological development among others. Consequently, these professionals in this field need to be prepared in order to meet the ever-improving requirements and expectations. The future of the Fire/EMS service in the United States will most likely include the following changes: Academic Requirements: This is one of the major areas that will continue changing in this field and will have a major impact in the service delivery by professionals. In the next 10-20 years, professional in the fire service department will have to meet tougher academic requirements prior to working in this filed. This is because of the plan by USFA to ensure that the National Fire Academy revises, develops and increases its curricula in the coming years in order to meet the new requirements of the Department of Homeland Security. The National Fire Academy (NFA) whose mission is foster professional development of fire-related emergency services will be required to modify its courses within each curriculum year (â€Å"Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2010-2014†, 7). As NFA modifies its courses within each curriculum year, there will also be a proportional change in academic requirements of professionals in this field. In the coming years, the new curricula will not only incorporate a state-of-the-art and ideal training models but will also have a training model that is appropriate for distribution and use at both the local and state fire training organizations. Additionally, it is expected that the Fire/EMS service will increase and sustain the provision of technological-based preparation programs in the coming years. For instance, web-based curriculum and replication exercise systems with multi-media, computer-based and interactive settings will be part of the training programs. However, alternative traditional means and service delivery methods will be part of the training courses, conferences, seminars, administrative forums and workshops. Furthermore, institutions of higher learning are also expected to continue having the emergency medical service agencies that are entirely staffed by student volunteers. Fire Service Programs: The other significant area that will determine and change the future of Fire/EMS service is the delivery of not only fire-related programs but the provision of other emergency response services. With the integration of emergency medical service and fire service, professional will be expected to continue offering response to fire-related calls as well as response to other emergency calls. Even though some workers are presently reluctant in responding to other emergency service calls, this is more likely to change in the coming years as all the fire service agencies will be required to offer higher levels of service than the existing ones. The other prediction of the future of Fire/EMS service field is the expectation that fire prevention and protection recognition technology will be included in the trainings of city planners, architects, builders and professionals in the building construction industry. This is due to the fact that the United States Fire Administration agency will encourage these trainings and practices are included in the mentioned fields. By the achievement of this in the next few years, fire prevention services will not only be offered by professionals in this field but architects, constructors and city planners will also provide the services. This will revolutionize fire service programs given that the field will have an increased number of participating personnel. Additionally, prevention and protection mechanisms will use new methods of data and information analysis and improved response to all hazards. Conclusion: As the world continues to experience the ongoing technological developments, the future of Fire/EMS service is also expected to change significantly. This is because of the ongoing inclusion of technological-based methods in fire prevention and protection services. The development will help in the further reduction of America’s fire deaths and property loss as compared to the current rate. Professionals in this field need to be properly equipped with the current as well as future mechanisms of service delivery in order to achieve this objective. Finally, they also need to be prepared to offer response to other emergency service calls. Works Cited: â€Å"Statement of Principles. † Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates. FireCompanies. com & Fire Service Based EMS Advocates. Web. 22 Aug. 2010. . United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency. U. S Department of Homeland Security. America’s Fire and Emergency Services Leader Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2010 – 2014. United States Fire Administration. Web. 22 Aug. 2010. . United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency. U. S Department of Homeland Security. Fiscal Year 2009 Report to Congress. United States Fire Administration, Mar. 2010. Web. 22 Aug. 2010. . West, Gary L. â€Å"Integrating Emergency Medical Services in the Fire Department Fire/EMS First Responders: It’s Just a Matter of Time. † The University of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee, 5 Jan. 2007. Web. 22 Aug. 2010. .

Critical Analysis of a Project Business Case Essay

Critical Analysis of a Project Business Case - Essay Example A business case is used to present the strategies and evaluate the alternatives associated with the project plan. To critically analyze the business case regarding the proposal of Affordable Housing for Essential Workers in Port Hedland town in Western Australia, the business case can be looked into with an aim of reflecting on the goals and objectives of the business case as proposed, the valid opportunities and scopes that the case effectively addresses, evaluate the costs and benefits as proposed in the business case and identify the various economic, legal and non- economic benefits as well as the strategies and risks involved in the business case report. Also the business case should be analyzed critically to understand the level of alignment that it has with the vision and objectives of the organization undertaking the project. The rationale for developing the business plan and the risk factors and benefits of implementing the alternatives should also be critically evaluated. B ackground Port Hedland is located in Western Australia on the coastal region of Pilbara region. Due to the presence of a natural harbour, the area has developed as a service centre hub for many industries like gold mining and pearling. In 1960, large iron ore deposits were discovered in Pilbara which drove major changes in the townscape with developments in the construction of railway lines, harbours, accommodation and other facilities for the increase number of mining workers and their families moving into the town. Since then, Port Hedland saw major investments towards resource projects which established Port Hedland as a prominent administration and service hub. In the current scenario, Port Hedland has a huge service population constituting of more than 20,000 full time workers and around 3000 hour based workers. This is referred to in Appendix 1. The accommodation of the rapidly expanding work population has become a major challenge for the town (Government of Western Australia , 2012). The Western Australian Government has become much focused towards improving the living standards and qualities in port Hedland and turning the city into a modern and diverse city with several facilities, infrastructure and services being provided for the population in Port Hedland. The Analysis The greatest challenges for the government of Port Hedland are to develop sufficient infrastructure, land and housing to match the accelerated and unpredictable growth in the population and service workers number (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008). The business plan for Affordable Housing for Essential Workers in Port Hedland town can be analyzed to be in alignment with the current developments in the town area. The region is experiencing huge demand from the resource boom and has to particularly focus on the land and infrastructure projects to match up with the current and the future growth trends in the town. There are extensive plans made for Port Hedland city growth plan to offset the complex development, infrastructure and planning constraints. The business case under study is streamlined with the requirement of more developed infrastructure, housing facilities and other amenities to make the economy more diversified. The economic outlook in the town of Port Hedland looks perfect for new business investments particularly in the housing

Aids and it is obstacle to African development Essay - 1

Aids and it is obstacle to African development - Essay Example It can be noted that the effects of HIV/AIDS pandemic have a direct bearing on the development of the African countries. As such, this essay seeks to critically discuss the obstacles caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic to African development by analysing the situation in South Africa, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone. The paper seeks to outline the direct effects of HIV/AIDS on development in these three countries as well as the measures that have been put by the respective governments to deal with the situation. Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) is contracted through birth, sex, sharing sharp objects such as a razor blade and over time the virus will spread over the body and weaken its cells. The weakening of cells causes AIDS- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which leads to illness and eventually death from related diseases such as tuberculosis or pneumonia and many others (Greyling, 2). HIV/AIDS is one of the most difficult catastrophes to deal with during the contemporary period given that a cure for this deadly pandemic is not yet available and may not be near in sight for quite some time hence the only option that is available at the moment is to strengthen the mechanisms to prevent, reduce the spread and minimise the impact of HIV/AIDS (Benjamin & Barry, 28). In the Sub Saharan Africa in particular, death rates have continued to rise because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic causing life expectancy to fall from an average of 50 years in 1990 to 46 years in 2002 (ADI, 14). AIDS related deaths were 2.2 million in Africa in 2001 and there were more than 30 million infected people. Both Ethiopia and Sierra Leone also have high HIV infection rates according to the report. In the same vein, South Africa is one of the countries with highest HIV infections in the Sub Sahara region regardless of its strong economic performance.

Critical Thinking Paper Draft and Self-evaluation Essay

Critical Thinking Paper Draft and Self-evaluation - Essay Example I am completely motivated and geared up to stop smoking, I remember I smoked for the very first time when I was young and I knew nothing about the damage which smoking could cause, I got to know about the damage only later on and I have been trying hard to quit but the temptation always lingers on and it is quite hard to stop it but this time around I am going to do it and I have already been quite successful. I do not even remember the last time that I smoked and this I think is really a big achievement for me and I am going to carry on and completely stop it because I have realized that it is really dangerous and can cause lung cancer, I have already seen enough pain and suffering in those videos. Those videos have been really useful and have motivated me to quit. Chewing gum has also helped me a ton, whenever I feel the urge to smoke I start chewing and this has been of great help to me, the urge to smoke goes away as soon as I pop it into my mouth and the urge to smoke instantly goes away. â€Å"Nicotine replacement therapies work by giving you a small amount of nicotine, but without the dangerous effects of inhaling tobacco smoke. This helps relieve the withdrawal symptoms and cravings for a cigarette that you get when you stop smoking, and allows you to get on with breaking the psychological habit of smoking. If you are physically addicted to nicotine, using NRT has been shown to almost double your chances of successfully quitting smoking.† (Nicorette Gum) This idea was first suggested to me by a good friend and I tried it and it works like a charm for me, the first time I tried it and I was very happy with the results and I knew this was going to save me, I have bought several gums to help me quit. These are a couple of ideas that have really helped me, discipline in life is really important and I have realized this very late but I am going to follow it till my last breath, I have also understood how difficult it is to give up on vices. Developing

The mechanism of ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in man Essay

The mechanism of ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in man - Essay Example Alcohol damages liver as a dose-dependent hepatotoxin (Maddrey 2004). The damage is mainly due to the by-products of metabolism. After absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, alcohol undergoes oxidation in the liver. The first step in the oxidation is conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde and this is catalyzed by alcohol dehydrogenase. During this process, NADH (NAD, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is released. The acetaldehyde is further oxidized to acetic acid which then enters the citric acid cycle and metabolized to carbondioxide and water. NADH is used up in the conversion of pyruvic acid to lactic acid, in the synthesis of lipids and in the electron transport chain (Paton 2005). Most of the damage to cells caused by ethanol is due to acetaldehyde and NADH. Acetaldehyde causes damage due to immune response and increased NADH causes altered NADH/NAD ratio leading to increased oxygen consumption and hypermetabolic state (Tome 2004). During the initial stages of excessive alcohol consumption, fat deposition occurs in the liver. When fat deposition occurs without any evidence of cell inflammation, it is usually reversible and benign (Maddrey 2004). However, gradually cell inflammation occurs resulting in liver necrosis and fibrosis. Acute fatty liver is caused by increased uptake of plasma-free fattyacids which are released secondary to enhanced blood flow in the liver, activation of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and hypermobilization of adipose-tissue fat (Badawy 1980). The increase in hepatic blood flow is secondary to the direct stimulatory effect of alcohol on the adrenal and pituitary axis (Ismail 2006). Chronic fatty liver occurs due to chronic ingestion of alcohol which inhibits fatty acid oxidation in the liver. There is also release of very low-density lipoprotein into the blood. As consumption of alcohol continues and increases, hypoxia ensues and there is shift in lipid metabolism leading to decreased energy stores.

Information System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Information System - Essay Example By making the organization operate out of the internet, the need for a physical office is almost rendered obsolete and would be more for the compliance of a formal governmental requirement than an operational necessity. To illustrate: Company â€Å"A† is in engaged in buying and selling cars, traditionally a used car business would entail a large ground where the cars will be vetted and an office address where customers who are buying or selling can transact. However, this set-up is self-limiting for the business owners since all the transactions will be limited to customers who can be generated by the local community or the adjoining community. The traditional processes for Company A would be buying cars that would entail the following tasks, car check-up to determine its actual value and then assigning the right value for the car that would include a modest profit. Sale can be made only if a customer would visit the showroom, choose a car, inspect it at the lot and then make an offer or bid if the car meets the customer’s criteria. To reach a wider market base that would include not only the surrounding community, the owners of Company A at times conduct a road show where all cars under the dealership will be transported to other cities for display or exhibition. However road-shows are expensive to set-up and normally the amount of revenue generated is not commensurate to the cost of the entire road-show. The looming saturation point of the community where Company A is located was exacerbated by the emergence of other used car company within the same general location. Intending to look for good location for a road-show in another city, the owner went online following several weeks of zero sales. Piqued by the presence of advertisement in every corner of the PC screen, the owner tried to advertise one of the cars in a website frequented by bargain hunters. In a few minutes after posting the pictures and details about the car, the owner was contac ted by an interested buyer looking for cars to be demolished in a movie, three communities away. The sale was consummated and the owner of company A was able to sell the worst looking car in the lot at a higher price which was never even contemplated for the car. Inspired by the first success in internet commerce, the owners of company A decided to go online and consequently changed their business strategy. The company decided to advertise the content of its car lot in the internet by mainly advertising in several popular sites that are most frequented by its age demographics. Not only did the interest in used car peaked, the number of customers interested in several of their cars were outbidding themselves. In their first week of operation in the internet, all of their cars in the lot were sold and paid for and are just awaiting pick-up or transport to their new owners. The owners of Company A hungry for new inventory advertised their demand for more cars to sell. The response and acceptance of the new advertisement is similar to the initial sale through the internet, offers were overflowing at prices considerably lower even though in good running condition and only slightly used. Due to the robust sales, the owners of Company A discovered a new dilemma as they are now lacking the manpower to check and valuate the cars. The owners of Company A were compelled to personally transact with the car owners to check the condition and assess its

Strategizing optimum location Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategizing optimum location - Essay Example The first two will strategize manufacturing concerns of the abattoir, whereas the last one is a service roadmap. Analysis and theoretical briefing: The standard design of an abattoir goes somewhat like this: a 60 m2 by 30 m2 rectangular Plan consisting mainly of 1)Production module (Pi): P1 slaughter floor, P2 lairage (store area for animals prior to slaughter), P3 chiller, P4 tripe room, P5 meat cutting and processing. 2)Service module (Si): S1 water supply, S2 effluent disposal, S3 solid waste and blood disposal, S4 hide and skin processing, S5 electric light and power. For our case study, we restrict our discussions on a simplistic level only. Let us examine how standard Operation procedures apply in this case. Using linear programming, we need to mainly determine the quantity and variety (e.g. cattle, pigs, sheep and goat, etc.) of slaughter needed/day based on market demand; in this example the "objective function" is market revenue (Ri) out of beef (x1) and pork (x2), and the constraints are space requirements, and market "demand".