Captiva fire commission hears updates on ongoing projects
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission was updated on the third landing zone and emergency transport-rescue projects that the district has been working on with county officials.
On Nov. 9, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul explained that he has been in communications with Lee County Public Safety Director Ben Abes in an effort to get answers and find a solution for a new landing site for the EMS helicopter, along with if the district can invest in an ambulance for limited transport.
Currently, the fire crew can respond to an incident and treat any patients onsite. However, only the county’s ambulances can transport patients to the helicopter or off island, regardless of wait time. The district could buy an ambulance to treat patients out of the elements, but cannot use it for transport.
The district hopes to receive county approval to transport patients to the helicopter if needed.
Pawul reported to the commissioners that he is having little luck getting answers from Abes, so he scheduled a meeting with Lee County Assistant Manager Christine Brady for later in the week.
The commission agreed with going to the next person up.
“I think we need to get direction from the county,” Commissioner Jeffrey Brown said, adding that the district needs to know if the county will lead on both and the district will assist them or vice versa.
“It’s same the issue,” he continued, referring to the new landing zone site needed and answers regarding obtaining authorization for limited transport. “It’s reducing the window of time.”
The commissioners agreed.
“This is a crucial thing that we need on this island,” Commissioner Sherrill Sims said.
The others echoed that sentiment.
“We all desire to improve transport on the island,” Brown said, citing aerial transport, ground transport or a combination. “They’ve got to get more ambulances out here somehow to service both islands.”
Pawul reiterated that Upper Captiva has approval for limited transport because it is only accessible by boat. He added that Captiva would be in the same situation if Sanibel-Captiva Road was unusable.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The commission voted 3-0 to amend a resolution to increase the not-to-exceed cost to $3,300 for the device to be purchased from Motorola Solutions on the county’s contract. Prior to the vote, Pawul reported that the district was quoted for the wrong device on the original resolution that was approved.
– The district responded to 49 calls in October. For the year-to-date numbers, Pawul reported a significant increase this year of 521 calls, compared to 354 calls for the same period in 2020.
“It’s a lot,” he said. “And we’ve still got two months to go.”
Pawul added that he is expecting the district to reach 500 to 600 calls by the end of this year.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email