Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH
When the Unit Hour Utilization of Nashua Fire Rescue units is calculated, all fall well below the thresholds for
adding additional units to the system. Given the annual call volume, call concurrency rates, and UHUs, the
fire department should have ample time for additional duties such as training, career development, and pre-
fire planning.
RESPONSE PERFORMANCE
The most visible element of Nashua Fire Rescue is its response performance. How quickly units arrive on the
scene and the efficiency they resolve an emergency situation are typically the only interaction most residents
will have with the fire department. To evaluate the fire department's performance, ESCI used NFPA 1710,
which is the applicable standard for career fire departments.
Response time performance is comprised of the following components:
= Call-Processing Time: The amount of time between when a call is answered by the 911 Primary
Public Safety Answering Point, or dispatch center, and when resources are dispatched.
= Turnout Time: The time interval between when units are notified of the incident and when the
apparatus responds.
= Travel Time: The amount of time the responding unit actually spends on the road traveling to the
incident until arrival at the scene. This is a function of speed and distance.
= Response Time: This time is calculated from the time the fire department is dispatched to the arrival
of the first apparatus. Response Time equals the sum of “Turnout Time” and “Travel Time.”
= Total Response Time: This is the most apparent time to the caller requesting emergency services.
Total response time is the amount of time that occurs from the time they place the emergency call
until units arrive. This time often includes factors both within and outside the control of the fire
department, particularly when another agency provides dispatch services.
Tracking the individual components of response time will enable Nashua to identify deficiencies and areas
for improvement. Once Nashua Fire Rescue’s leadership understands the current performance for Call
Processing, Turnout Time, and Travel Time, this information can be used to develop response goals and
standards that are both relevant and achievable. Fire service best practices recommend that fire service
organizations monitor and report the components of Total Response Time.
The Time Continuum is comprised of the three elements described above—Call-Processing, Turnout Time,
and Travel Time. Total Response Time is the sum of all of the times starting with the call-processing time,
turnout time, and travel time. The components of the Nashua Fire Rescue Response Time Continuum will
each be evaluated in further detail in the next sections. The following figure is an illustration of the total
response time continuum.
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ESC) Consulting International 121
