pages: CityCouncil/2021-07-06.pdf, 2
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CityCouncil | 2021-07-06 | 2 | long and includes an emphasis on staffing and equipment; the proposal calls for a Management Analyst, Firefighter/Paramedic, a vehicle with specific needs, two work station desktops and includes a two sentence remark for mental health response services; the proposal includes a 100-hour mental health training for Alameda Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with a sentence referring to a follow-up crisis management unit; the City will be better served selecting an experienced provider. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she agrees the matter is an important decision; she is familiar with mental health and cultural competency; she made the motion to support AFD in hopes for a first responder option; she would like an opportunity given to AFD to explain their proposal. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted the City Manager provided contact information for both Felton Institute and AFD; stated both have provided input in response to questions from Council. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she would like clarification on the Community Paramedicine Program and additional details brought to the table by AFD; AFD is the best choice for the pilot program. The Interim Fire Chief stated AFD has set out to provide a solution to problem; AFD's proposal is 5 pages long; AFD has been part of first response for over 40 years and has had ambulance transport program for 37 years; AFD has responded to a variety of medical service calls for a variety of services, including mental health crises; AFD has been an integral part of responses over the years having transported people to authorized facilities, including local emergency departments and the County mental health hospital; the Community Paramedicine Program includes one Community Paramedic providing community outreach 40 hours per week; the program services homeless people in the community; first responders are the first to arrive on the scene when someone calls 911; AFD responds to medical emergency service and mental health crisis calls; the AFD program is designed to meet community concerns including a 24-hour operation and a lowered Police presence in response to calls for service; AFD developed a program response without Police assistance when appropriate; the program developed includes a trained paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) being available at all times; an alternate phone number for emergency response could be considered in the future; most people have been trained to dial 911 in an emergency; in instances where AFD responds to calls for service, the scene and patient are evaluated; AFD's program has been designed to utilize existing resources within the City. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about the additional training. The Interim Fire Chief stated there are three components to the training: crisis intervention training which includes de-escalation, specific behavioral health training, and the laws surrounding 5150 holds; if AFD is provided with 5150 training, the department will be able to provide services where needed allowing Police not to be Continued March 16, 2021 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 2 July 6, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-07-06.pdf |