Jensen Hughes System Improvement Dashboard

Sedgwick County Emergency Communications

Recommendation #1.a:

WFD and SCEC resolve the inconsistency between policies. SCEC SOG, and WFD OMs should be revised accordingly.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

Operational procedures for when and why a dispatcher should broadcast on fire TAC channels were updated and agreed upon by SCFD, Derby FD, WFD, and Emergency Communications on 4/11/2024 and published for Emergency Communications staff on 4/23/2024.

Recommendation #1.b:

Any time that TAC channels are in use, there should be a dedicated dispatcher actively monitoring that radio channel. SCEC SOG, and WFD OMs should be revised accordingly.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

Currently, any incident with three or more fire units responding is assigned a TAC channel, whether an injury accident or a structure fire. There is active discussion with the fire chiefs regarding how they prefer to operationalize this recommendation, whether on all TAC channel assignments, on structure fires only, or only upon Fire Command request. And, the associated consideration is what role and tasks a TAC dedicated dispatcher will fulfill, both during TAC usage and when TAC is not being utilized. WFD: Cooperative policy updates remain in progress.

Recommendation #2:

Call takers and dispatchers need to utilize existing instant recall features in the 911 phone system to replay audio when information is not heard or comprehended. Ensure staff is aware of and trained on all instant recall software, including 911 (VESTA) phone recall, Motorola radio recall, and NICE recorder for all audio.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

Formal training and documentation of the training has been developed, inclusive of how to use the deployed technology and when to use the technology.

Recommendation #3:

SCEC's definition of minimum staffing should include dedicated call takers.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

Currently, minimum staffing levels at peak times of the day are inclusive of call takers. The department is working toward a staffing goal where call takers are included in the minimum staffing levels at all times of the day, at a level that would eliminate the need for dispatchers to answer emergency phone calls.

Recommendation #4:

All dispatchers should retrain on how to upgrade CAD recommendations for a second alarm, through automatic CAD recommendation and through manual dispatching methods. Although this procedure was practiced by SCEC administration after the Brookhollow fire and shared with all dispatchers, less routine dispatch scenarios should be practiced in simulations, including manually dispatching apparatus when CAD is not reponding appropriately.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

All staff were retrained in 2024 on how to upgrade alarms and on manual dispatching methods. Training plans are being developed for discipline-specific dispatching with a 2025 implementation schedule. Training plans will require that, CAD dispatching and manual dispatching of all alarm types and levels are reviewed with regularity and then tested on for retention.

Recommendation #5:

Review operations manual with all Dispatchers and ensure all understand this communicaiton's importance to WFD and other agencies reponding to incidents.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

Until April 2024, there was not agreement or consistent policy across the three major fire departments, WFD, DFD, and SCFD, with Emergency Communications on when the dispatcher should or should not be on the TAC channel providing information. Operational procedures for when and why a dispatcher should broadcast on fire TAC channels were updated and agreed upon by SCFD, Derby FD, WFD, and Emergency Communications on 4/11/2024 and published for Emergency Communications staff on 4/23/2024. All fire dispatchers were trained on those expectations. In addition to the training, structure fire responses are audited routinely for the dispatcher’s adherence to policy and procedures.

Recommendation #6:

Integrate 911 phone and radio systems into a single headset for each operator.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

Emergency Communications is working with the telephony and radio vendor to pilot an integrated headset solution. Currently, a single headset does not eliminate the processing of two audio sources by the dispatcher, but instead redirects one audio input to an external speaker while the other is received through a headset. The caution that dichotic hearing can create cognitive overload will not be eliminated through the single headset solution. Contrarily, there is concern that having one source of audio received via an external speaker may impede understanding, as the audio will be competing with background noise through the indirect delivery of sound. The effective solution for wholly eliminating the concern is to eliminate the need for dispatchers to simultaneously serve as phone call takers.

Recommendation #7:

Work with carriers and 911 service providers to get automatic rebidding of ANI/ALI to provide WPH2 location data.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

The call handling solution, Vesta, already does automatic rebids of 911 calls. Additionally, call takers are able to view continuous rebids and mapping through RapidDeploy and they can see rebids from RapidSOS available within the call, listed with the closest address point.

Recommendation #8:

Consider enhancing visibility of this location technology by running stand-alone versions of RapidSOS or integrating this information directly into the 911 phone map.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

Emergency Communications utilizes RapidDeploy for 911 call mapping. RapidDeploy gathers device-based location information from the same data points that RapidSOS uses to locate callers. Having a third map open from RapidSOS would not provide any different location tracking than what is already available via the RapidDeploy mapping available at all dispatch consoles.

Additional Considerations #12: 

SCEC should enhance public education / communication on their mission and people behind the Sedgwick County 911 center. Continue with current employee recognition and enhance employee recognition with local media outlets. This will help the public to understand the critical role the dispatch center plays in the overall public safety system. 

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Emergency Communications is collaborating with Strategic Communications, with support from the Community Advisory Board, to develop a public education and communication campaign set for implementation in 2025. Additionally, a 911 Workforce Specialist has been added to the administrative team, focusing on public education among other tasks, ensuring there is a dedicated employee to help execute the campaign alongside Strategic Communications.

Additional Considerations #13: 

Consider providing leadership training for all levels of SCEC managers / leaders to provide them with tools to do appropriate coaching/counseling, resulting in a more energized and valued workforce.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Emergency Communications is exploring additional training opportunities for leadership staff, with a focus on supporting employee development, building trust, and maintaining a balance between meeting mission-critical operational expectations and allowing staff the space to learn and grow.

Additional Considerations #14:

A critical WPD concern is the difficulty in accessing CAD data from SCEC, especially as WPD moves forward in its efforts to implement a real-time information center. Dispatch protocols and data sharing policies are owned by the SCEC. WPD has the ability to offer input in these areas, but they often experience frustration over their lack of control over the policies and protocols that directly impact WPD operational capabilities. The feeling persists that sometimes SCEC policy decisions and dispatch protocol decisions are being made by SCEC personnel with little or no law enforcement operational experience or exposure. The SCEC should meet with WPD to discuss this challenge and work out a procedure to engage them in this and other law enforcement initiatives.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Police Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update: 

Director Forshee met with Chief Sullivan on January 8th to clarify concerns. Emergency Communications supports WPD’s implementation of a real-time information center and has participated in discussions about collaboration for this initiative. The "difficulty in accessing CAD data" was partly due to the transition to a new CAD system. WPD now receives a daily XML transfer of their call data. They are also exploring additional data-sharing opportunities, with discussions focused on data integrity while addressing cybersecurity concerns. Dispatching policies and procedures for law enforcement agencies were developed and approved by the respective agencies, with the option for them to request modifications or additions at any time.

Additional Considerations #15: 

The SCEC should consider a technical workgroup led ty the 911 Technology Coordinator and includes IT staff from Sedgwick County involved with public safety and IT staff from the agencies they serve. The workgroup should be informed by operational staff to provide input on technology requirements and/or desires to better fulfill their mission. The workgroup should meet with technology vendors on a frequent basis to develop a strong relationship.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, IT Departments
Implementation Date: Pending
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

This goal has not yet been initiated, but it is included in the roadmap for 2025.

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Wichita Fire Department

Recommendation #9:

While current industry practice and WFD policy support operating without a water supply established, caution should be taken when deploying multiple hose lines, specifically large diameters from one single engine. Consider reviewing WFD policy and limiting the number and size of handlines permitted to flow water from a booster tank before a water supply is established.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

After policy review it was determined that the WFD policy and JH recommendations are in alignment. Upcoming training exercises will stress the importance of utilizing hose line deployment techniques in alignment with the WFD Operations Manual.

Recommendation #10:

Review whether this is standard practice (i.e. Fast attack / Rescue is used on most structure fires with fire showing by default) and whether fire crews and officers understand that this mode comes with enhanced risk to firefighters. Consider refining policy to better define the risk/reward of this approach. (OM Pg. 13, 14, 34, 35)

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The policy (General Orders Chapter) is under review. Once the policy is updated and approved officers will be trained on proper selection and communication of initial modes of operation.

Recommendation #11.a:

Searches should generally begin closest to the fire area and work back from there. When searching the floor above, start the search upon entry to the area; recognizing victims could be found anywhere. (Pg. 123, 124)

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Monthly training activities have commenced that focus on efficient and effective search & rescue functions. This drill cycle was delivered in October of 2024 to approximately 30 to 40% of Operations personnel. Remaining personnel are to be completed in 2025.

Recommendation #11.b:

Upon the immediate arrival of truck companies to a residential structure fire, employ "VES" (Vent Enter Search) as an immediate action of opportunity that targets a known (or high probability) area of a trapped subect. VES must be comunicated over the fireground channel due to the chances of increased fire spread (venting for life), posible need for additional resources (victim removal), and overall accountability. (Pg. 79)

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Monthly training activities have commenced that focus on efficient and effective search & rescue functions. June 2024 VES training material provided to all members. Drills at the RTC were conducted to approximately 30-40% of Operations crews.

Recommendation #11.c:

Develop policies with WPD regarding responding to structure fires in conjunction with training on appropriate response to include roles and responsibilities, scene safety, "size-up," communicating critical information, and helping evacuate areas outsie of IDLH atmospheres.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department; Wichita Police Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The policy (General Orders Chapter) is under review. Once the policy is updated and approved then monthly training activities will commence.

Recommendation #12:

Develop a policy for WFD's role in emergency incidents that address the setup of triage and treatment of civilians until SCEMS arrives. Solicit input from and coordinate with SCEMS in the development of the policy.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department; Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The WFD operations manual will be updated to include a section on patient triage and treatment. General Orders Chapter under review and in Draft mode.

Recommendation #13:

Establishing a strong command presence and organizing an incident early is crucial to a successful outcome. WFD should examine a sample of recent fire incidents and consider whether Incident Command exercised effective command and control, and managing resources adequately. Also during review of incidents, the WFD should consider whether the culture of freelancing and self-dispatching is normal practice. Findings from these reviews should lead to additional training for chief offiers, front line officers, and acting officers and / or policy updates.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Incident Command best practices will be included in 2025 WFD officer development training.

Recommendation #14:

Failure to communicate fire scene benchmarks not only results in a lack of adequate fireground record keeping but also creates a situation in which the incident commander can lose track of incident priorities. Follow WFD policy to ensure that the fire scene benchmarks are announced to the dispatcher via the OPS channel. (Pg. 92)

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Incident Command best practices will be included in 2025 WFD officer development training which follows NFPA standard. Additionally, WFD will begin to use benchmarks for data points.

Recommendation #15.a:

WFD's OM adequately describes the use of radios and MCTs in multiple situations. WFD officers, acting officers, and Command staff need to review, drill, and implement on the policy.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The policy is under review. Incident Command best practices will be included in 2025 WFD officer development training.

Recommendation #15.b:

The WFD must maintain radio discipline at all times as a standard of good practice. (Pg. 31, 92, 94, 101)

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The policy is under review. Incident Command best practices will be included in 2025 WFD officer development training.

Recommendation #15.c:

Updates to WFD MCTs should be scheduled at times when WFD personnel are awake and aware, and communicated to fire officers before they occur.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department, IT Department
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Completed- Collaborated with C.O.W. IT to change update time to normal business hours. Will re-enforce in 2025 WFD officer development training the requirement to log-in after the update.

Recommendation #16:

As required by OSHA, conduct Mayday training. Design training scenarios that include multi-company operations where search and rescue is already being conducted when a Mayday occurs. The goals of this training include: firefighters and Incident Command to remain focused on other primary objectives (fire attack and search and rescue) while a Mayday is called, downed firefighters practicing L.U.N.A.R. and self-rescue, and RIC crews practicing rescue of a downed firefighter.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The policy is under review. WFD Training staff will develop and implement a comprehensive Mayday training session.

Recommendation #17:

The OM should address the handling of a firefighter post Mayday.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The policy (General Orders Chapter) is under review. WFD Training staff will develop and implement a comprehensive Mayday training session.

Recommendation #18:

Update the FIU Manual to follow the guidelines and recommendations for the safe and systematic investigation and analysis of fire incidents as outlined in NFPA 921. Also update the Manual as recommended in the remainder of this report.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Reviews and updates are in progress.

Recommendation #19.a:

Training should be provided to all fire investigators on NFPA 921, the scientific method, fire scene examination and documentation. FIU should strongly consider having some or all investigators attend continuing education training hosted by the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) and/or the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and become certified by one or both organizations.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

WFD Fire Investigators will continue the current practice of attending multiple International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) training opportunities each year.

Recommendation #19.b:

The FIU Manual should be updated to indicate initial training requirements, certifications required to be maintained, and ongoing training requirements for FIU investigators.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The FIU manual includes initial training requirements. Each investigator assigned to the FIU is a Certified Fire Investigator 2, as issued by the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal

Recommendation #20:

Investigators should review NFPA 921 Section 16 on scene documentation and follow a systematic approach. Attend additional scene photography and documentation training if needed. Documentation using photographs needs to be clear, in context, and concise. All fire protection systems (such as smoke alarms, sprinklers systems, etc.), electrical equipment, and mechanical equipment and their condition must be documented.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Training to address systematic scene documentation as indicated in NFPA 921 will be completed

Recommendation #21.a:

Review the FIU Manual on conducting interviews.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The FIU Manual on conducting interviews is under review.

Recommendation #21.b:

Review NFPA 921 Section 14.5 regarding interview techniques and best practices. Attend additional interview training if needed.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Review of NFPA 921, Section 14.5, is underway.

Recommendation #22:

NFPA 921 should be reviewed with all investigators as it relates to evidence collection practices and procedures, and additional training provided to all investigarors.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

WFD investigators will review pertinent sections of NFPA 921 and will complete associated training.

Recommendation #23:

Sample testing for ignitable liquids should be used as an evaluation tool in regard to fire investigation. The Offense section should be left blank or filled in with "undertermined."

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

FIU policy and procedures have been updated and are under review by C.O.W.

Recommendation #24:

At a minimum, a sketch should be made for all fire investigations and documented with initial narratives and reports, even if the investigation is ongoing. When the investigation report is made, this sketch should be converted to a computerized drawing. These sketches need to provide an overall view of the incident, as well as specific details of both the area of origin and where injury and death occurred.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Addressed in updated FIU Manual.

Recommendation #25:

Anytime follow-up investigation activities, such as interviews or testing, are completed, the findings need to be properly documented and made part of, or added to, the initial report.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

Existing Directive.

Recommendation #26:

Investigation reports should be completed with a specified time frame and if follow-up work is needed, then a supplement report shall be added to the investigation. Reports should not remain indefinitely open, so that information and answers can be provided to the department and community leadership in a timely fashion.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

FIU policy and procedures have been updated and are under review by C.O.W.

Recommendation #27.a:

Develop a regional Fire Investigation Task Force using neighboring fire department resources and partner agencies. This could provide the necessary staffing and resources to tackle major and complex incidents. This would also provide the hands-on experience needed for all who are involved.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department / Partner Agencies 
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The WFD is a member of the South Central Kansas Arson Strike Team and will work to bolster collaborative efforts.

Recommendation #27.b:

Develop interagency fire investigation training for partner agencies.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department / Partner Agencies 
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The WFD is a member of the South Central Kansas Arson Strike Team and will work to bolster collaborative efforts.

Recommendation #28:

Fire Investigations should not only review the origin and cause of the fire but also provide a complete analysis of the incident and all contributing factors to help the department, as well as the community as a whole, understand what happened and possibly help prevent future incidents. The FIU should participate in all After-Action Reviews of major incidents, and where needed, they should help determine important factors to clarify the incident and its outcome.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update: 

The FIU will be included in future After-Action-Reviews.

Additional Considerations #16:

The WFD should evaluate their "adapt and overcome" culture and review where it may be blind to deeper systemic issues, may be tolerating unsatisfactory conditions, and how it may affect relationships with partner agencies.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department 
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update:

Under Review.

Additional Considerations #17: 

In an "Operational Needs Assessment" dated June 27, 2023, the WFD noted they are sending fire apparatus on frequent medical calls, degrading the response reliability for fire related calls. This is a nationwide challenge as the number of medical calls increase and the number of fire calls decrease. The report recommended adopting a program to "Restructure Medical Response Deployment with a 2-Year Pilot Program for Medical-Only Units" where they would send civilian EMT's with a supervisor to all calls within the highest medical call area for some periods each day (10a-10p each day). The approach, or similar, is being adopted by a number of fire departments as a way to better utilize fire apparatus and fire personnel. It was not clear why this model has not been adopted. Revisit this pilot program and work with SCEMS to make it successful.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department, Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update:

WFD will propose options in upcoming budget presentation.

Additional Considerations #18: 

Based on conversations with the WFD, the current methods used by the WFD to redistribute resources is manual, cumbersome, and places significant additional responsibility on a small number of Battalion Chiefs. We recommend investigation with SCEC Dispatch and their CAD vendors to determine a solution that can more efficiently notify WFD in real time that resoures may require redistribution and assist dispatch with unit recommendations for redistribution.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update:

The applicable policy is under review and discussions with stakeholders are taking place.

Additional Considerations #19:

A comprehensive After-Action Review involving all partner agencies should be conducted to identify lessons learned and discuss opportunities for improvement. This exercise shall include a policy review and revisions if warranted. We recommend that all rescues by reported to the Firefighter Rescue Survey. https://www.firefighterrescuesurvey.com

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services
Implementation Date: Implemented 
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update:

Implemented

Additional Considerations #20: 

Various divisions within the Fire Department need to work together in formulating press releases so coordinated and accurate information is released. When dealing with a fire situation, timelines, fire behavior, fire dynamics and analysis should be used to help explain and educate the public as well as members of the department on conditions and outcomes. Additionally, when FIU investigators have determined that a fire has been caused accidentally, they should assist in developing preventative messages to educate the public regarding the potential fire hazards, in accordance with the FIU Manual.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department, Wichita Communications Team
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

02/13/2025 Update:

Under Review

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Sedgwick County EMS

Recommendation #29.a:

Dispatch a paramedic unit on all reported structure fires at apartment and high-rise buildings in accordance with NFPA 1710.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Beginning 2/1/2025, one SCEMS ambulance and one SCEMS District Chief will be on the initial dispatch to apartment and high-rise fire calls.

Recommendation #29.b:

Update SCEMS and WFD SOP/SOGs to address responsibility to initiate a patient triage area and establishment of a Medical Branch.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services, Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Sedgwick County EMS has an extensive policy on when and how Medical Branch is set up. Sedgwick County EMS will collaborate with local FD’s for further analysis and training on the initiation of triage and treatment group per NIMS standard. WFD: Stakeholders are discussing applicable policies and procedures.

Additional Considerations #21: 

Work with WFD on a plan for restructuring their "medical Response Deployment with a 2-Year Pilot Program for Medical-Only Units."

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services; Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: Pending
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

If improved non-transport first response would benefit the citizens of Sedgwick County, SCEMS would like to be a collaborative partner in this endeavor. WFD: Under Review.

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Wichita Police Department

Recommendation #30.a:

SCEC, WFD, and WPD should work collaboratively to explore the feasibility of dispatching WPD personnel simultaneously with fire personnel to fires, especially when there is known building occupancy or buildings of a specific occupancy.

Ownership: Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Fire Department
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

WFD and WPD staff will begin efforts to improve collaboration on structure fire responses. WFD:Stakeholders are discussing applicable policies and procedures.

3/28/2025 Update:

The Wichita Police Department has adopted and published a fire response policy.

Recommendation #30.b:

WPD should consider developing a policy (see IACP Model Policy - Law Enforcement Fire Response) on responding to structure fires in conjunction with training on appropriate response to include roles and responsibilities, scene safety, size-up, communicating critical information, and helping evacuate areas outside of IDLH atmospheres.

Ownership: Wichita Police Department 
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

WFD and WPD staff will begin efforts to improve collaboration on structure fire responses. WFD:Stakeholders are discussing applicable policies and procedures.

3/28/2025 Update:

The Wichita Police Department has adopted and published a fire response policy.

Additional Considerations #22: 

As the largest consumer of SCEC resources, WPD should consider consolidating and documenting all concerns with SCEC, WFD and Sedgwick County Fire protocols that negatively impact WPD operations. This document is not intended to be critical, but to aid in de-confliction of operational needs and priorities and help clarify expectations for all parties involved. Clarifying expectations, obstacles, and opportunities should assist in creating greater operational efficiency for all parties who rely on effective public safety communications.

Ownership: Wichita Police Department 
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

WPD initiative. WFD: Under Review.

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Public Safety System

Additional Considerations #1: 

Agencies must intentionally seek out professional relationships that will contribute to improved service delivery. The public safety system should seek out benchmarking and accreditation as methods to continuously evaluate itself against similar systems.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Fire Department, Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services, Wichita Police Department 
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Emergency Communications review of the accreditation process is ongoing. An Emergency Communications Accreditation Manager position was carried over from the 2025 budget process and will be a 2026 Budget request. Sedgwick County EMS is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). WFD: Stakeholders are discussing applicable policies and procedures

Additional Considerations #2: 

The SCEC needs to work with all stakeholders to collectively identify clear expectations of the 911 Advisory Board. The 911 Advisory Board may need to realign their purpose and duties in the current bylaws to support the needs of the SCEC.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications and the Wichita-Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Advisory Board
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Emergency Communications will work with the 911 Advisory Board to determine, collectively, whether the expectations outlined in the bylaws are clear and comprehensive. This is on the agenda for discussion at the first Advisory Board meeting of 2025, being held on February 13, 2025.

Additional Considerations #3:

Jurisdictions with representation on the 911 Advisory Board should evaluate their appointments based on the purpose and duties of the board.

Ownership: All Emergency Communications system served agencies through representatives seated on the Wichita - Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Advisory Board
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Emergency Communications will work with the 911 Advisory Board to bring awareness to the recommendation of evaluating the board appointments. Board membership is outlined by Resolution, and each agency has the ability to select their own representative. Emergency Communications can only make the suggestion for this evaluation to occur.

Additional Considerations #4: 

The 911 Advisory Board should maintain committees or subcommittees to address specific tasks, projects, or functions amongst stakeholders and to work through the ongoing challenges and synchronize SOP/SOG as appropriate. These committees or subcommittees should advise the 911 Board.

Ownership: The Wichita-Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Advisory Board
Implementation Date: Implemented
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Currently there are active subcommittees established that represent the fire departments and law enforcement agencies. EMS conducts monthly meetings with Emergency Communications staff. At the February 13, 2025, 911 Advisory Board meeting, the recommendation for these committees to “advise the 911 Board” will be evaluated for intention and implementation. WFD: Discussions among stakeholders are in progress.

Additional Considerations #5:

To address day-to-day issues that arise, the SCEC should develop a well-defined tracking system to report and follow up with all associated 911/CAD/Radio/MCT issues. This system will need to have accessibility for the correct leadership from all agencies to monitor and to hold one another accountable.

Ownership: All Emergency Communications system served agencies, including: Wichita Fire Department, Wichita Police Department 
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Emergency Communications is working with Sedgwick County IT and vendors to explore solutions for reporting and tracking issues. They will be requesting funding in the 2026 budget to acquire a solution. WFD: A program has been implemented for reporting issues with 911/CAD/Radio/MCT.

Additional Considerations #6: 

Public Safety Messages - SCEC, SCEMS, WFD, and WPD should consider using statements to the press (or on social media) as a platform to highlight at least one safety message to the public from significant incidents. As part of WFD's FIU's charge, "when investigators have determined that a fire has been caused accidentally, they should assist in developing preventative messages to educate the public regarding the potential fire hazards." (FIU Manual Pg. 5). These messages should be coordinated between PIOs (Public Information Officer) of each department and a unified message presented.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Fire Department, Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services, Sedgwick County Fire District 1, Wichita Police Department 
Implementation Date: Pending
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Collaborative efforts focused on intraagency PIO communications will commence in 2025.

Additional Considerations #7: 

Dispatchers can be a valuable resource to first responders during critical times during an incident. Currently the SCEC dispatchers are not yet being fully utilized in this role. This appears to be through lack of trust, coordination, and training of all parties involved (SCEC, WFD, SCEMS, and WPD). This trust needs to be developed to fully capitalize on this resource. In the future, SCEC dispatchers could be trained to support WFD Incident Command by asking timely questions. As one example, dispatch (monitoring TAC) could provide Incident Command with timestamps (for example, every ten minutes) over the Ops radio channel. This communication from dispatch can remind Incident Command to provide an update to dispatch about the status of the incident (i.e. the incident is growing, stable, shrinking). The WFD should consider developing a checklist of items for SCEC dispatchers that Incident Command could be reminded of at regular intervals.

Ownership: All Emergency Communications system served agencies, including Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Fire Department 
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Emergency Communications will meet with the Fire Subcommittee on February 5, 2025, where this topic will be discussed to gain a clearer understanding of how it can be implemented and how dispatch can better support Incident Command. WFD: Currently in discussions to improve collaboration with all stakeholders.

Additional Considerations #8: 

SCEC should consider (re)developing an ongoing 911 Dispatch orientation program for all WFD, SCEMS, and WPD recruits to better understand the operational tempo in an 911 dispatch center as it relates to the joint mission for these agencies.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Fire Department, Wichita Police Department
Implementation Date: Pending
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Emergency Communications will collaborate with WFD, SCFD, SCEMS, WPD, and the Sheriff’s Office to develop or enhance existing programs that introduce field personnel to the dispatch center, helping them better understand the operational flow of Emergency Communications. This goal has not yet been initiated, but it is included in the roadmap for 2025. WFD: Under Review

Additional Considerations #9: 

WFD, SCEMS, and WPD should consider (re) developing an ongoing orientation program for all new SCEC call taker / dispatchers. Dispatchers need to have a better understanding of the terminology and equipment they are hearing and dispatching at a high frequency rate.

Ownership: Wichita Fire Department, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services, Wichita Police Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

Emergency Communications is collaborating with WFD, SCFD, SCEMS, WPD, and the Sheriff’s Office to enhance the training provided for dispatchers as part of the discipline-specific dispatching model that is being implemented in 2025. WFD: Under Review

Additional Considerations #10:

Consider encouraging WFD, WPD, and SCEMS chief officers and line officers to informally visit the SCEC Dispatch Center to casually meet with supervisors and dispatchers. The reciprocal should also be considered where SCEC leadership and supervisors informally visit fire stations to meet with station crews.

Ownership: All Emergency Communications system served agencies, including Wichita Fire Department, Wichita Police Department
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

This recommendation will be discussed with the leadership of the field response agencies to assess its feasibility and coordination, should all parties express interest. WFD: In-person meetings between SCEC and WFD staff have commenced.

Additional Considerations #11: 

Changes to CAD, like unit recommendations, response boundaries, etc. should be proposed by an agency then reviewed by a committee to consider all impacts to the requested change. Changes should not be allowed by one single agency. Once agreed by the committee, the change should be implemented by SCEMS and disseminated to the appropriate parties. Critical (time sensitive) changes to CAD could go through an expedited process with signoff at the Director level rather than waiting for a committee meeting. Those critical changes should be communicated at the next committee meeting. A process for requesting and making CAD changes should be defined and followed.

Ownership: Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, Wichita Fire Department, SCFD1, Derby Fire
Implementation Date: In Progress
Implementation Details:

01/28/2025 Update:

The only agencies that have the ability to change CAD programming themselves are WFD, SCFD, and Derby FD. The MOUs in place with WFD and SCFD (and pending with Derby FD) state that modifications that impact another agency are prohibited without agreement from said agency. The Fire Subcommittee will discuss this recommendation further at the February 8, 2025, meeting. WFD: In progress- contract outline assess and limitations has been reviewed by CoW and a signed copy of the MOU returned to WFD by County. WFD: Currently in discussions with stakeholders and gathering information from subject matter experts.