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a |
(Part 1) All entry-level candidates for operational positions shall be required to have the same minimum qualifications. |
All entry-level candidates for operational positions are now required to achieve
the following minimum certification requirements: National Registry Emergency
Medical Technician-Basic; CPR; Firefighter I & II (NFPA); Hazardous Materials
Awareness & Operations; Emergency Vehicle Operator; and Technical Rescue
Orientation.
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a |
(Part 2) All operational employees shall be cross-trained at basic levels of EMS, fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials and technical rescue. |
Currently, 87% of the operational workforce (approx. 1,730 personnel out of 1,987) is cross-trained and fully functional in the all-hazards model. As of August 21, 2009, approximately 58 pre-1987-hire firefighters remain who are not yet certified as EMTs, and approximately 167 single-role EMS workers remain who are not yet certified as firefighters. 32 former single-role supervisory employees are beginning All-Hazards training in September 2009. The Department is requiring all non-EMT firefighters to successfully complete EMT training, and this training is ongoing. The Department anticipates completing their certification by the end of FY 2010. The Department continues to explore options for certifying the 167 remaining single-role EMS workers. |
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b |
The Department shall offer current single-role providers basic training for all hazards on a phase-in basis. The Department shall allow single role providers to meet adjusted fitness standards that fairly and reasonably accommodate their incumbent status, including their age and level of experience.
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The Department continues to explore options for cross-training the approximately 167 remaining single-role EMS workers. 32 former single-role supervisory employees are beginning All-Hazards training in September 2009.
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c |
The Department shall continue to maintain a cadre of personnel who are specialized EMS providers at various levels of training who serve primarily in patient care. The overall size of the Department’s workforce creates an opportunity for specialization among employees, permitting the inclusion of those with a passion for patient care without compromising excellence in fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, and other services.
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The Department is committed to recruiting, developing and maintaining a high-level
of specialized EMS provider and supervisory capacity at all levels of the organization.
Highlights of this effort are: a nation-wide recruitment campaign to attract and retain
highly experienced ALS providers; development of an internal paramedic training program;
the creation of additional supervisory positions requiring paramedic certification;
promotional points for personnel with paramedic certification; and the creation of a
competitive merit-based promotional process for EMS supervisory positions. |
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d |
All employees shall have the same basic pay and benefits. The City Administrator shall develop a plan, no later than March 31, 2008, to transition to pay and benefits parity between current single-role medical providers and dual-role providers.
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On April 9, 2008, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced the “One Force – One Standard”*
unification plan. Under this plan, all civilian, single-role EMS providers would become
sworn uniformed members, allowing them to have the same pay and benefit
opportunities offered to firefighters. Under this plan there would be no loss of base pay,
no loss of rank, and there would be a unified promotional process. Former single-role
employees would have two career options: (1) they may elect to become all-hazards
personnel (fully trained firefighters) or (2) they may receive an orientation to all-hazards
operations and then function as specialized EMS providers. Details of the Unification Plan
are available to Department employees and to the public on the agency website, under the
link: Unification Initiative.
On May 30, 2008, Chairman Vincent C. Gray, at the request of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty,
introduced Bill 17-0768: "Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician Transfer Act of 2008*."
This bill was designed to support the unification of the operational personnel of
the D.C. Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department into a fully-functional all-hazards
workforce. Subsequently, on November 25, 2008, the Committee on Public Safety and the
Regrettably, the Committee Print of Bill 17-0768 contained significant changes to the version
introduced on behalf of the Mayor. These changes were contrary to the letter and intent of the
original legislation. These changes have the practical effect of obstructing implementation of
Recommendation 1 of the Task Force: “The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services
shall transition to a fully integrated, all hazards agency.” Fire & EMS Chief Dennis L. Rubin
transmitted a letter to the Council* on 12/15/08 highlighting these concerns. In addition, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) withdrew their fiscal impact statement due to the
changes made to the legislation. Finally, the D.C. Retirement Board transmitted a letter to the
Council on 12/15/08 raising legal and fiscal concerns about the amended legislation.
The amended legislation was approved by the Committee of the Whole on 12/16/08 and transmitted to
the Mayor for signature. Mayor Fenty returned the bill unsigned. Mayor Fenty’s letter* to Chairman
Gray dated 1/30/09 notes: “the Attorney General has raised legal questions regarding the
amended bill’s effect on employee participation in the District of Columbia Police Officers’
and Firefighter’s Retirement Plan, and the Chief Financial Officer has withdrawn its fiscal impact
statement as a result of modifications to the original bill… the amended bill makes it difficult for F&EMS to
implement the task force’s recommendations. For these reasons I will not be able to sign Bill 17-768.
However, I would be happy to work with the Council to develop a proposal that meets our shared
goal of improving fire and emergency medical services.” |
