Several changes within Firelands Ambulance Service

Firelands Ambulance Service's Board approved Chief Jeff Scott's recommendation for a new command structure to include a captain and three lieutenant positions. The board also approved the promotion and full-time appointment of longtime paramedic Jeffrey Vanderpool to the position of Captain. At the Boards last meeting, Chief Jeff Scott presented a proposal for a new command structure to be put in place, as part of his overall strategy to improve the agency, bring about accountability, and develop an opportunity for future leaders. This move allows Firelands EMS to be in line with nationally recognized rank structures for EMS agencies and put them in line with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Scott stated, "it is important for the agency to have a proper command structure and a leadership team in place, to ensure we are operating at maximum efficiency, but to also give future leaders experience and opportunities to lead teams and projects. The most valuable part of this however, is bringing the agency into alignment with other agencies for better incident scene management, accountability and scene safety, but also follow nationally recognized protocols and training." The command structure for Firelands now includes a captain, a training lieutenant, and two operational lieutenants to lead a current volunteer staff of 28 members. National protocols recommend that for every 5 to 8 staff, there should be one leader assigned to that group of responders; this is known as a proper and balanced span-of-control in emergency services and public safety. With this new structure being put into place, longtime paramedic Jeffrey Vanderpool was approved and promoted to Captain, but also now serves full-time, as a resident paramedic, who can respond day or night during the week. The agency will undergo an internal application process, as well as conduct interviews, and Chief Scott hopes to make recommendations to the Board soon regarding the filling of the Lieutenant positions for the agency. Captain Jeffrey Vanderpool is no stranger to the New London and Firelands area, serving as the Firelands EMS part-time Training Officer for the past seven years. Vanderpool is a Greenwich, Ohio native, and has served a wide variety of roles all throughout his career, including his beginnings as an EMT Basic for several agencies until he went on to complete Paramedic school in 2004. Vanderpool completed fire school and eventually went on to be part of several fire agencies throughout Ohio and was a pediatric critical care paramedic for many years. Vanderpool has been very active in the EMS education community, providing training not only to Firelands EMS volunteers, but also helps agencies in the area to meet ongoing continuing education requirements for the State. Firelands EMS Chief Scott stated, "Jeff is a critical part of the Firelands EMS system and community, having faithfully served for so many years. His promotion is a huge step for this agency as we begin to align and prepare for the future. Jeff has demonstrated exceptional skill not only in patient care, but also leading others to build their skills and be prepared tohelp others in need. I am confident that Jeff will continue his leadership skill building and help the agency grow into the next phase of the agencies forward progress in service of thecommunity and agencies we assist." Additionally, three new Lieutenantshave been promoted from within Firelands EMS. Chief Jeffrey Scott announces that three (3) new Lieutenants have been selected to fill the new positions for the agency. Those are: Lt. Vonn Miller, Lt. Christina Vanderpool (EMS Education Coordinator), and Lt. Kally Miller. Chief Scott stated, "Lt. Vonn Miller, Lt. Christina Vanderpool, and Lt. Kally Miller are all veteran members of the Firelands EMS agency and have demonstrated the skills necessary to fill these vital roles within the agency. We are excited as they lead their respective teams, but also fulfill the mission of the agency. Having a command structure is vital, especially with an agency that is as busy as we are, and lots of moving parts, people and processes in place. Leadership is a key to success in any agency, but especially in public safety. I am thrilled they are now in place as we are instituting new and exciting programs, outreach and operations."