The Gannon Report: Part Three
Show and Tell: Gannon includes 27 photos of the Apopka Fire Department that illustrate a grim story
According to its report, Gannon observed filthy respiratory protection equipment in most of the stations, unsealed dirty SCBA masks in the same compartment as hazmat boots, dirty air-purifying respirator attachments in the brush trucks, and other unsanitary practices.
Photos from the Gannon Report
Posted
By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
On January 16th, Gannon Emergency Solutions (GES) delivered its draft report on the state of the Apopka Fire Department to Chief Sean Wylam. A couple of weeks later, it was made public, but only after 145 edit marks were added by the "City and AFD Staff" to the report.
It was a comprehensive 45-page draft that described the AFD in critical terms such as:
- Neglecting safety or health programs or attention towards safety and health.
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Lacking a dedicated and experienced safety professional to ensure compliance with basic safety requirements citywide.
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According to the information provided, a young, inexperienced department with an average staff tenure of three years.
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An incomplete and overloaded organizational structure.
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A lack of Strategic Planning.
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A lack of accountability
In this three-part series, The Apopka Voice analyzes the GES response to the City and AFD. What does it say about this department and the administration? What can the AFD learn from the report?
*****
They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
Yes, in these days of handheld audio, video, and visual proof, it's becoming easier to make your point without saying or writing a word. In the case of Gannon Emergency Solutions' report on the Apopka Fire Department, some of the most damning evidence came in the form of 27 photos on pages 14-26 of the response that they took on-site while performing a city-sponsored critique of the AFD.
Among the issues they illustrated in the photos were:
- Health and Safety hazards
- Unsecured or inadequately secured tools and equipment
- Inadequate and filthy respiratory equipment
- Outdated inspection stickers
- Broken EMS equipment
- Unsecured hose lines
- Equipment on the exterior of emergency vehicles
Health and Safety Hazards
The first set of photos extends beyond the AFD to other City buildings. In the report, GES asks:
"Should GES have ignored the safety and health hazards we observed that were not directly part of an AFD facility? Why was there a glade air freshener in the emergency eye wash station at the maintenance shop? Why are first aid kits in city buildings not maintained properly? Where are the missing safety glasses that are supposed to be in the safety glasses bin? Why is there no hearing protection such as ear plugs readily available? Why was there no spill kit at the fueling station? If GES conducted a safety review of the rest of the city facilities, we are confident there would be more questions like this."
Securing Tools and Equipment
"GES observed unsecured or inadequately secured tools and equipment in the cabs of vehicles and patient compartments of ambulances."
Respiratory Protection Program
"The program in place is inadequate. We observed filthy respiratory protection equipment in most of the stations, unsealed dirty SCBA masks in the same compartment as haz-mat boots, dirty air-purifying respirator attachments in the brush trucks, and other unsanitary practices. Cleaning supplies, provisions, and equipment for respiratory protection equipment were also lacking or severely inadequate at the stations."
EMS Equipment
GES was not provided with records of those inspections, even after they were asked for. The Fire Staff comment is completely false; those decals are not from the year the equipment was manufactured, as the fire staff commented. The decal specifically indicated “DATE PM COMPLETED”. It was obvious that one of the cots/stretchers GES observed was well beyond its annual preventive maintenance date, putting firefighters and patients at risk.
"Broken EMS equipment was observed in several locations. This is another indicator that EMS has not been properly maintained. It was also unknown if any of the stair chairs were inspected or maintained on a regular basis. These should also be included in the preventive maintenance program."
Anchor Points:
"GES asked for a copy of the 3rd party facility inspection documents several times and was never provided them. The corrosion on the anchor points is concerning and should be evaluated."
Securing Hose Lines and Portable Equipment:
"GES observed numerous unsecured hose lines and equipment on the exterior of emergency vehicles. We have photos to support this. There have been numerous insurance claims and news stories in the US about hoses and items falling off emergency vehicles and causing damage, injuries, and death. It is unacceptable to have unsecured equipment on the exterior (and interior) of emergency vehicles. Although some newer apparatus were purchased with hose securement devices, the current hose loads used by the AFD do not permit those securement devices to secure the hose loads properly.
In conclusion: The Apopka Voice offers an opinion on the Apopka Fire Department and an approach to accepting the Gannon report and moving forward.
Keywords
Apopka Fire Department,
Apopka,
Gannon Emergency Solutions,
Gannon Report