Athens Clarke Fire Department reports 91% alarm processing success and impressive response times

Athens-Clarke County's emergency response services are exceeding expectations, as highlighted in a recent Mayor and Commission work session. The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department reported an impressive 91% alarm processing time, meaning that 91% of emergency calls are dispatched within 60 seconds. This performance surpasses the established goal of 90%, showcasing the department's commitment to timely emergency response.

The total response time for all calls, including priority 1 and 2 emergencies, averages 11 minutes and 29 seconds, which is notably better than the national average. For priority 1 calls, the average response time is even more commendable at 8 minutes and 46 seconds, aligning with the department's target of under 11 minutes and 59 seconds.

In terms of service delivery, the department reported a lower-than-average rate of non-transports, or "dry runs," at 33.6%. This indicates that more individuals are being transported to hospitals compared to the national average of 40%. However, the department does not track how many individuals declined transport for financial reasons, a gap that could inform future service improvements.

The meeting also addressed the importance of community engagement in emergency preparedness. The department emphasized the need for public access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and community CPR training to enhance survival rates in cardiac emergencies. The current survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Athens-Clarke County stands at 2.02%, which, while low, is considered good for an urban area.

Overall, the discussions underscored the department's proactive approach to emergency services and the ongoing efforts to improve community health outcomes. As Athens-Clarke County continues to enhance its emergency response capabilities, the focus remains on ensuring that residents receive timely and effective care when they need it most.