News from the Firehouse
CHIEF KOCH
NURSE NAVIGATOR
FIRE EXPLORERS
This past January, Bent Koch was selected as Heartland Fire & Rescue’s Fire Chief. Heartland Fire & Rescue serves the communities of El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove by providing shared management of the agencies’ fire protection and prevention, emergency medical services, and disaster preparedness. Chief Koch, an Estonian native, began his career in fire service in 1994 with the Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District as a volunteer. In 1996, he joined the California Department of Forestry as a seasonal firefighter. He was hired by the City of La Mesa, later becoming the Heartland Fire & Rescue Department, as a firefighter in July 1998. Chief Koch has moved up the ranks within the department, most recently serving in the role of Fire Division Chief. Chief Koch has served for over ten years as a Strike Team Leader and Division Group Supervisor on wildland fires across the state. He regularly plays a significant role in regional wildland fire training through involvement at all levels in the annual San Diego County wildland preparedness drill, which he has participated in for nearly 20 years.
The City of El Cajon and AMR launched the Nurse Navigator program at the end of January. This program provides 911 callers with the right level of care for their medical situations. An ambulance will dispatch when a 911 caller calls with a potentially life- threatening emergency. However, if the call is NOT an emergency, such as a sprained ankle, cough, or low-grade fever, the caller will be transferred to a California licensed nurse who will work with the caller to determine an appropriate path for treatment to meet their medical needs. The caller may be referred to a local clinic, urgent care, or a telehealth physician. The licensed nurse can also help to arrange transportation to and from appointments with Lyft and even refill prescriptions. El Cajon is the first city in California to integrate a nurse navigator into its 911 system. This program will reduce the number of ambulances and fire engines dispatched for non-life-threatening medical calls, freeing up medical personnel to respond to other emergencies. This program will reduce the overall costs of the 911 system and ensure all residents receive the proper medical response.
Established 50 years ago, the Heartland Fire Explorer Program is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. Our partnership allows us to introduce young people, ages 15-21, to the fundamentals of the fire service in a safe and positive learning environment. Ultimately, this will show members what it is like to have a career in the fire service. The Fire Explorer Program offers a fun and exciting hands-on experience with college and career readiness preparation, scholarship opportunities, developing leadership experience, and social networking. Fire Explorer Post 2328 is exceptionally active in the community. Our Explorers assist with sidewalk CPR, the Burn Institute Boot Drive, Heartland Fire & Rescue Open House events, pancake breakfasts, America on Main Street, and many other events within the community. To learn more, visit: www.heartlandfire.org.
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MY EL CAJON • SPRING ISSUE 2023
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