Western Mass Emergency
Medical Services Committee, Inc.
Meeting:
Regional Council
Date: September 12, 2002
Place: Dakin Conference Room, CDH
Presiding: Robert Hopkins, President
Called
to Order: 10:16 a.m.
Adjourned: 11:09 a.m.
Attendance:
**** Mr. Hopkins announced the passing of Mr. Guy
Manners: a very vital member of the Regional Communications Committee.
Following a moment of silence, Mr. Hopkins informed those present that a
memorial service would be held on Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 2:00p.m. at the
First Congregational Church in Shelburne.
Conflict of Interest Statement: Those present who
will have a conflict with the current agenda items will abstain from voting on
those items.
Minutes: A motion was made to approve the minutes as distributed. This motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
Physicians
Council Report:
Discussion
Dr.
Dinneen reports that the committee discussed diversion statistics and also the
shortage of Valium (although it currently does not appear to be an issue in
this area). Dr. Dinneen mentioned that Dr. Durkin has agreed to research the
use of Versed for seizure patients. P/B Waiver renewals for Village Ambulance
and Granby Fire Department, and the P/I Waiver renewal for Amherst Fire
Department were all discussed, approved and are recommended to Regional Council
for their vote. The committee discussed was the availability of needles for
chest decompression and it was agreed that the procedure does not need a
syringe attached so the needleless systems should work. The lack of neurosurgical coverage at
Baystate was discussed and all hospitals are being notified. Finally, agenda
items from the State Medical Services meeting to be held on September 13, 2002
were discussed.
Action See New Business for vote on P/B &
P/I Waiver Renewals.
Executive
Directors Report:
Discussion
Ms.
Moriarty reported to those present that the new Public Hearing Date will be
October 1, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. at the Regional Public Health Office in
Northampton. Written testimony will be accepted through October 15, 2002 at
5:00 p.m. The regulations changes have been passed out at this meeting and Ms.
Moriarty feels that the biggest changes involve service zone agreements and
dispatch, treat, and transport. Ms. Moriarty would like everyone to review all
of the changes and if they see problems, please send written testimony. Also, your concerns could be discussed at
the October Regional Council meeting, and we could send in testimony as a
group.
Also,
the state is expected to receive two grants and these will be coming in through
the Dept. of Public Health. Ms. Moriarty reports that we are trying to stay on
top of this, but it is difficult. Ms. Austin added that she has attended some
of these meetings and Western Mass. is still not recognized.
Ms.
Moriarty reports that EMT written tests will be taken on computer as of October
1, 2002. The company that is in charge of this process is trying to create a
demo disk to pass out to EMT instructors so they can give their students some
idea of the process. Having already completed the practical portion of their
exams, once they pass the written exam, they will receive their cards that
day. FYI: the students will need to
bring two forms of I.D. to the test.
Mr. Stump asked how long the waiting period would be between the
practical and written exams. Ms. Moriarty believes that it will be 1 to 2
weeks. Once you receive the paper in the mail that you have passed the
practical, you can call to sign up for the written exam. Mr. Hopkins added that
Basic, Intermediate, and Paramedic exams will be run in the same fashion. Ms.
Moriarty also added that if you have any students that are currently in the
middle of their testing process, they could still continue to take the paper
written exam. (OEMS has information about the computer process on their
website).
Finally, the WMEMS office will be moving to Industrial Drive at some point in the upcoming months. Ms. Moriarty reported that a space consultant has been brought in by the hospital to look at the space at Industrial Drive. We should be able to keep the same phone system.
REMINDER:
October Regional Council Meeting will be at the South Deerfield Fire Station!
Action None.
Treasurers
Report:
Discussion
Mr.
Hopkins (via note from Ms. Josefski) reports that the checking account has a
balance of $33471.19, savings account is $492.02, and the scholarship account
is $5494.44, and the EMS Victim/Worker Relief Fund is $209.54.
Action None.
Award
Committee Report:
Discussion
There
was no meeting held this month.
Action
None.
Communications
Committee Report:
Discussion
A
meeting was held this month, but no report was given. Mr. Hopkins reports that
the Executive Committee is requesting an audited financial statement from CMED,
to estimate the potential expense of running the system.
Mr.
Stump expressed concern that in the last six weeks he has tried to connect to
Wesson via CMED, and has not been able to patch through. Mr. Hopkins stated that it seems like a
technical problem, and perhaps he could speak with Mr. Cote regarding this. Ms.
Moriarty added that it is difficult to track down a problem six weeks later. As
soon as there is a problem with the system, a report should be made when you
arrive back at your base.
Action None.
PIER
Committee Report:
Discussion
Ms.
Clapp reports that a meeting had been held, but there was no one present to
give a report.
Action None.
MCI
Committee Report:
Discussion
Ms.
Moriarty reports that there were 4 people present at the last meeting.
Currently, they are working on integrating all of the county MCI plans into one.
Also, they are always looking for new members. If anyone is interested, the
meetings are held the last Wednesday of the month in the McCallum Building,
CDH.
Action None.
Training
Committee Report:
Discussion
The
committee looked over the three applications that have been submitted for
scholarships. Applications are being accepted until November 1, if anyone is
still interested. Also, at the request of Ms. Josefski they discussed the
current state continuing education (con-ed) requirements. Ms. Josefski in on a
task force that is examining these requirements and she is looking for input to
take back to the state task force. The following are recommendations from this
committee:
On line classes: need to have a
limit so students will still need to attend some classroom courses
Cap on total number of credits
Variety of subject matter
Accept con-ed from magazines, but
put limit the amount
Perhaps have the system set up that
a person can get so many credits by magazine, classroom,
and online.
Mr.
Hopkins mentioned the idea of refreshers on-line. Ms. Moriarty stated that
there are some refreshers being run on-line, but they still have to have a
classroom component. Ms. Clapp added that they are currently lining up a
Paramedic Refresher at Greenfield Community College.
Ms.
Josefski added that she would take these suggestions back to the sub-committee.
If anyone has any more suggestions, please contact her at the WMEMS office.
Action Ms. Josefski to take
suggestions back to the task force.
Trauma
Committee Report:
Discussion
Ms.
Bycenski reports that the committee is still working on their strategic plan to
get their goals accomplished. Also, there is a State Trauma Meeting on
September 19.
Action None.
County
Reports:
Discussion
None
to report
Mohawk
Trail Regional High School Cadet Program:
Discussion
Ms.
Ahearn, the new Program Coordinator, would like to discuss this revised Special
Project Waiver with Regional Council, asking for their recommendation. Ms.
Ahearn added that Ms. Josefski was also sent a copy of this waiver.
Ms.
Ahearn informed the council that this program is set up for students ages 16 ½
and up, allowing them to take the Mass. State EMT Exam as cadets. She feels
that the biggest issue that OEMS had with their original waiver was the issue
of trauma and stress for the students. After revision, she feels that this has
been addressed. Ms. Ahearn also added
that different people have recently been added to the program and feels that
this will help it. Ms. Josefski reported that in a letter that had been sent to
Mr. Lussier, OEMS stated that they wanted this waiver to cover only Shelburne
Falls Ambulance; not the three that they currently have listed: Charlemont,
Colrain Ambulances, and Shelburne Falls Ambulance. Ms. Ahearn responded that to limit the program to only Shelburne
Falls, they would be overwhelmed with calls. In their waiver they have listed a
3-mile radius that the program would be based in. Ms. Ahearn added that the first year that this waiver was
submitted it had been approved with this radius for a 1year trial period. The
second year, Mr. Lussier never applied, and this is now the third year. Mr.
Johnson added that he feels that it only makes sense that this waiver covers a
3-mile radius. For example, if there is an accident just over the town line in
Charlemont (and this is only ½ mile from the high school), why shouldnt the
students be able to assist?
Ms.
Josefski asked if Mr. Lussier ever met the requirements that were requested
from the initial waiver. Ms. Ahearn replied no, due to lack of follow up on his
part. Ms. Josefski asked Ms. Ahearn if there was anything included in the
waiver regarding student mentoring. Ms. Ahearn replied that mentoring would
take place. Ms. Josefski asked about the QA, and Ms. Ahearn stated that they
would implement the same format that is utilized in Franklin County. Ms.
Josefski feels that this aspect needs to be explained more in the waiver. It is
somewhat vague the way it is explained now. Ms. Josefski also asked about the
run reports that the students will use. Ms. Ahearn stated that the form the
students will use is basically the same at the current Western Mass. Run Form.
Ms. Josefski added that she is not trying to be argumentative, but hopes to act
as a liaison between OEMS and the program. Mr. Hopkins feels that it is good
that Ms. Josefski is working with them on this process as she is on the State
Training Committee. Ms. Ahearn responded that she is upset, as she had received
a very short time line to get this application in. Mr. Johnson added that Mr.
Lussier had been very lax, and now that there is someone to follow through it
will be a better program. Mr. Hopkins stated that any communications to OEMS
should be CCd to all involved. Ms. Ahearn asked Mr. Hopkins who should get a
copy when this waiver is complete. Mr. Hopkins asked if this could be posted on
the WMEMS website. Ms. Ahearn responded that she would speak with her board of
directors, and get in touch with Ms. Josefski.
Action Ms. Ahearn to get in
touch with Ms. Josefski re: posting the waiver application on the
WMEMS website.
The
Big E Booth:
Discussion
Ms.
Herringshaw reports that there are still a few openings in our booth. If anyone
is interested, please contact the office.
New
Business
Amherst
P/I Waiver Renewal:
Discussion
Having
received recommendation from Physicians Council, a motion was made to approve
the Amherst Fire Department P/I Waiver Renewal. This motion was seconded and
approved with two abstentions, Dr. Conway and Mr. Zlogar.
Action Ms. Josefski to forward
a letter of approval to OEMS.
Granby
Fire Department P/B Waiver Renewal:
Discussion
Having
received recommendation from Physicians Council, a motion was made to approve
the Granby Fire Department P/B Waiver Renewal. This motion was seconded and
approved with one abstention, Dr. Conway.
Action Ms. Josefski to forward
a letter of approval to OEMS.
Village
Ambulance P/B Waiver Renewal:
Discussion
Having
received recommendation from Physicians Council, a motion was made to approve
the Village Ambulance P/B Waiver Renewal. This motion was seconded and approved
with one abstention, Mr. Harrington.
Action Ms. Josefski to forward
a letter of approval to OEMS.
FYI:
Discussion
On
Thursday, October 10, there will be a second Red and Blue Mass, for the
blessing of fire, police, and EMS personnel. This will be held at 6:45 p.m. If
anyone is interested, please contact North Adams Dispatch at 664-4945.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting will be held on October 10 at 10:00 a.m.
Please
note: the October meeting will be held at the South Deerfield Fire Station on
Routes 5 & 10 in South Deerfield. A
map has been included in this mailing.
Adjourn: A motion was made to adjourn at 11:09 a.m. This motion was
seconded and approved unanimously.
Lisa
Herringshaw, Recorder