Western Mass Emergency Medical Services Committee, Inc.

Meeting: Executive Committee

Date: April 5, 2001

Place: Living Room, McCallum Building, CDH, Northampton

Presiding: Brian Andrews, Vice President

Called to Order: 10:11 am

Adjourned: 11:32 am

Attendance:

Present : Brian Andrews, Raymond Conway, Mary Cushman, Dan Harrington, Dave Keefe, Steve Manchino, Linda Moriarty

Excused : Dana Johnson

Absent : Robert Hopkins, Mike Tourjee

Guests : Lisa Herringshaw, Dawn Josefski, Jeff Rawson

Minutes: The minutes were accepted as written.

Old Business

Legislative Breakfast :

Discussion:

The expenses for the Legislative Breakfast were $868.00. The WMEMS office received mostly positive feedback with only one negative comment. At the end of the event when the floor was opened for any comments, most of the legislative members had already left, therefore missing the last comments. Dr. Conway suggested that the office send the legislative members a thank you for attending the event along with a summary or agenda of the issues, and what we would like from them. Also, a suggestion was made that someone be designated to go to the member’s offices for a follow-up. The WMEMS office would like to use Mr. Andrews’s comments to include in the summary. Mr. Manchino suggested that if we were to hold another Legislative Breakfast that we appoint District Tables to break up the problem of all the Legislative members sitting at one table.

Action- The WMEMS office to send out a thank you and summary to all of the Legislative members in attendance.

Diversion:

Discussion:

Ms. Moriarty mentioned that CDH had been on diversion a few times in one day. She heard that there were some complaints about them not being able to go on for a fourth time. After speaking with Dr. Conway, he advised his staff about the Regional Protocol regarding diversion. Also, Ms. Moriarty is still attending regular diversion meetings in Springfield.

On a final note, Ms. Moriarty met with Bernie Forgea to look at an IT Station. It was suggested that we hook up to a Blast Fax System, that way we can be sure that all the diversion faxes go to the services that they need to.

Action: None.

Annual Meeting:

Discussion:

Mr. Prenney has contacted Ms. Moriarty with a request for a list of the regions specific issues. He would like to address these directly at the annual meeting.

The meeting and dinner will be held at the Delaney House in Grand Salon North this year.

Tentatively, the schedule will be: elections, dinner, speaker, with the Eaton Freeman presentation last. It was suggested that the WMEMS office get corsages and boutonnières for Noel, her husband, son and daughter. It was also agreed that we would get a flower arrangement for her husband

Action : The WMEMS office to get list of concerns to Mr. Prenney, and also purchase items for Noel and family.

Committee Chairperson Manuals:

Discussion:

Ms. Cushman and Mr. Andrews are currently working on the manuals. Ms. Cushman feels they will be ready next month.

Action : Mr. Andrews and Ms. Cushman to continue working on the manuals.

WMEMS Office Database:

Discussion:

Mr. Harrington, Mr. Andrews, and Ms. Josefski met in her office after last Executive meeting. Mr. Harrington feels that they need to find a program that will work well for all that are involved. Ms. Josefski stated that although it will be time consuming, she believes that data can be moved from File Maker Pro to Access. Ms. Cushman feels that the office needs to be using something that is widely available. Ms. Moriarty believes that the office staff should begin to take courses in the Microsoft programs so that they know what they are doing. Also, it was agreed that the change should be gradual.

Action: The office to look into Microsoft Access classes.

New Business

Change in Meeting Dates or Times:

Discussion:

Ms. Cushman opened discussion for switching meeting dates. For efficiency, she would like the committee to be able to change meeting dates around, or eliminate meetings if there is a lack of business.

Action: None.

Communication Committee Concerns:

Discussion:

Mr. Andrews made a motion that Ms. Herringshaw be appointed to record minutes for the communications committee. This motion was approved unanimously.

There was a lengthy discussion concerning the communications committee. It was decided that May’s Executive Committee meeting will start at 10:30 a.m. to allow for Communications Committee members to start at 9:00 a.m.

Action: Ms. Herringshaw to begin recording communications committee minutes starting in May.

WMEMS Vehicle:

Discussion:

Our current lease is up on the WMEMS Saturn. After some negotiating, Ms. Josefski has found a new Saturn for the same monthly payments. Mr. Andrews wondered if Executive Committee should have to review the leases/contracts before any decision is made. Ms. Cushman stated that perhaps these types of things should be put on the agenda for FYI purposes. Ms. Moriarty thought that our expiring lease had been discussed at a prior meeting. Also, she wondered at what expenditure amount would things need to be brought to the committee?

Action: None

FYI:

Ms. Moriarty went to the Berkshire County Fire Chiefs Breakfast. Senator Nuciforo was in attendance and mentioned that his feeling is that this is the year to ask for money.

FYI:

Hospital Recorders have been installed in Noble Hospital, Fairview Hospital, North Adams Hospital, and Berkshire Medical Center.

FYI:

Dates regarding awards banquets during EMS week:

Berkshire County will be held on Friday, May 25, 2001.

Franklin County will be held on Monday, May 21, 2001.

Adjourn:

Motion made to adjourn at 11:32 a.m. Motion approved unanimously.

Lisa Herringshaw, Secretary, Recorder