Plainfield Township Fire Department
Plainfield Fire Department is committed to firefighter and community safety. The mission of PFD is to provide those services, either proactive or emergency, necessary to protect and enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors to Plainfield Charter Township.
PFD is led by Fire Chief Steven McKellar. Chief McKellar started his career at PFD in 1981 as a paid-on-call firefighter; he has worked his way up through the ranks, acquiring knowledge along the way. PFD has a unique staffing model that includes full-time, part-time, and paid-on-call firefighters. PFD has two fire stations; both stations are staffed with a lieutenant and a firefighter 24 hours each day. On-shift firefighters are supervised by a District Chief working a 24-hour shift.
PFD provides many services to our residents that can be divided into three areas: inspections, incident response, and community risk reduction programs. Fire Inspector Rob Quist inspects all commercial buildings in the Township to ensure they meet fire code standards. Our firefighters respond to thousands of calls each year – the majority being medical related. Other calls include fires, vehicle accidents and other assistance to residents.
PFD has an established fire safety program for elementary schools; a CPR program for middle school students; and an accident awareness demonstration program for high school students. PFD also meets with senior citizens and other community groups to provide fire and other important safety information to help reduce the risk of fire and injuries.
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Blazing a Trail: Fire Department Harnesses Tech for Safer and Smarter Township
In the ever-evolving landscape of public safety, technology plays a vital role in enhancing emergency response and ensuring the well-being of communities. The Plainfield Fire Department is at the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions to make a safer community. By embracing cutting-edge tools and techniques, these modern heroes are transforming the way they respond to emergencies, prevent accidents, and safeguard lives and property. This article explores how the Plainfield Fire Department is leveraging technology to create a safer environment for residents and visitors.
Enhanced Communication Systems
Effective communication is the backbone of any successful emergency response operation. The Plainfield Fire Department utilizes the Michigan Public Safety Communications System 800mhz radio system which provides a clear and reliable radio communications system. The department utilizes radios that ensure instant communication among first responders, promoting efficient decision-making and resource allocation during emergencies.
The PFD receives real time information as call information is being entered into the system. This investment into computer systems in the past couple of years has equipped PFD to talk with dispatch through the computers—and provide updated building information such as layouts and key box locations.
Additionally, technology has streamlined daily duties and operations for the fire department. From signing in via smartphones to tracking daily tasks and equipment repairs, technology has facilitated efficient management of personnel and resources, enhancing overall performance and productivity.
Advanced Data Collection and Usage
The Plainfield Fire Department recognizes the importance of data collection and analysis in improving their operations. They have implemented various practices that have gained recognition at the state level.
The PFD's cardiac arrest response procedures have received accolades from KEMS (Kent County Emergency Medical Services). State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer has also commended the department for its data-driven approach and their assistance provided at the state level for smoke alarm tracking and fatal fire reporting.
The fire department actively measures their performance through report cards, tracking the number of calls they respond to, accurately recorded hours worked, training and physical fitness hours and other metrics. These data points are crucial for evaluating their efficiency and identifying areas for improvement—including new equipment and additional staffing needed. They also employ Managing for Daily Improvement (MDI) which is a mechanism in which organizations implement visual management strategies and facilitate key performance indicators (KPIs) at the ground level with day-to-day employee activities. This is born out of the idea that, psychologically, individuals want to do well.
Future Measurement Improvement
The Plainfield Fire Department remains committed to continuous improvement and better measurement practices. They aim to stay current with evolving standards and technology. Regular training sessions, conferences, seminars, and networking with subject matter experts ensure that firefighters are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
The department actively explores new technologies, including drones, and attends drone conferences to learn about different software applications.
By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices, the Plainfield Fire Department aims to meet and exceed industry standards while leveraging technology to enhance their operations.
Efficiency and Safety Measures
The adoption of technology has significantly improved efficiency and safety within the Plainfield Fire Department. All fire trucks now have camera systems, which allows for thorough evaluation of fire scenes, identifying weaknesses and areas for improvement. In addition, after-action reviews, including responses to cardiac arrests, enable the department to identify trends and make necessary adjustments to enhance performance.
Equipment such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and Automatic Chest Compression Devices (ACCDs) are equipped with data collection capabilities. These devices collect and transmit data, providing valuable insights into their usage and effectiveness. The data collected from both the AEDs and ACCDs helps track the efficiency of CPR procedures, minimizing interruptions and improving patient outcomes.
The Plainfield Fire Department utilizes cameras and electronic systems to enhance incident scene management. Bluetooth connectivity enables seamless communication and coordination among teams using self-contained breathing apparatus, ensuring efficient resource allocation and personnel rotation when necessary. In addition, PFD utilizes Ipads for resource and personnel tracking on fire scenes to ensure safety and accountability for everyone operating on the scene.
Community Risk Reduction and Resource Management
Technology plays a pivotal role in community risk reduction initiatives undertaken by the Plainfield Fire Department. Utilizing data analysis to pinpoint areas with a higher risk of incidents, the PFD can respond faster and more efficiently. Drones are employed for visual assessments, helping identify potential hazards and inform preventive measures during fire scenes, rescue operations, and water incidents.
The department also employs technology to manage resources effectively. EMS supplies are tracked electronically, ensuring proper inventory management and timely replacement of expired items. By analyzing data, the Plainfield Fire Department can allocate resources where they are most needed, optimizing their budget and operational efficiency.