During the recent Port Arthur City Council meeting, officials discussed significant challenges within the emergency response system, particularly concerning the coordination between the city's dispatch center and the EMS provider, City EMS. The conversation highlighted the complexities and flaws in the current system that impact response times for emergency calls.

The meeting revealed that the city operates under a law enforcement-based Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), which receives all 911 calls. Once a call is received, it takes approximately 20 to 30 seconds for dispatch to assess and prioritize the call before transferring it to the EMS provider. This delay means that the clock for response times starts ticking before EMS is even aware of the call, leading to discrepancies in reported response times.

Officials pointed out that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards govern response obligations, including turnout and response times. However, the current system's flaws mean that the data collected does not accurately reflect the actual performance of emergency services. For instance, the fire department often arrives on the scene before EMS is notified, which skews the response time metrics.

The council discussed the importance of accountability and transparency in reporting these times, noting that the city ordinance does not require City EMS to report non-emergency calls. This lack of data sharing complicates the assessment of overall emergency response effectiveness and can mislead the public regarding the performance of emergency services.

In summary, the meeting underscored the need for improvements in the emergency response system to ensure that all parties involved are informed and that response times are accurately reported. As the city moves forward, addressing these systemic flaws will be crucial for enhancing public safety and ensuring timely emergency services for residents.