Fire Department Updates: August 2023

By Jordan Wilson, City of Sanford Communications Coordinator

Sanford Fire Community Paramedicine Program (SFCP)

The Fire Department is seeking to expand into a new area of medical care and establish a community paramedicine program. Currently, the Fire Department is actively pursuing funding from the Maine EMS Community Paramedicine Grant and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to support the launch of the program. The community paramedics intend to work closely with the Sanford Police Department’s Mental Health Unit to ensure that the unhoused, elderly and homebound populations within the community have access to healthcare. The Sanford Fire Department plans to partner with various community groups to help ensure the success of the program.

The Sanford Fire Department and Southern Maine Medical Center (SMHC) have a longstanding history of being community health partners and intend to continue this partnership. The SFCP will primarily focus on patients diagnosed with diabetes, COPD, and congestive heart failure. Patient interaction will vary based on individual needs, but the services offered will adhere to the standards established by Maine EMS, SFD and the industry’s professional guidelines.

Fire Station Update

Status Report:

• The City has successfully secured two locations for a Central and District Station.
• The Central Station will be constructed at 1274, 1280, and 1298 Main St. in Sanford
  0. (Springvale Nursery and Courtney Cleaner’s sites)
• The District Station will be situated at 8 & 10 Payne St. in Springvale
  0. (Notre Dame Church Site)

On August 8, 2023, the Fire Station Feasibility Working Group was introduced to the architectural design team from Mitchell Associates, who are responsible for designing the two new fire stations. During the meeting, the group reviewed preliminary design documents and current assessment reports. Additionally, discussions were held regarding a one-story versus a two-story layout for the Central Station, as well as exploring two site rotations for the District Station.

July Calls for Service

In the month of July, the Sanford Fire Department received 350 calls for service. Breakdown of the calls:

• Rescue & Emergency Medical Service – 252
• False Alarm & False Call – 38
• Service Call – 27
• Good Intent Call – 13
• Hazardous Condition (No Fire) – 12
• Fire – 7
• Building Fire – 5
• Cooking Fire – 2
• Overpressure rupture, explosion, overheat – no fire – 1