NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
PRESENT:
Absent:
Present:
Charles Kavanaugh, President
Dan McCoy, 1st VP
Mike Walton, 2nd VP
Raymond LeBlanc, Past President
Jeff Richardson, Fundy District
Harry Farrell, Capital District
Sandy MacKinnon – DNR
Dwaine Hallihan, Miramichi Valley
Steve Armour – Central Valley
Chief Quentin McGrath – Ste. Anne Regional
Chief Jody Price, Training Committee
Fred Kennedy, Sgt. At Arms
Serge Gallant, Fire Service Co-ordinator NBCC
Peter Kavanaugh Local Service Manager, Local Government
Deputy Chief Tim Nickerson Royal District
Deputy Minister Public Safety Kevin Mole, Acting Fire Marshal
Deputy Chief Randy MacTavish, NBAFPO
Chief Frank Guitard, Volunteer Chiefs
Chief Jules Levesque, Northwest FF
Chief Scott Poupart, Industrial Chiefs
Fire Chief Ian Gavet, replacing Dwaine Hallian, Miramichi rep.
Fire Chief Allan Peters – Aboriginal Affairs
Meeting called to order 7:00 PM President Kavanaugh.
Motion for approval of agenda Deputy Chief Dan McCoy 2nd Chief Scott Poupart motion carried.
Motion for approval of minutes for the October 2013 Board of Directors’ meeting Deputy Chief Tim
Nickerson, 2nd Chief Mike Walton, motion carried.
Finances/Funding Raising Committee – Chief Mike Walton reported the bank balance to end of
December 2013 is $ 62,054. Fenety Marketing Campaign to date has raised $ 91,657.00
Workshop expense 2013 was $ 34,887.00 revenue $ 31,100; it was agreed that grant funds remaining
from the Live fire Burn would be allocated to cover the over expenditure of the workshop for 2013
remainder transferred to the 2014 accounts. Motion by Frank Guitar to transfer funding to 2014
accounts 2nd Dan McCoy, motion carried.
President Report – President Kavanaugh reported since his last meeting of the Board of Directors in
October the Executive had a meeting with Kevin Mole, OFM to discuss the vacant position of the Fire
Marshal and staffing positions within the umbrella of this office, i.e. staff numbers.
November 8th he attended the ceremony for the draw of Fire Chief for the Day in Fredericton
Nob 29 & 30 – Annual conference of Local Government; President Kavanaugh stated this conference
was very information and well attended.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
December 2 attend the ceremony for Fire Chief for a day in Fredericton.
January 13th President Kavanaugh had a meeting with the Fire Chief of Plaster Rock regarding train
derailment. Also attended the debriefing with Acting Fire Marshal Mole and responding department on
January 23rd re Plaster Rock derailment there will also be meetings scheduled with CN officials in the
near future.
CAFC – Fire Chief Jody Price reported the CAFC convention 2014 will be held in Ottawa and will be in
conjunction with the fallen fire fighters ceremonies.
MFCA- President Kavanaugh is asking for host department to carry out training sessions May 1,2, 2014
Topic will be concerning people who are Hoarders and as a fire service what to expect. President asked
anyone interested in hosting this seminar to please contact him.
NBAFC Funding Raising Lottery – President Kavanaugh reported the NBAFC lottery has not had a lot of
interest he asked for the Boards comments as to whether to cancel of move forward. It was decided to
send notice on web site as a reminder and we will continue for possibly another year.
Education and Training committee – Fire Chief Jody Price reported a meeting for the workshop 2014 will
be held in mid February. Work shop will be September 19th & 20th, 2014. ICS Canada asked Chief Price
to attend the PEI Country Music Festival to observe the ICS System being utilized for any emergencies;
Chief Price reported he was very impressed with this system and he is recommending we use the ICS
system for the workshop. DNR will be invited to work with the committee in this area.
Chief Price attended the Pro Board Accreditation conference in January. Chief Price explained the
agenda to the Board members with documentation of same. After explaining the process he advised the
members that he feels we should move forward with this accreditation for the NB Fire Service and we
need to sit on the Board of Directors to ensure the needs of ALL the NB Fire Service are met.
He also recommended we maintain a two tier system in the Province i.e. Certification as well as NBCC
Levels
Need to ensure the seals (Pro Board and IFSAC ) are protected and held at the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Training Process:
Level 11 NBCC is being used to prepare for testing for Goal Seal.
IFSAC Letter of intent has been sent and will be voting in April once document is received they have 90
days to confirm.
Fire Chief Ian Gavet stated this seal for Volunteer Fire Fighters will assist them on the liability issue, i.e.
should they have to go to court they have this accreditation to bring with them.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
Convention Committee – Deputy Chief Conrand Landry Dieppe F.D. reported on 2014 Convention which
will be held in Dieppe N.B., May 30, 31, June 1, 2014 hosted by Southeast FF Association. Agenda was
also presented to the Board of Directors.
Awards Committee – Deputy Chief Tim Nickerson reported he has a temp plate for the certificate of
awards however no meetings have been held.
Fire Prevention – Randy MacTavish reported annual inspections of liquor establishments has been
discussed within their Association. They would like to work with NB Liquor agency to establish a new
system that when they are ready to renew their liquor license the Fire Prevention Officers carry out an
inspection. Lengthy discussion took place and Kevin Mole OFM will look into the present legislation with
the Liquor Licensing Board.
There will be a meeting of the NBAFPO February 5th in New Maryland regarding the Fire Inspectors
Program.
The yearly Convention NBAFPO will be held April 10, 11, 12th in Moncton, NB. Motion by Chief Walton
that the NBAFC allocate $ 1000.00 towards the NBAFPO for their seminar, 2nd Chief Guitar, motion
carried.
Director Local Service District Peter Kavanaugh reported tenders have been sent out for five vehicles; a
few items had to be changed and will be resent. They have been waiting since 2010 for vehicles; there
are presently 22 trucks which have to be ordered. Main issues which slow the process is getting people
together to create standards. He also stated that Fire Chiefs are not sending the information required to
his office in a timely manner which also delays tendering. Information sheets are set out to the LSD
Chiefs for required information and some are not being received.
It was recommended an Ad Hoc committee be developed for the New Brunswick Fire Service Pro Board
Seal. The Committee will consist of a Chief Officer from the Permanent, Volunteer and Industrial Chiefs.
Fire Chief Scott Poupart noted their next meeting is in February and a member will be picked. Fire Chief
Frank Guitard was also asked to discuss this at his next Volunteer Chiefs meeting.
Fire Rescue Service Committee – Chief Price reported that the Fire Rescue service committee has
completed their part and this has been handed over to Local Government which now is a Government
committee. Peter Kavanaugh reported a joint committee with OFM and members of the fire service in
surrounding areas will be struck. First two components have been completed and have been sent for
translation. February meeting will discuss water rescue and ice water rescue.
Haz Mat – no report
Regional 911 PSAP – no report
License plates – Nadine LeBlanc report there were no issues with this topic.
Aboriginal Fire Chiefs – Allan Peters reported a meeting with Aboriginal Affairs regarding funding will be
held in February.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
Permanent Chiefs – Fire Chief Bill Ireland, CFO
The Permanent Chiefs Committee met on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 in Fredericton.
The following is a summary of our minutes from the November 5, 2013 meeting:
Saint John Deputy Chief Joe Armstrong advised the group that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
has formed a National Municipal Rail Safety Working Group with a mandate to:
- Equip and support municipal first responders to rail emergencies
- Ensure federal and industry policies and regulations address the rail safety concerns of municipalities
-Prevent downloading of rail safety and emergency response costs to local taxpayers
Saint John Fire Chief Kevin Clifford is a member of this working group and has invited any NB Chiefs with
concerns regarding rail safety to pass them on to him.
- The Town of Oromocto and IAFF Local 1576 have commenced a two-year trial of a 24-hour shift.
- Chief Ireland provided an update on the challenges associated with implementing the IAFF/IAFC Fire
Service Joint Labour Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative.
Chief Fleming raised a concern regarding the proliferation of industrial occupancies in the LSD area
surrounding his municipality. After some discussion, it was agreed that this issue is similar to concerns
raised previously regarding the increase in mutual aid responses to LSD’s. The P.Chiefs were requested
to meet with their local RSM to get specific details on service contract funding formulas so that the rates
across the Province could be accurately evaluated. The relationship between municipal fire departments
and Local Government is a standing agenda item for the P. Chiefs Committee.
The next scheduled meeting is set for February 25th, 2014.
Calculations for LSD rates was discussed regarding response to outside areas Peter Kavanaugh will bring
the calculation system to the next meeting for further clarification.
NBCC Serge Gallant reported meetings have been held with OFM with PRO Board and information has
been sent to IFSAC as to what was required to move forward. Target date is June for site visits with
return to the Board with an answer from IFSAC.
Fire Chief Ian Gavet report on behalf MVFF
"The MVFFA recognizes that there are many challenges attracting volunteers, in part the burden of
getting necessary and vital training:
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Volunteers don’t all work 9-5 or Monday – Frida
Often work evenings and weekends in conflict to NBCC schedule
Often work out of province for some weeks away and some weeks back
Often work seasonally which conflicts with training schedules/hunting seasons
In short, many are put off by the traditional schedule
MVFFA unanimously agree that change is needed to the limited options available thru NBCC
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
We recognize that:
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Training with an experienced skilled instructor can be a better learning experience in the classroom
Some students won’t or can’t use a computer so will need access to classroom training
However, with the knowledge of the challenges with traditional training delivery we believe that NBAFC
and/or the FMO needs to:
Deliver the cognitive/theory component online using a method like “blackboard” server in which
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Students can be enrolled at any time rather than just when there are enough numbers regionally
Students can learn at their own pace when work/home constraints permit
Still get all the existing PowerPoint online and the copy of the IFSTA manual to refer to
Can ask questions to dedicated instructors online, or at their parent department
Take progress checks at the end of each chapter to test retention with a minimum pass mark of 70%
Take the Block exams at the College or proctored elsewhere
However, the students still have to attend the fire station or regional training weekends to complete
their skills training packages
We’re not reinventing the wheel here and colleges do it throughout North America. Though it threatens
the income of some instructors across the province it benefits the fire service by:
Making training more accessible and user friendly
Reduces the cost of course delivery across the province
Most importantly it ensures that we reduce the big training related roadblocks that get in the way of
the attraction and retention of volunteers
In summary, offering the cognitive theory portion of Firefighter I online, but with skills testing and
examinations in person, will enable that portion of the New Brunswick Fire Service that relies on
volunteers, to attract and retain members who we'd otherwise not be able to attract because their lives
don't match up to traditional training schedules. In addition, it should also reduce the cost of delivery to
the Province. This initiative is critical to the survival of many volunteer fire departments, especially those
of the MVFFA.
We all know that many volunteer fire departments are struggling to safely staff fire ground operations
with reports we've heard this weekend of 4 FF structure fires which is 12 less than the NIST study
suggests is the basic minimum safe number. The MVFFA and all of its Fire Chiefs urge NBAFC and the
FMO to direct NBCC to make this a reality in the next 12 months. If NBCC is unable or unwilling then
serious consideration should be given to contracting this option out to another organization whose
standing in the education community will allow students to still test with NBCC and the FMO and be
certified by NBCC. This should be a major priority for our NB fire service."
Motion by Dan McCoy with regard to the request from Chief Gavet, on behalf of the Miramichi Valley
Fire fighters Association “on line training for the NB Fire Service”; that a committee be struck to look
at the possibility of on line training with Fire Chief Ian Gavet chairing this committee to discuss cost
and procedures to follow to develop this type of training, 2nd Scott Poupart, motion carried.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
NBCC - Serge Gallant – Fire Service Co-ordinator
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We have currently 10 FF1 courses running multiple FF2 courses and Remote Rescue
We need to plan a rental agreement for the FTC training site, Cost ect… Serge is getting
request from department requesting the Training Site Miramichi for training. Funding
between government and NBAFC for the site was discussed. No decision made
Upgrades to the site include Fence, lighting, moving trailer and house, pump house…
Serge reported there will be a house moved to the Training Site in Miramichi for training
purposes. The office trailer which has been used as the home base for the workshop
administration staff has been given to the NBAFC/NBCC for use for the annual workshop.
Lighting is also being done on site with video cameras.
Costing is being done through NBCC for a pump for water supply. The fence has been
installed and compound secure.
We need support on getting some fire fighters cleaned up with Level 1 –Serge explained
there are fire fighters who started their Level 1 under 2nd Edition and have still not
finished due to their time frame of working hours and family
Motion by Chief Walton that the NBAFC support NBCC to send correspondence to the fire fighters who
have not completed their FF 1 training be allowed a year for completion, 2nd Tim Nickerson, motion
carried
Hazmat operations vs blk 5. Committee or not. Edition was discussed. It was suggested to move forward
with the 10-12 hour course. Upon completion of this course the Firefighter will have their Haz Mat
Operations certificate.
Fire Investigator update on course 25 students completed level 1.
IFSTA updates available for pump and officer programs in April.
Officer program Committee is to start soon.
ICS Canada has approach NBCC to be the jurisdiction having authority in New Brunswick to deliver their
training to fire fighters.
Haz Mat Operations Block 5 – 5th Edition was discussed. It was suggested to move forward with the 1012 hour course. Upon completion of Firefighter one with this course you will have your Haz Mat
Operations certificate.
Fire Investigator course held January went very well student had good comments. 2nd part of program
will be end of March early April. Deputy Chief Dan McCoy’s advised the members it was a very good
course and complimented the NBAFPO for the work they did to expand and bring an excellent course for
the Province.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
IFSTA update fire attack. IFSTA has dropped fire attack program, due to this we will be building our own
program, the same for pump course use people from NB for training courses. Officer program IFSTA will
have their program in April.
Regional 911 PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) – Dianne Pelletier
Regional Status:
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Miramichi Region
o Completed as pilot several years ago.
Edmundston Region
o 5 Simulcast Dispatch Zones deployed and operational.
Bathurst Region
o 3 Simulcast Zones deployed and operational.
o 27 out of 37 FDs moved over to new dispatch system.
o 8 FDs at various stages of readiness and expected to be online over the next few
months.
o 2 FDs have not committed to using the Standard Dispatch System.
Codiac Region
o Coverage and Zoning Assessment completed.
Fredericton Region
o Coverage and Zoning Assessment to be conducted by end March 2014.
o Capital Region Fire Departments have done assessments of their existing equipment and
ready to participate in a design and implementation initiative.
Saint John Regions
o Coverage Assessment anticipated to be conducted within fiscal 2014/15.
Proposed Approach:
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Define the zone and start the process to acquire new simulcast zone frequencies (can be a 12
week process).
Where co-location on Bell or other agency owned towers is required start the process to get
permission to co-locate (1-3 months).
Focus on zone by zone implementation approach.
Inform stakeholders throughout the process and identify willing participants.
Start installing the necessary infrastructure at the PSAPs and at required tower sites based on
confirmed participation.
Continue to engage and inform stakeholders at the PSAPs and within the Fire Service.
Contact Information:
 Diane Pelletier, 506-462-5032, diane.b.pelletier@gnb.ca
 Jilanna Eagles, 506-457-6412, jilanna.eagles@gnb.ca
Regional Fire Dispatch 911 – President Kavanaugh suggested that the members contact the
Executive if they have issues with PSAP and they will meet with Dianne Pelletier to discuss further.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
Appendix “A” New Brunswick Regional Fire Dispatch Minimum Standards
Office of the Fire Marshal – Acting Fire Marshal Kevin Mole reported on the strong relationship that his
office shares with NBAFC.
He explained the process for the call out for the Plaster Rock derailment incident January 7th. Dallas
Boudreau received the call and spoke with the Fire Chief of Plaster Rock. Acting Fire Marshal Kevin Mole
spoke on the collaboration between all the agencies responding; there was an issue regarding
communications, of who was in charge of the scene and through the debriefing session this item was
solved. He was impressed with the calm and bravery that the fire department of Plaster Rock submitted
at the scene with the evacuation of families and their response to the scene. This was his first time at
such an incident to be on scene and to see how our 1st responders take charge.
The debriefing afforded a lot of information should an incident occur in the future. Meetings were also
held with SJ FD and Fredericton FD along with Chief Jody Price in attendance.
AFM Mole reported on the procedure carried out from the beginning of the incident. Debriefing started
from the time the call was received to releasing the scene. AFM Mole stated that with the little staff
available through the OFM Chief Price was called in to assist and was appointed to Acting Regional Fire
Marshal; with his knowledge of Haz Mat he was great assistance.
One item that was learned regarding this call was importance of having Regional Haz Mat teams;
realizing there are two heavy teams in the Province, as well the 4 scout teams. Kevin Mole stated there
will be another debriefing of all the agencies who attended this call. Due to staffing at the present time
with the OFM Chief Price has been asked to be primary call out for Haz Mat incident in the Province.
Kevin Mole spoke on the communications with the Office of the Fire Marshal. He stated that all fire
Chiefs contact the Office of the Fire Marshal through the 506-453-2004 and will be directed to the
proper person. He asked that should there be no response to please leave a message and a staff
member will return the call.
AFM Kevin Mole reported that the Hall of Flame Award plaques have been moved to Arygle Street.
Another location was discussed however Kevin Mole noted that if the NBAFC which to keep them at this
location that would be fine as well. He also informed the members some of the administration work has
been shared i.e. Medals, fire reporting.
Changes to the Fire Marshal Office – since the retirement of Administrative Staff bilingual administrative
support is being looked into.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
Serge Sirois has been appointed to Regional Fire Marshal effective January 27th and will be replacing
Hubert Morin for the Northwest section of the Province. Kevin Mole stated that all Regional Fire
Marshals are to contact him prior to going to a call out. Ross Randal Director of Public has been asked to
assist the Office of the Fire Marshal with Administration; this will be a temporary. AFM Mole reported
he will be away on vacation for a few weeks in February and Mike Colbert Assistant Deputy Minister for
Emergency Services will be replacing his position while he is away.
Mr. Doug Brown has been appointed to the position Fire Marshal for the Province of New Brunswick has
will start the 1st of April. A bio will be established and put out to the Fire Service.
NBCC has been approached by ICS Canada to carry out the training for the Province. Motion Dan
McCoy that NBCC, in conjunction with Sandy McKinnon, DNR look at the avenue to provide ICS
training to the NB Fire Service, 2nd Frank Guitard, motion carried
Volunteer Chiefs Frank Guitar advised there was no meeting held in fall 2013; there should be a meeting
in near future. He is also waiting to meet with Minister Public Safety to discuss red lights. Frank Guitard
will be asking the Volunteers for a co-chair to replace him in event he cannot attend a meeting.
Industrial Chiefs – Scott Poupart Meeting will be held in February to discuss the election of a member to
be part of the Pro Board Seal committee on behalf of Industrial Chiefs. They have been informed there
is interest in forming an industrial brigade from northwest region. Industrial Chiefs have been
communicating with Chief Clifford regarding his new training facility in Saint John.
Regional Directors
Chauleur – Quentin McGrath reported the Association continue training in FF 1, ISFAC fire fighter
instructors course will be carried out. They are having problems with Ambulance NB. Also they are
having problems with dispatch making decision for the fire department or questioning their request.
They are also revamping their present constitution.
Central Valley – Mike Walton reported training continues however there is not enough numbers to carry
out a Level 1. They are looking at February for a Level 11.
Southeast – Raymond LeBlanc reported training continues with the Southeast. Working on 2014
convention to be held in Dieppe, Crystal Palace May 30, 31, June 1, 2014
Royal Fire Fighters – Tim Nickerson reported on training for the Royal District.
Miramichi Valley Fire Chief Gavet reported training continues in the field of auto extrication, haz mat
operations, deliberation course along with FF 1.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
Northwest Jules Levesque reported on the training of Level 1 in his area. They also had a problem with
dispatch. 911 Communications failure, dispatch called him by phone to report of a fire; what would
happen if he was not at home they should have texting availability as cell phones are always with you.
This will be his last meeting as Director for Northwest; Deputy Chief Yvon Pelletier will be the new
representative for Northwest.
Live Fire Burn Unit – Lengthy discussion was held regarding this topic. It was suggested that perhaps it
would be for the best if the NBAFC were to purchase their own Live Burn Trailer. Various comments
were made to be discussed cost is a man facture and manning of this unit for discussion.
Motion to adjourn D/C Dan McCoy
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
Appendix “A”
New Brunswick Regional Fire Dispatch
Minimum Standards
The standards contained herein constitute the proposed minimum, acceptable standards for the
provision of a Regional Fire Dispatch system in New Brunswick. These standards of protocol,
performance and service delivery have been developed for the unique delivery service model proposed
for the New Brunswick pilot project. They are subject to review and revision throughout the
development of a Regional Fire Dispatch system in New Brunswick.
1.0 Operations
1.1
Dispatch services shall be provided in an uninterrupted manner, twenty-four (24) hours per day,
seven (7) days per week
1.2
Ninety-five (95) % of all incoming calls shall be answered within eighteen (18) seconds (approx. 3
rings)
1.3
Dedicated constant, recordable, two-way voice communications shall be available between the
communications centre and the fire service.
1.4
All two-way communication between the communication centre and the fire service shall be
voice recorded in such a fashion that it allows for a date/time stamp
1.5
All two-way communication shall be in plain language.
1.6
Dispatch services shall be offered to the fire service in the official language of choice
1.7
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and/or Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG) shall be
developed and maintained with consultation from the NB 9-1-1 Bureau, the Regional Fire
Dispatch Steering Committee (RFSC), and the Emergency Service Communications Committee
(ESCC).
1.8
Dispatch services shall be supported by Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records
Management Software (RMS).
1.9
Communications dispatch equipment (radios, pagers and/or phones) shall be tested as per
agreed upon schedule with each fire service and dispatch service provider.
1.10
An incident reporting process shall be followed as defined by the NB 9-1-1 Operating Procedures
Directives (OPD)
2.0 Facility
2.1
Each facility shall have an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and back up generator system
that ensures continuous uninterrupted services at the dispatch centre.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
2.2
Each facility shall have dedicated phone line(s) for fire communication and dispatch purposes.
2.3
Each communications centre shall develop a written protocol to maintain and operate an
alternative communications system capable of providing emergency functions within 60
minutes, if required.
2.3.2
Written protocols shall include a description of an alternate physical location
2.3.3
Written protocols shall include a description of the ability to re-route incoming calls for
processing and response.
2.3.4
Written protocols shall include a scheduled, annual testing procedure
2.3.5
The dates of testing completion and all findings shall be documented and a copy
available to the Regional Fire Dispatch Steering Committee upon request
3.0 Records management
3.1
Each communications centre and fire service shall possess and maintain maps for all areas of
dispatch jurisdiction and coverage.
3.1.2
Maps in electronic and hard copy formats shall be provided to each communications
centre by the NB 9-1-1 Bureau. Electronic mapping format shall be provided to each fire
service upon request.
3.1.3
All maps shall be updated as required and provided to each communications centre and
fire service by the NB 9-1-1 Bureau
3.1.4
Cross reference tables (electronic and hard copy) shall be provided and updated as
required to each communications centre by the NB 9-1-1 Bureau
3.2
Electronic and paper documentation specific to the communication services shall be maintained
as per standardized retention schedule (TBD – legal opinion pending)
3.3
A copy of all call reports shall be forwarded to each fire service as per agreed upon form and
substance schedule.
4.0 Training
4.1
Dispatch staff shall be trained in emergency services dispatch.
4.1.1 Emergency services dispatch training objectives and content shall be as mutually agreed
between the ESCC and the Regional Fire Dispatch Committee.
4.1.2
Training topics shall include, but not be limited to: efficient use of all communications
equipment, communications centre evacuation protocols, proper use of resource
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
materials such as the Hazardous Materials Handbook, knowledge of formal mutual aid
fire service plans.
4.2
Each communications centre shall maintain a current resource listing to contact emergency
support service agencies for their response areas. Agencies identified shall include, but not be
limited to: Provincial Mobile Communications Centre (PMCC), Canutec, Emergency Measures
Organization (EMO), Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR), Dept. of Energy (DOE), Dept. of
Transportation (DOT), NB Power, Canada Coast Guard, and relevant mutual aid agencies.
5.0 Audit
5.1
A system for quality assurance (QA) and quality improvement (QI). TBD
5.2
An annual audit schedule be developed for the QA/QI system.
5.3
A regional stakeholder committee shall be formed to review QA/QI. Membership shall be
determined on a regional basis. The committee shall meet at a minimum of twice per year.
Glossary
CAD – computer aided dispatch computer based system, which aids public safety answering point
telecommunicators by automating selected dispatching and record keeping activities.
Call reports – recorded information taken by the dispatcher as transmitted by the fire service for the
duration of the response. May also be known as occurrence or incident reports
Communication Centre – A communications agency charged with the responsibility for receipt,
transmission and delivery of fire dispatch.
Cross reference table – A confidential document containing a listing of community names with their
primary and back up emergency service providers (ESPs) and their respective telephone numbers. It is
available in hard copy and electronic format.
ESCC - Emergency Service Communications Committee - A joint provincial and senior municipal public
safety answering point (PSAP) committee that acts as a liaison between the Province and the PSAPs on
all matters related to the NB 9-1-1 call taking and call transfer services.
Dedicated phone line(s) - A telephone circuit used for a single purpose.
Dispatch services – the process surrounding the receipt of calls from individuals who need assistance
from emergency service providers. Once information is obtained from the caller, the dispatcher
activates the services necessary to respond to the nature of the call for help.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
Essential Functions:
1. Receive emergency service calls requesting emergency service; determine nature, location, and
priority of emergency
2. Dispatch emergency and backup units as necessary;
3. Maintain compliance with established procedures for operating a dispatch system;
4. Obtain and relay estimated arrival times for units and other agencies;
5. Read and relay geographical directions as required;
6. Maintain contact with all units on assignment;
7. Contact additional agencies/resources as requested by the fire service (ex. NB Power )
8. Maintain a variety of logs, records and files related to dispatching activities.
Electronic documents - all documents as compiled, transmitted and stored in electronic format ex. CD,
email.
Paper documents – all documents as compiled, transmitted and stored in hard copy format
Plain language – A clear, spoken message used in radio communications transmissions. Based on
common terminology, it avoids misunderstanding in complex and noisy situations and reduces the
chances for error. When utilizing plain language, 10 - codes or agency-specific codes are not used.
(reference the Operate Communication Equipment doc from the Office of the Fire Marshall)
PSAP – public safety answering point.
QA – quality assurance - planned, step-by-step activities that let one know that testing is being carried
out correctly, results are accurate, and mistakes are found and corrected to avoid adverse outcomes
or
Quality assurance is defined as a system in which the level of quality of a product is determined and
then compared to certain parameters or guidelines to resolve acceptance or rejection
QI – quality improvement - actions taken throughout the organization to increase the effectiveness of
activities and processes to provide added benefits to both the organization and its customers.
Records Management Software (RMS) - A program that collects, stores and collates data into reports
enabling interpretation and evaluation of performance, trends, traffic capacities, etc.
Regional stakeholder committee – a committee of representative stakeholders relevant to the fire
dispatch services in that region, that shall meet to review the operational issues, trends, needs and
outcomes.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) - A device that sits between a power supply (e.g. a wall outlet) and
a device (e.g. a computer) to prevent undesired features of the power source (outages, sags, surges, bad
harmonics, etc.) from the supply from adversely affecting the performance of the device.
NBAFC BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 24, 25, 2014 MONCTON
Voice recorded – a process whereby a voice-band audio recorder records to and plays from a
permanent storage media such as tape or disk. Logging recorders are typically multi-channel so as to
simultaneously record from several sources.