A Retrospective Analysis of Suburban Fire Department Call Volume Data

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Firefighting is a unique profession where individuals must be prepared to respond to a call at any time, with most firefighters rotating 24 hour shifts every three days. Firefighters are tasked with performing life and property saving procedures at any time of day. The success of these procedures depends on the attention and alertness of those responding.

PURPOSE: To determine call patterns of suburban fire departments.

METHODS: Call data (day of week and time of day) from two suburban fire departments over a four-year span (2014-2019) were provided through the Fire Chiefs. The first community has a population of 23,216 (2 fire stations, 20 full-time firefighters). The department is responsible to respond to all fire and medical calls. However, the response to medical calls is immediate care, with patients provided advanced medical care and transportation by a secondary service. The second community has a population of 36,173 (4 fire stations, 50 full-time firefighters). This department differs from the first as it has its own ambulance service and is responsible for all medical calls, advanced medical care, and transport. Means and standard deviations were performed, and a one-way ANOVA was conducted to determine analyze time of day.

RESULTS: For the smaller community, Tuesdays experienced the highest number of calls while in the larger community Fridays had the highest volume. The one-way ANOVA determined statistically significant differences over the course of the day (F(23,216) = 4.06, ≤ 0.00), with the 2-3PM hour the busiest time of day in both communities. 
CONCLUSION: Firefighters are expected to be able to respond with attention and alertness at any point in time while on call. Understanding when the highest volume of calls occur can assist the department in properly preparing the firefighters to respond.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages51
StatePublished - 22 Feb 2021
EventOklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Days 2021: Poster presentation - Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Campus, Tulsa, United States
Duration: 22 Feb 202126 Feb 2021

Conference

ConferenceOklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Days 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTulsa
Period22/02/2126/02/21

Keywords

  • Tactical health
  • Occupational preparedness
  • First responders

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