| N E W S | EMS DISPATCH |  |
 |
||
| LETTER | ||
| April 2008 |
| In this issue: |
PARAMEDIC PROGRAM |
EMS WEEK: May 18-24 |
Interested in the Paramedic program? Applications for the 2008 class are now being accepted. For an application packet, please call 607-962-9437 or 607-737-4455.    |
Suggestions for EMS Week:
These resources and more for EMS week are available at: http://www.acep.org/practres.aspx?id=30212 |
GOLF TOURNAMENT |
MOLST: Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment |
| 1st Annual Southern Tier EMS Benefit Golf Tournament Friday, May 16, 2008 Register your team! Or sponsor a hole, or provide a prize. Hurry—deadline for team registration is May 1. For more information, call EMSTAR at 607-732-2354 ex 105, or see http://www.emstar.org/Golf.html |
MOLST is both a form and a program. There is a pilot program in Monroe and Onondaga counties that enables prehospital providers to honor MOLST forms - executable physician orders that are valid anywhere in any New York State hospital/Article 28 facility. Elsewhere in New York State, the ONLY valid Prehospital DNR is that found on the NYS Prehospital DNR (NYS Form DOH 3474). The form is a four-page form printed on BRIGHT pink paper. It contains a record of the patient's preferences concerning various life-sustaining treatments. AT THIS TIME, the information on the form does not affect EMS patient care unless direct PHYSICIAN ON LINE MEDICAL CONTROL directs EMS Providers to provide care based on the MOLST information. For an explanation of MOLST: http://tiny.cc/AQwgT |
| In this issue: |
| NEW FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATION | NEW DOH POLICIES |
As of November 24, 2008 anyone - including EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement - working within the right-of-way on Federal-aid highways MUST wear high-visibility safety apparel, as described in the new Federal regulation (see below).  SUMMARY of Regulation: Pursuant to Section 1402* of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), this final rule establishes a policy for the use of high-visibility safety apparel. The FHWA establishes a new Part in title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that requires the use of high-visibility safety apparel and provides guidance on its application. This rulemaking applies only to workers who are working within the rights-of-way of Federal-aid highways [this includes EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement]. The FHWA is taking this action to decrease the likelihood of fatalities or injuries to workers on foot who are exposed either to traffic (vehicles using the highway for purposes of travel) or to construction vehicles or equipment while working within the rights-of-way of Federal-aid highways.DATES: Effective Date: This final rule is effective November 24, 2008. The incorporation by reference of the publication listed in this regulation is approved by the Director of the Office of the Federal Register as of November 24, 2008. More information is available on the EMSTAR web site at http://www.emstar.org/safety.html *To read the full text, go to the Federal Register at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2006_register&docid=E6-19910 |
Three new policies have been issued by the Department of Health:
|
| NEWS FROM STREMS COUNCIL | |
| STREMS Council and STREMAC meetings are web cast live, and the video is available on demand for 30 days following the meeting. Go to www.emstar.org and click on “STREMS Council Web Casting Site”. Council memberships were renewed for Dr. Huffner, Bill Kennedy, Bob Rajsky, Mike Sprague and Teri Symonds. Don Duvall was re-elected as the region’s representative to State Council. Dr. Huffner was affirmed as the representative to SEMAC. EMSTAR EMS Educational Conference will be October 25, 2008 at Corning Community College. Council members were recognized for years of service: Steve Bennett (8), Patti Gressel (9), Rick Kimball (10). Teri Symonds (11), Bernadette Josbeno-Oakes (12), Mike Sprague (13), Don Duvall (14), Mike Smith (16), Maryann Sweely (18), Dr. Manganaro (19), Bob Rajsky (20), Dr. Huffner (21), Jim Chrabaszcz (24), Maryann Teeter (25), Fred Crist (28), Al Lewis (33). |
| In this issue: |
| Landing Zone Safety | APRIL IS NATIONAL 9-1-1 EDUCATION MONTH |
More information is available on a DVD: “Air Medical Services, Information & Education Program.” The DVD may be borrowed from EMSTAR (e-mail to admin@emstar.org or call 607-732-2354 ex 105). This is an interactive DVD, for computer use. |
Often during an emergency, people become panicked and confused, and can’t even remember enough to know what number to call. Your County Emergency Management reminds you to call 911 in an emergency. Also, when you call for help, be prepared to give the dispatcher as much information as possible regarding your location and the nature of the emergency.  Often finding the location of an emergency is a daunting task for responders. Responders make every effort to respond swiftly and safely to all requests for assistance. Posting your 911 house numbers is one of the easiest things you can do to assist in an emergency. Responders rely on these numbers when searching for a residence.When traveling, keep track of the route numbers you are on and reference points such as the town or county you are in. In the event that you need assistance while traveling, any information as to your location that you provide to the 911 center will help responders to reach you that much faster. The 9-1-1 system can save lives, but it requires dedicated individuals who care about public safety to take the time to educate people, especially children, on how to use it.  |
| Gold Stars of Life | New Videos Available |
| Recent nominees include: Rick and Shirley Churches of Odessa Rescue. Schuyler Ambulance EMT-P S. Copp Jr., and EMT D. Mahnke responded with Odessa Rescue to a 3-year-old patient who had been run over by a riding lawn mower with amputation of right leg. Ambulance crew arrived on scene and found patient in care of EMTs. Patient was calm as could be. Rescue had bleeding controlled, patient ready for transport. Rescue crew was calm, working very hard with patient's mother, scene was very calm and patient care not delayed at all. Hats off to the rescue crew keeping calm, which helped in patient receiving care needed. Larry States, Mel Horton, Mike Antonio of Monterey Rescue responded to assist ambulance with full arrest. Patient was being transported when pt went into full arrest, requested rescue. When they arrived they assisted without hesitation. Thank you! Mike Mullen of Big Flats Fire Department responded to a man down. This new EMT arrived on scene under 2 minutes to find the patient with no pulses and not breathing. Mike was able to successfully establish an airway and provide CPR until other units arrived on scene and assumed care. Because of Mike's initial actions, this man is continuing his recovery. Doug Reed and Dan Moore of Rural Metro, for a CPR save. Patient in full cardiac arrest, was bagged and CPR started. Patient regained pulse with assisted ventilation. Patient was talking prior to transport. Ryan Barker and James Page of Erway Ambulance. Had a medical patient in complete heart block, kidney failure and hypoglycemic, who went into cardiac arrest. With the paramedics' quick thinking he saved the patient's life. Robert Hollister, Joe Hawkins, Donna Tuite of Rural Metro for saving the life of a 5-month-old peds code. The child is alive due to these dedicated people. Do you have someone to nominate? Send an e-mail, listing the recipient's name, agency, their action or behavior accomplished, and your name, to admin@emstar.org or print out and mail the nomination card at http://www.stremscouncil.org/goldstarpost.html |
New DVDs: EMS and HIPAA: Every healthcare provider must comply with HIPAA, including EMTs. Many EMTs are unsure of what does and does not violate HIPAA. This is complicated by the fact that most calls are conducted in public or semi-public environments, making it difficult to protect a patient's information. This course answers many questions, including how to comply with HIPAA when a citizen rides along, what information can be given to law enforcement at the scene, and practical strategies for compliance in the field. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: CO poisoning causes 500 accidental deaths each year in the US, and approximately 2000 intentional deaths due to suicide. Responder safety is an extremely important concept when responding to CO poisoning calls. If the responder also gets CO poisoning, treatment for the patient is delayed and scene safety is compromised. This course discusses what CO poisoning is, what causes it, how it presents in patients, and how to diagnose and treat it. Airway Management: airway management issues common to EMS providers. Anatomy & physiology of lungs, includes the exchange of gases at the alveolar level and basic techniques of ventilation and assessment of effectiveness of ventilatory efforts. Students will learn the effects of over- and under-ventilation, proper techniques to assess adequate ventilation, and the insertion of a basic airway adjunct Roadway and Highway Safety: The focus is on operating an emergency vehicle safely. The vehicle is the one piece of equipment that is use the most and trained on the least. Discuss safety issues related to the emergency vehicle - the impact of driver attitude, vehicle dynamics, potential dangers when the vehicle is stopped on the roadway. Diabetic Emergencies: diabetes mellitus, including basic pathophysiology, acute complications and long-term complications. Emergency treatment for common diabetic emergencies, including conscious and unconscious hypoglycemics and unconscious hyperglycemics in diabetic ketoacidosis. Emerging therapies for management of diabetes. These videotapes can be borrowed, for use in the Southern Tier, by instructors, training officers, and EMS personnel. Just complete and return the user application. |