VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ALLIANCE

OF CRAWFORD COUNTY

MONTHLY MEETING

GIBSON PARK, SUMMIT TOWNSHIP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2002 

 

Dave Luker from Life Star spoke briefly. They had planned to bring in their new helicopter to show us, but they were called for an emergency.  

Meeting was called to order at 7:14 PM by President Eric Henry.  

Motion to approve minutes by Lonny Ware; second by Howard Bennett; none opposed.  

TREASURERS REPORT: See attached. Balance $7,447.67. Motion to accept by Dan Bresee; second by Howard Bennett; none opposed.  

COMMITTEES 

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION: No report.  

TRAINING: There was a meeting held for instructors just prior to this meeting. Eleise Emery was introduced. EMT class to run on east side of county coordinated by Kim; on west side of county coordinated by Sheri. Will cost somewhere around $125.00 including books, masks, and CPR books. Money will be due by the last week of August. Need minimum of 15 people per class. BVR to be held in Titusville in October 3-16 hour sessions (48 hrs). Need a sponsor to host BVR on the west side of the county. Con-ed has been scheduled for September, October, November, February, March and April. Will run the last week of the month. If your department needs con-ed on a certain topic, let Eric or a committee member know, and well schedule it. Must be three hours long to get the instructors paid. CLAAS will be running BTLS.  

FAIR: There are still some scheduling issues to be resolved. STAT is brining in a chopper with medic & PHRN. Next meeting will be at the fairgrounds. Discussion of installing air conditioning in first aid station. Need first aid equipment donated as before 4 x 4s, bandaids, cold packs. Bring to next meeting.  

OLD BUSINESS 

Odyssey has made a new offer. They have a client. If we deliver to New Jersey, hell give us $1000.00 for medbed. Motion to sell by Lonny Ware; second by Dan Bresee; none opposed. Ron Bone will deliver to the Pittsburgh Fire Expo. Eric to notify Odyssey that it will be in Pittsburgh on Saturday.  

MMC Mike Shaffer Still some equipment going out to both ALS & BLS departments for same patients. This is being addressed with individual departments. Regarding

Cochrantons bloody backboard Jay thinks this is happening in x-ray. He will address this with them again. Gene Calvert asked who is notified when a patient is transferred to Erie/Pgt/etc. Mike said it was his understanding that the department who brought the patient in was to be notified. Discussion.  

UPMC Done Holsten has resigned. Will be full-time flight medic. There have been some problems with the keys to the ER entrance. Mike is working on this.  

CCOES Steve Watt asked if we have anything to present to him regarding the mass casualty plan. They will start penciling things in. Shared a worksheet of what can be purchased with $550,000.00 grant. Discussion. You need to explain why you might need this equipment for a WMD event. The state wants to know by the 22^nd how we intend to spend this money. Steve said they plan to buy two suits, respirators, gloves for each ambulance. MCI trailer equipment could fall under this. Is easier to justify purchases region-wide than for individual departments.  

Eric reminded everyone that the cascade is not in place at MEMS yet. Dont drop your O2 bottles off there just yet.  

Amendment is needed to our Articles of Incorporation for the 1023 application (see attached). Motion for necessary amendment by Kathy Loreno; second by Lonny Ware; none opposed.  

Jim Page has agreed to speak at our fall symposium for $1000.00 plus travel expenses. EMMCO will pay for half of this. Steve Watt said if he addresses HazMat or Decon, OES may be able to pay half as well. Motion to bring Jim Page for fall symposium by Dan Bresee; second by Lonny Ware; none opposed.  

BREAK 7:57 8:29 PM 

Eric shared proposed budget for the next year (see attached). Discussion of alternate sources of income.  

Eric to send out letters to solicit corporate sponsors. He will also work up three different levels of sponsorship and bring back to next meeting.  

Compliance proposal from Page, Wolfberg & Wirth distributed. Discussion.  

Sheri said that Doug Wolfberg mentioned at the HIPAA class that the governor has signed a law regarding DNR orders specifically for prehospital providers. Watch for more information regarding this.  

The laptop has been purchased. Eric will load software, then Sheri will have it for use at the westside EMT class.

Dick Hibbard mentioned an article in the Readers Digest that there is a danger that battery operated vehicles may unexpectedly blow up.  

Bills: Townville  110.00

S&S Computers 1489.00

PWW    879.00

Motion to pay bills by Lonny Ware; second by Vicki Harper; none opposed.  

Next meeting Wednesday, August 14 at the fairgrounds. Bring medical supplies to donate.  

Motion to adjourn by Howard Bennett; second by Gene Calvert; none opposed.  

Meeting adjourned at 9:11 PM.  

Submitted,  

 

 

Sheri J. Polley

Secretary  

/sjp

Steve Watt and Dick Gibbons spoke regarding a meeting that was held to draw up a Regional EMS Response Plan. See attached draft.

Meeting called to order at 7:45 PM.

Attendance - see attached.

Motion to accept minutes by Brian Carless; second by Booie Kalkbrenner; none opposed.

TREASURERS REPORT: Income - $80.00 for education, $100.00 for dues, total $180.00. Expenses $1155.00 for advertising, $148.50 miscellaneous, $20.00 for program expenses, $310.00 for training. Balance $9,997.60. Motion to accept by Lonny Ware; second by Brian Carless; none opposed.

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION - no report.

TRIANING - deferred to Old Business.

FAIR - 1^{st aid booth is covered. Ambulance schedule distributed. Need people in stands for some of the events. See Eric to sign up.}

Odyssey will give us $500.00 for MedBed w/backboard.

Trailer is outside for anyone who wants to see it. Brian will also pull the gator out on the break for anyone interested.

MMC - Mike Shaffer - Asked ALS services to check expiration dates on blood tubes. There have been another few occurrences of ALS and BLS services both getting supplies for the same patients. ACLS July 10-11 at MMC. Lonny said they got a board back in their locker four days ago with blood on the head pad. They had to soak it two days to get it clean. Dan has the patients name and date. He is not here and will forward that information to Jay. Booie said that Bloomfield needs a locker. They will share with Townville. Jerry asked about MAAS ambulance blocking entrance. Mike said Jay didnt say anything about this. Eric reminded everyone that trip sheets must be in within 24 hours.

UPMC - Don Holsten - ER renovations are moving along. Beginning tomorrow night, the ER ambulance entrance will be locked 24/7. The first set of doors will not be locked. Keys have been delivered to Linesville, Conneaut Lake and Cochranton. These locks will eventually be replaced with combination locks. There is a spare key in the medic room or call ahead and ask ER staff to open door. Let Don know if something is not working. July 16 - EMT-B advanced airway module will be offered to help Ohio providers prepare for National Registry. 6:30 - Greenville campus Thursday either the 18th or 23rd. Cannot be used in the field by PA EMTs but can get con-ed for this.

The golf scramble was canceled due to lack of participation.

Deadline for registration for the HIPAA/Medicare update class is Friday, June 14.

Need voting members from: Spartansburg, Blooming Valley, Greenwood, Springboro, Vernon Township.

Brief discussion of 10-codes for times.

BREAK - 8:12-8:30 PM

Presentation by Keith Collier from Transworld Systems Inc.

NEW BUSINESS:

Application for membership from East Fallowfield - motion to accept by Mary Ann Palmer; second by Lonny Ware; none opposed.

Application for membership from West Mead I - motion to accept by Mary Ann Palmer; second by Lonny Ware; none opposed.

Cascade for O2 at MEMS. Tanks will be filled by MEMS personnel. MEMS will get O2 free. Fill small tanks for $0.50. VEMSACC cannot bill for this. Will be worked into dues next year. Departments responsible for their own hydrotesting. Drop off empties, pick up full. Need to switch your tank for your tank Need to own your own tanks and provide MEMS with 1-2 to start.

Fair schedules distributed. If you cant get an ambulance for your scheduled day, just get the people and Eric will get you an ambulance. Will also have a staged chopper at busy times. The paramedic schedule is almost done. First aid station schedule is done. Must wear green VEMSACC shirts - no exceptions. Get shirt orders to Sheri by HIPAA class on June 22, and she will get them to Denise.

Sheri has been in contact with Jim Page about speaking at fall symposium.

Discussion of storage of training equipment. Can rent space for $55.00 per month. CCAC will pay for storage. Discussion of using trailer.

CCAC has agreed to add 5 hours clerical time to the training coordinator position if we pay the hourly rate and insurances, etc. Will cost us somewhere around $200.00 per month. Discussion.

TRAINING - Eric said that according to Denise, there should be several thousand dollars from the AED grant money designated for training that has not been used. He proposed purchase of a laptop, which can be used not only for training but for record-keeping as well. Lonny Ware made motion to spend up to $1500.00 to purchase laptop. Second by Shawn Russell. None opposed. Paul Clark will investigate and make this purchase.

Update on status of 1023 application by Sheri. Some questions from IRS that were addressed with the assistance of Doug Wolfberg.

Letter from EMMCO requesting designation of our representative to the board. Lonnie Ware made motion Eric again be our delegate. Second by Bob Amrhein. None opposed. Sheri will send letter.

Neal Unger asked about radio committee status. Mentioned that for weather warning, minitors are tapped only for fire departments, not ambulance companies. Discussion.

Bills: Days Inn 83.40

CCAC 80.00

S. Polley 14.98

B. Carless 15.49

CAVAS 143.80

PWW 797.00

GJS 406.00 (Insurance premium)

Motion to pay by Lonny Ware; second by Brian Carless; none opposed.

Next meeting at Gibson Park in Summit on Wednesday, July 10, at 7:00 PM.

Submitted,

Sheri J. Polley

Meeting called to order at 7:14 PM by President Eric Henry.

CORRECTIONS TO LAST MONTHS MINUTES:

Motion to accept minutes with corrections by Dick Hibbard, second by Mary Ann Palmer. None opposed.

Treasurers Report: Income $ 1,095.00

Expenses 1,717.77

Balance $11,425.13

Motion to accept treasurers report by Denise Allen, second by Ron Riley. None opposed.

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION: EMSOF approval received today. We decided NOT to do the billboards because it wont be done in May for EMS week. Need checks for our portion of the expenses. Get your golf scramble registrations to EMMCO.

TRAINING: EVOC June 8-9 at CAVAS. EVOC at North Shenago May 11-19. Contact John Thomas. Sheri distributed registration forms that committee would like anyone interested in instructing or helping with EMT/1^{st Responder classes to complete and return. State exams to be held next week.}

FAIR COMMITTEE: Contact Dick Hibbard to work First Aid booth. Contact Eric for ambulance scheduling and grandstand.

Eric talked with Joel - Nothing new on the MedBed. It is currently in the back of the trailer. Odessyauto.com may be interested. They convert gators, etc., for use by hospitals, etc.

If you have not turned in your voting member info to Sheri, please do so ASAP.

Eric has not heard back from Physio on group price for AED maintenance. Need AED rosters if you have not turned those in.

Eric talked with with Dr. Wagaman who takes care of infection control at MMC about working with us through the hospital for infection control. Shes willing to work with us. Can give us a deal on Hepatitis shots. Will try to keep all protocols uniform. Her nurse can actually come to your department to do the shots, TB tests, etc., and will bill your company.

Lettering is done on trailer. Brian to fix some loose backboards. Will be first come first served for the remaining ad space.

MMC - Jay Parker not present, but Eric said that they have been having some problems with some departments informing patients that the hospital will make arrangements for them to return home when taken in by ambulance. This is not the case. Cups distributed from MMC to departments for EMS week. Conneautville had another issue with MAAS parking in front of entrance. Ron had some issues with MEMS. Eric has personally heard Jay talk to both departments about this. He advised you write a letter to the company involved when this happens.

UPMC - Don Holston - New ER entrance is open. Parking and driving through is very difficult. There are pillars where you need to turn around. EMS room is inside door to left. Same combination on door. This was first phase of construction. Nurses station is next. Cardiac and trauma bays will be after that. Want to finish construction by mid-July. Don extended an invitation to providers and families during EMS week Tuesday, May 22 from 7-8:30 at Krem Building in Greenville - Butler Community College will offer talks on how families can help cope. May 23 fro 7-8:30 a financial planner will be available for discussion. Wednesday night there will be an appreciation dinner from 6-8 PM at Shenango campus. A mailing is going to each department regarding this.

If you have door prizes for golf scramble, please give them to Denise.

HIPAA training scheduled with Doug Wolfberg and JR Henry for Saturday, June 22, at MMC Grove Street Assembly Hall. Preregistration is required and must be to Sheri no later than June 14. Registration forms have been mailed to all departments in the region by EMMCO West and were available at the meeting.

Eric did e-mail Knox Walk. Eric feels we need to take a close look at the Associate Members $25.00 fee. No other contribution is required of these members, but they are entitled to all benefits. To take another look at the definitions and responsibilities of members. All members get same benefits regardless of amount of dues or level of participation. When Knox returns to his office, Eric will talk with him further about training.

BREAK 7:47 - 8:11.

Jerry Caress asked about the contract for gator use. Eric said it is in the pocket of the gator.

Remember to reserve dates with Brian Carless if you need to use gator.

Bill Taylor brought up issue of 10-codes being used for times by county dispatch. These are hard for many people to understand. Discussion.

Denise asked if anyone is having trouble getting sterile water. She is being required to submit a physicians order for this. Discussion.

Discussion of the possibility of VEMSACC purchasing a cascade system - possibly centered at MEMS - which could be used by all member departments. Eric to run some numbers.

Eric would still like to look into bulk purchase of non-specialized disposable supplies.

Eric has talked with EMSAR Medical Repair. They are the only authorized stretcher repair people in this area. They charge $185.00 per stretcher per visit for preventive maintenance. If we sign up as a group and commit to visits twice yearly, they will charge us $100.00 per stretcher per visit. This comes with comprehensive insurance coverage. Discussion.

Conneautville has two Furno cots for sale.

Bills: Shadducks - $20.00; CCAC $230.00; CCAC - $40.00; Motion to pay bills by Dan Bresee, second by Bill Taylor. None opposed.

Discussion of bill submitted for copying, etc., for EMT class. This bill will be adjusted and resubmitted next month.

Bill McClincy contacted Sheri and asked if we can have 1-2 ambulances at McDonalds in Vernon Twp. On Thursday, May 23 from 11-1 to help with safety demo. Paul Clark will send a rig from MEMS. Kathy Loreno to check with Don Ellis regarding CLAAS sending second rig.

Shirt prices: T-shirts 7.00

Sweatshirt 18.00

Golf shirt 15.00

Half-zip sweat shirt 22.00

Hooded sweatshirt 22.00

Denim 28.00

Denim shirts cannot be worn for fair. Need prepaid orders at June meeting in order to get shirts in time for fair.

Mike Shaffer went to a BVR update. They have merged the DOH and fire department programs. New training. Explanation by Mike.

Next meeting at Conneatuville on Wednesday, June 12 at 7:00 PM.

Motion to adjourn by Dick Hibbard, second by Dan Bresee. None opposed.

Meeting called to order at 7:14 PM by President Eric Henry.

CORRECTIONS TO LAST MONTHS MINUTES:

Motion to accept minutes with corrections by Dick Hibbard, second by Mary Ann Palmer. None opposed.

Treasurers Report: Income $ 1,095.00

Expenses 1,717.77

Balance $11,425.13

Motion to accept treasurers report by Denise Allen, second by Ron Riley. None opposed.

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION: EMSOF approval received today. We decided NOT to do the billboards because it wont be done in May for EMS week. Need checks for our portion of the expenses. Get your golf scramble registrations to EMMCO.

TRAINING: EVOC June 8-9 at CAVAS. EVOC at North Shenago May 11-19. Contact John Thomas. Sheri distributed registration forms that committee would like anyone interested in instructing or helping with EMT/1^{st Responder classes to complete and return. State exams to be held next week.}

FAIR COMMITTEE: Contact Dick Hibbard to work First Aid booth. Contact Eric for ambulance scheduling and grandstand.

Eric talked with Joel - Nothing new on the MedBed. It is currently in the back of the trailer. Odessyauto.com may be interested. They convert gators, etc., for use by hospitals, etc.

If you have not turned in your voting member info to Sheri, please do so ASAP.

Eric has not heard back from Physio on group price for AED maintenance. Need AED rosters if you have not turned those in.

Eric talked with with Dr. Wagaman who takes care of infection control at MMC about working with us through the hospital for infection control. Shes willing to work with us. Can give us a deal on Hepatitis shots. Will try to keep all protocols uniform. Her nurse can actually come to your department to do the shots, TB tests, etc., and will bill your company.

Lettering is done on trailer. Brian to fix some loose backboards. Will be first come first served for the remaining ad space.

MMC - Jay Parker not present, but Eric said that they have been having some problems with some departments informing patients that the hospital will make arrangements for them to return home when taken in by ambulance. This is not the case. Cups distributed from MMC to departments for EMS week. Conneautville had another issue with MAAS parking in front of entrance. Ron had some issues with MEMS. Eric has personally heard Jay talk to both departments about this. He advised you write a letter to the company involved when this happens.

UPMC - Don Holston - New ER entrance is open. Parking and driving through is very difficult. There are pillars where you need to turn around. EMS room is inside door to left. Same combination on door. This was first phase of construction. Nurses station is next. Cardiac and trauma bays will be after that. Want to finish construction by mid-July. Don extended an invitation to providers and families during EMS week Tuesday, May 22 from 7-8:30 at Krem Building in Greenville - Butler Community College will offer talks on how families can help cope. May 23 fro 7-8:30 a financial planner will be available for discussion. Wednesday night there will be an appreciation dinner from 6-8 PM at Shenango campus. A mailing is going to each department regarding this.

If you have door prizes for golf scramble, please give them to Denise.

HIPAA training scheduled with Doug Wolfberg and JR Henry for Saturday, June 22, at MMC Grove Street Assembly Hall. Preregistration is required and must be to Sheri no later than June 14. Registration forms have been mailed to all departments in the region by EMMCO West and were available at the meeting.

Eric did e-mail Knox Walk. Eric feels we need to take a close look at the Associate Members $25.00 fee. No other contribution is required of these members, but they are entitled to all benefits. To take another look at the definitions and responsibilities of members. All members get same benefits regardless of amount of dues or level of participation. When Knox returns to his office, Eric will talk with him further about training.

BREAK 7:47 - 8:11.

Jerry Caress asked about the contract for gator use. Eric said it is in the pocket of the gator.

Remember to reserve dates with Brian Carless if you need to use gator.

Bill Taylor brought up issue of 10-codes being used for times by county dispatch. These are hard for many people to understand. Discussion.

Denise asked if anyone is having trouble getting sterile water. She is being required to submit a physicians order for this. Discussion.

Discussion of the possibility of VEMSACC purchasing a cascade system - possibly centered at MEMS - which could be used by all member departments. Eric to run some numbers.

Eric would still like to look into bulk purchase of non-specialized disposable supplies.

Eric has talked with EMSAR Medical Repair. They are the only authorized stretcher repair people in this area. They charge $185.00 per stretcher per visit for preventive maintenance. If we sign up as a group and commit to visits twice yearly, they will charge us $100.00 per stretcher per visit. This comes with comprehensive insurance coverage. Discussion.

Conneautville has two Furno cots for sale.

Bills: Shadducks - $20.00; CCAC $230.00; CCAC - $40.00; Motion to pay bills by Dan Bresee, second by Bill Taylor. None opposed.

Discussion of bill submitted for copying, etc., for EMT class. This bill will be adjusted and resubmitted next month.

Bill McClincy contacted Sheri and asked if we can have 1-2 ambulances at McDonalds in Vernon Twp. On Thursday, May 23 from 11-1 to help with safety demo. Paul Clark will send a rig from MEMS. Kathy Loreno to check with Don Ellis regarding CLAAS sending second rig.

Shirt prices: T-shirts 7.00

Sweatshirt 18.00

Golf shirt 15.00

Half-zip sweat shirt 22.00

Hooded sweatshirt 22.00

Denim 28.00

Denim shirts cannot be worn for fair. Need prepaid orders at June meeting in order to get shirts in time for fair.

Mike Shaffer went to a BVR update. They have merged the DOH and fire department programs. New training. Explanation by Mike.

Next meeting at Conneatuville on Wednesday, June 12 at 7:00 PM.

Motion to adjourn by Dick Hibbard, second by Dan Bresee. None opposed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:58 PM.

Submitted,

Sheri J. Polley

Secretary

/sjp