This past month we have dealt with some disturbing occurrences within the dispatch of medical emergencies.

Information has been shared with Dr. Myers, Wake County's Medical Director.

Some concerns were brought to his attention. He was made aware of some recent occurrences. However, we addressed some documented events in which we, the Fairview Fire Department, would like Dr. Myer's assistance in addressing.

First, the Fairview Fire Department has always been a progressive leader in Wake County. We were one of the first to provide emergency medical care and one of the first to combine resources in order to provide immediate ALS care to the members of our community. We pride ourselves in looking after the wellbeing of our families, friends and neighbors. Therefore, we take emergency medical care very seriously.

To be short and to the point, we have noticed a gradual decrease in the proficiency level of emergency medical dispatching. We have filed official complaints and inquiries into the nature of these deficiencies and we do not seem to receive satisfying answers.

It is to the point that the Board of Directors is gravely concerned and there is discussion on how they want to proceed with the issues at hand.

We understand that there are many variables that are involved in a successful dispatch, but we need Dr. Myer's assistance to arrive a better level.

The most recent event which has caused concern, occurred on February 20, 2005. The incident was a possible Code 7 at 129 Ashley Rd. EMS 204 and Fairview First Responders arrived but EMS was never dispatched. This patient was deceased at the scene. Upon inquiring, the response given was, telecommunicator error and no protocol changes are necessary.

Then, on January 29, 2005 we were dispatched to a Code Blue at 6428 Horseshoe Drive. Fairview First Responder did CPR for nine minutes prior to EMS arrival. The EMS unit responded from downtown Apex. The quickest and closest units remained in service at their stations in Garner and Fuquay. This patient died at the scene.

On December 27, 2004 Fairview First Responders were dispatched to 2281 Tryon Rd for a Code Blue. Of course, it is well within the City of Raleigh and Swift Creek First Responders response area. We were cancelled enroute. This was obviously a CAD error.

The most disturbing incident occurred December 9, 2004. The location was 7925 Merrimac Drive. Fairview First Responders were dispatched to a breathing difficulty. Upon our arrival we found two Apex EMS units on the scene working a coded teenager. Our response time was within two minutes. The problem is Apex EMS had been dispatched to a Code and were dispatched seventeen minutes before Fairview First Responders were. We could have had had a defibrillator on the patient within two minutes of the call being taken. The patient died. After inquiring, the response given was, Wake County provided EMD, the call was transferred to Apex for dispatch and the Wake County telecommunicator failed to dispatch First Responders.

Another incident occurred on November 6, 2004 at 5417 Ten Ten Road. The nature of the call was a breathing difficulty. Upon our arrival, the ambulance was leaving with the patient for the hospital. Fairview First Responders were on the scene well within four minutes of being dispatched. The problem is Apex EMS was dispatched fourteen minutes before Fairview First Responders were.

As you can see, we have a grave situation on our hands. Our citizens, families and neighbors are suffering. We need immediate corrective measures to be implemented and we need your assistance. Whether it is a protocol change, a management issue or the need for a unified communication center, we have people losing their lives and it may possibly be contributed to by these issues. The Board of Directors is ready and willing to make whatever noise is necessary to bring light to these problems and we are asking for Dr. Myer's immediate intervention to find a peaceful solution and sound resolve to the issues.

Dr. Myers is currently conducting an investigation and reviewing documentation pertaining to these issues. We anticipate a response as soon as the investigation is completed.