pages: CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf, 11
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CityCouncil | 2021-05-08 | 11 | direction, which will return in June with the discussion today helping to inform the report even more; three critical areas for a mental health program that need to be brought together are: 1) authorization of 5150, which is currently limited law enforcement, 2) ability to transport and 3) connecting to services; the Community Paramedicine and County health teams currently do not have 24/7 response; staff can determine how to put the elements together to reach 24/7; the one Community Paramedic does follow up and do proactive work on individual cases, but does not respond to 911 calls; more full implementation would require additional resources in the Fire Department; staff will bring back a more full Community Paramedicine program versus a community based response or model similar to CAHOOTS, which would be more long term; the interim approach would be to move as many responses out of Police to an alternative sources, which would come back in June; then, bring back a more long term approach later. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired about Fire Department staffing. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated, as a point of clarification, the matter on the agenda has to do with alternative Police response; the Council is not talking about sending Firefighters on Police calls; inquired whether the question stays within the agenda subject matter. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the connection is Community Paramedics are under the Fire Department; knowing how many Firefighters are in the City is relevant. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated in order not to confuse the public, there is one Community Paramedic. The Interim Fire Chief stated there is a minimum of 25 people on duty per day, including the one shift manager, which is a Battalion Chief; three shifts make it 24/7; the one Community Paramedic works 40 hours per week; others with a Community Paramedic background work on shifts, but are not working in said capacity; three ambulance companies have six people. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, the Interim Fire Chief stated the Community Paramedic works days; a day assignment differs from a 48 hour shift. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether others are trained, but not acting in the capacity of a Community Paramedic, to which the Interim Fire Chief responded in the affirmative; stated they can be assigned in as needed if the current employee left. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired how difficult it would be to expand the Community Paramedicine program to 24/7. The Interim Fire Chief responded it would have to be expanded to an around-the-clock squad with three shifts of at least one person; a conversation with the Fire union would be required; the position would change from 40 to 56 hours. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the Community Paramedics could support the Department if not responding to calls; stated that she thinks it could be a flexible program. Special Meeting Alameda City Council 11 May 8, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-05-08.pdf |