Canandaigua VA Fire Truck during a fire training drill.

CANANDAIGUA VA FIRE DEPARTMENT

When asked, “How do you affect the outcomes of our Veterans?”  The Canandaigua VA Fire Department quickly noted “by providing a safe environment through inspections, preventions and quick response.” 
Inspections include:
• Daily inspections of all AEDs throughout the medical center.
• Monthly checks of approximately 600 fire extinguishers.
• Monthly elevators recall testing.
• Maintenance and testing of sprinkler systems. 
• Monthly building inspections for a total of 337 building inspections in FY 2010.
• Spring and fall fire hydrants maintenance and checks.
Prevention includes:
• Fire drills—one per shift per quarter per building.  Additionally, one evacuation drill per year.
• Issuing confined space permits after testing air quality, ensuring safe entry, and identifying any required safety measures for both our employees and contractors.
• Issuing hot work permits as needed for cutting, welding, and soldering for both employees and contractors.
• Issuing holiday decoration permits.
Quick response:
The fire department responded to 2,787 calls during FY 2010 with an average response time of 2 minutes.  These calls also include mutual aid to surrounding communities.                                                                                                           
When emergency medical services are requested, our fire department is the first on the scene.  Usually, when the ambulance arrives the patient has been assessed, stabilized, and packaged for transport by the fire department’s emergency medical technician (EMT).
The fire department is on duty providing service 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year.  Some of these services include the use of their Elk & Camel pneumatic lift systems which are able to assist with falls and transportation of bariatric patients.  They also respond to motor vehicle accidents on and off campus and are equipped with AMKUS rescue tools.  The fire department staff are members of the BERT team and provide support to the police and staff during these incidents.  On off-tours and holidays they are called on to provide assistance with issues such as lifting patients, moving furniture, addressing wander guard and call bell system problems and responding to plumbing, electrical and carpentry concerns. 
For the majority of our crew their dedication and service doesn’t stop at the end of their tour.  They also are volunteer firefighters within their community. 
The Canandaigua VAMC fire department is comprised of 17 employees:  12 full time and 5 intermittent crew members.