Citywide Expansion of Queens Dispatch Program

 

Response times in Queens have dropped an average of 30 seconds for structural fires since we started a new pilot program more than two months ago - impressive results that have prompted an expansion of the program citywide.

The change involves sending units as soon as we know the nature of the emergency and the location (including confirmation of the address). Once those two critical pieces of information are obtained, it gets forwarded to the appropriate unit(s) for response. When any additional information becomes available, either from the initial caller or subsequent callers, it gets relayed via apparatus radio.

The pilot program has guided dispatchers and helped them focus on getting the necessary information - quickly and accurately - and immediately initiating the appropriate response.

For the first 72 days of the new Queens dispatch pilot program (February 14 - April 26), dispatch time for structural fires has averaged 48 seconds, compared to 1:15 for the same period of 2007, or 27 seconds faster this year compared to last year.

Response time for structural fires in Queens during the pilot has averaged 4:29 compared to 4:59 for the same period of 2007 - or 30 seconds faster this year compared to last year.

The results are impressive - and we’ve started to train dispatchers in other boroughs to fully expand the program. Training will take place in all boroughs over the next month before the program is fully implemented citywide effective June 1.

This is an incredible achievement for the Department and we thank everyone involved -the dispatchers, firefighters and officers who have done a terrific job by improving the already stellar service you give to the people of this city.

- Nicholas Scoppetta, Fire Commissioner
- Salvatore Cassano, Chief of Department