ADIRONDACK - APPALACHIAN REGIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL 2920 STATE ROUTE 30 PO BOX 212 SPECULATOR, NEW YORK 12164 TEL. (518) 548-3535 FAX (518) 548-7605 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.aarems.org
M I N U T E S
The regular monthly meeting of the Adirondack-Appalachian Regional Emergency Medical Services Council was held on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at the Holiday Inn, Johnstown, NY.
Chairman Lewis Jones, RN, presiding.
MEMBERS ATTENDING:
William Beevers Lewis Jones, RN Thomas Pasquarelli Patrice Delameter August Leinhart, MD Michael Swartz Jill Dunham Philip Mulleedy Gary Wickes John Farquhar Joyce Mulleedy, RN
ABSENT AND EXCUSED:
Edward Brandt Jared Gilston Brian Knapp Sidney Chase Patricia Green, RN David Markowitz, MD Andrew Cuccinello Yvonne Hart, RN Dana Weygand John Early Stephen Hood Mark Zeek (adv.)
ABSENT:
None
GUESTS:
Anthony Agresta - Lieutenant, Amsterdam Fire Department Richard Beebe, RN - Paramedic Educator Joseph Farrell - NYS-EMS Howard Huth, III - SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic Program Deborah Kufs, RN - Hudson Valley Community College Paramedic Program Mary Ramo - NYS-EMS Roy Sweet - Johnstown Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps Kuntree Sweet - Johnstown Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps
* The meeting was called to order at 1:02 PM by Chairman Lewis Jones.
ROLL CALL
A quorum was present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 2014 MEETING
AAREMS Minutes for April 17, 2014 Page 1 The Minutes of the March 20, 2014 meeting had previously been made available electronically to all members in a timely manner, and in addition had been posted on the regional web site for review and/or downloading.
Motion was made by Mrs. Delameter and seconded by Mr. Beevers, as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the March 20, 2014 meeting are accepted as written.
This was adopted unanimously, with no abstentions.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
Our guests, as named above, were introduced and welcomed.
CORRESPONDENCE
For the period from March 20, 2014 through April 16, 2014:
Sent:
03/22 – to certain TEKs, a QI issue (with copies to agency officer and agency medical director), as per REMAC direction; 03/24 – to Central Bridge, Scho-Wright, Sharon Springs and Conesville, supplies of PCRs, as requested; 03/24 – to Grand Gorge and Gilbertsville, supplies of continuation forms, as requested (via email); 03/24 – to Andy Johnson, DOH, replying about rescheduled October 2014 exam date (via email); 03/27 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members and others usually receiving the Minutes, the Minutes for AAREMS and REMAC for March 20, 2014 (via email)(also posted on regional web site); 03/27 – to Dan Clayton, DOH, a listing of agencies using BLS Narcan, as requested (via email); 03/27 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members, notification of an EMS colleague’s passing (via email); 03/27 – to an agency officer, replying about a personnel update (via email); 03/27 – to Garrattsville, information on the BLS CPAP program, as requested (via email); 03/27 – to Oneonta State Emergency Squad, about BLS Narcan approval (via email); 03/27 – to an agency officer, with BLS Narcan information, as requested (via email); 03/28 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members, forwarding the latest Homeland Security bulletin (via email); 03/28 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members, forwarding the latest on exam service status, from Lee Burns, DOH (via email); 03/28 - To Broadalbin and Cherry Valley, notification of AAREMS approval of entry into ePCR program (via email); 03/28 – to Cobleskill, notice of approval of ePCR software change (via email); 04/02 – to Mike Tayler, DOH, replying about ePCR agencies (via email); 04/02 – to an agency officer, replying about the intranasal Narcan program (via email); 04/03 – to Lisa DeLong, DOH, the quarterly Council and Program deliverables and vouchers; 04/03 – to all AAREMS and REMAC members, the latest CrossFire anti-terrorism bulletin (via email); 04/03 – to Mike Tayler, DOH, replying about ePCR agency questions (via email); 04/04 – to all the above, the latest Homeland Security bulletin (via email); AAREMS Minutes for April 17, 2014 Page 2 04/04 – to Middleburgh and Oneonta FD ambulance, supplies of PCRs, as requested; 04/07 – to the AAREMS IT advisor, asking about format for the BLS protocols (via email); 04/10 – to all AAREMS members, meeting reminder for April 17 (via email); 04/14 – to Mike Tayler, DOH, replying about an ePCR meeting (via email); 04/15 – to Dr. Leinhart, replying about an agency medical director and level of service (via email);
Received:
03/23 – from Stamford, letter to Dan Clayton at DOH, about operating territory (via email); 03/23 – from REMO, details on their AEMT course beginning on April 04, 2014 (via email)(posted on regional web site); 03/24 – from Andy Johnson, DOH, with notice of rescheduled exam date (via email)(see below); 03/24 - from Franklin, requesting REMAC approval of new agency medical director; 03/27 – from Richmondville, notice of an EMS colleague’s passing (via email); 03/27 – from Dan Clayton, DOH, requesting a listing of BLS Narcan providers in the Region (via email); 03/27 – from an agency officer, a personnel update (via email); 03/27 – from Deb Kufs, notice of upcoming course planning session (via email)(posted on regional web site); 03/27 – from ASFC, requesting approval for ePCR program (via email)(see below); 03/38 – from Lee Burns, DOH (also from Mark Zeek), update on exam service status (via email) (also see below); 03/28 – from Homeland Security, their latest bulletin (via email); 03/28 – from Dana Jonas, DOH, acknowledging receipt of Regional vote outcome on Rural/Metro C.O.N. (via email); 03/31 – from Schoharie County Critical Care Team, requesting permission to enter the ePCR program (via email) (also see below); 04/01 – from Mike Tayler, DOH, about ePCR agencies (via email); 04/02 – from Dr. Leinhart, a QI issue (via email); 04/02 – from an agency officer, about the intranasal Narcan program (via email); 04/02 – from CrossFire, their latest anti-terrorism bulletin (via email); 04/03 – from Mike Tayler, DOH, ePCR agency questions (via email); 04/04 – from Homeland Security, their latest bulletin (via email); 04/04 – from Joe Farrell, DOH, a BLSFR agency closure issue; 04/04 – from, DOH, notice of enforcement action (see below); 04/04 – from Mike Tayler, DOH, copies of DOH ePCR approvals as needed for Broadalbin, Cherry Valley and Cobleskill (via email); 04/08 – from our IT advisor, replying about a digital format for the BLS protocols (via email); 04/09 – from Andy Johnson, DOH, replying to an instructor inquiry about the current structure of EMS instructor training (via email); 04/09 – from a number of instructors statewide, replying to Andy Johnson about the above (via email); 04/10 – from a number of instructors and other interested parties statewide, about the above (via email); 04/14 – from Mike Tayler, DOH, regarding an ePCR meeting in June (via email); 04/14 – from Dr. Leinhart, about an agency medical director and level of service (via email)(two emails sent); 04/14 – from REMO, about Android™ format protocols app (via email); AAREMS Minutes for April 17, 2014 Page 3 04/14 – from Mike Tayler, DOH, copy of email to agency about their ePCR status (via email); 04/16 – from Andy Johnson, DOH, about an upcoming instructor course (via email) (posted on regional web site);
A listing of the correspondence was distributed before the start of the meeting to each member present, for his or her perusal. Other handouts distributed to the members present included the cash flow and balance sheet, DOH Policy Statement #11-06, and a listing of meeting dates.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Mr. Jones had no special report.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
On March 24, we were advised by Andy Johnson at DOH, that the October 2014 exam date had been rescheduled from October 23 to October 30. We were further advised that this information also appears on the state EMS website.
On March 27, Ambulance Service of Fulton County asked in writing for approval to begin the ePCR program. They plan to utilize Image Trend software. Motion was made by Mr. Mulleedy and seconded by Mr. Pasquarelli, as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Ambulance Service of Fulton County is approved to become part of the statewide ePCR program.
This was adopted unanimously, with no abstentions.
On March 28, we received an email from Lee Burns at DOH advising that the EMS exam schedule will proceed uninterrupted due to agreements with the examination service. This was forwarded electronically to all Council and REMAC members on the same date.
On March 31, we received a written request from the Schoharie County Critical Care Team for Regional approval of entry into the ePCR system. They plan to utilize the “I-PCR” software program Motion was made by Mr. Mulleedy, and seconded by Mrs., Delameter, as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Schoharie County Critical Care Team is approved to become part of the statewide ePCR program.
On this date (April 17, 2014), we have received a written request from the Johnstown Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps (JAVAC) for regional approval of entry into the ePCR system. They plan to use the “I-PCR” software program. Motion was made by Mr. Mulleedy, and seconded by Mrs. Delameter as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Johnstown Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps (JAVAC) is approved to become part of the statewide ePCR program.
This was adopted unanimously, with no abstentions.
Mr. Mulleedy explained that it is necessary to adopt a guideline and policy for dealing with clarification of territory issues that may soon be presented to this Council by certain constituent agencies. Copies of DOH Policy statement 11-06 on the subject were sent electronically to all members on April 16, and copies are also available today for perusal. There was discussion on this, and Motion was then made by Mr. Mulleedy, and seconded by Mr. Farquhar as follows:
AAREMS Minutes for April 17, 2014 Page 4 RESOLVED, that Department of Health Policy Statement #11-06 regarding clarification of territory issues is adopted by this Regional Council as its guideline in such matters. In addition, a non-refundable fee of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) shall be requested at the time such application is received.
This was adopted unanimously, with no abstentions.
Mr. Mulleedy advised that we are looking at ways to electronically streamline our semi-annual TEK reporting process, which now depends heavily on written documents, in order to make it more convenient for all concerned in the process. He noted that the current REMO system of TEK reporting is being explored and invited suggestions from the membership before the next REMAC meeting (on May 15, 2014).
Notice of enforcement action has been received, as follows:
Name/ DOB/Violation Address Cert. Number Action Taken Stony Point Ambulance 47 South Liberty Drive 4324 civil penalty of Corps, Inc.; violation Stony Point, NY 10980 $2000.00; PHL 3012(1)(b);
A cumulative listing of training courses announced or in progress can be found on the Council’s web site – www.aarems .org. E-mail links to all of the course sponsors are also to be found with the course listings on the web site. For further information by phone, contact the following: Otsego County – Robert O’Brien (607) 547-4226; Bassett Hospital – (518) 255-5367; Delaware County – Stephen Hood (607) 746-9600; Margaretville Hospital – Patrice Delameter (845) 586-2631, ext. 3226; Schoharie County – Howard Huth (518- 255-5367); Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC) – Mark Hitchcock (518) 774-0425; Hamilton County – Gary Wickes (518) 548-4380.
TREASURER’S REPORT
For the period from March 20, 2014 through April 16, 2014:
General Accounts Program Account
Checking - 67.47 Payroll - 153.65 Savings - 17999.25 C.O.N. - 3503.03
A printed report of the cash flow and balance sheet was distributed to all members. Mr. Jones, Mr. Pasquarelli and Mr. Farquhar first received detailed cash flow, balance sheets and register reports plus copies of cancelled checks, as per the review arrangements agreed on to meet audit standards. They reported that they found all records to be in order.
On April 03, we forwarded to Lisa DeLong at DOH, the quarterly Council deliverables and a voucher showing expenditures for the period from January 01, 2014 to March 31, 2014 in the amount of $2728.32. On that same date, we forwarded the program agency deliverables and a voucher for $40499.99, showing program expenditures for that same period.
Motion was made by Mrs. Delameter and seconded by Mr. Pasquarelli, as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Treasurer’s Report is accepted as presented.
Those voting adopted this unanimously. Mr. and Mrs. Mulleedy abstained, as staff members.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Regional Program Agency Committee AAREMS Minutes for April 17, 2014 Page 5 Mr. Mulleedy led a discussion on the current protocols for therapeutic hypothermia in the case of ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) patients. He noted that he has been advised that REMO has posted an advisory on this subject for prehospital providers. It was noted by Dr. Leinhart and others that a protocol change can take place only with the approval of the SEMAC (State Medical Advisory Committee), and that the advisory in question appears to be a REMO issue at present.
Training Committee
Mr. Mulleedy advised that work is going forward on the AAREMS project to develop an electronic format for the Statewide BLS protocols, with a view to making them conveniently available for downloading to handheld devices, including hyperlinks from the index to the desired item. The content of the protocols is exactly as published by DOH. The document is quite lengthy, and such links would be very convenient for the user.
Mrs. Mulleedy noted that requests have been received for a CLI (certified lab instructor) course to be held in the northern part of the Regional Council area. Discussion today has set tentative dates of Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28, 2014 at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown. The location was decided on since the last CLI was held in Cobleskill. There will have to be a reasonable charge made for expenses, since DOH does not reimburse for location or food. This will be finalized soon. The committee also discussed the agenda for the annual Teaching Day on November 01, 2014 at the Holiday Inn. Approval has not yet been received for the June 07, 2014 Certified Instructor Update (CIU), but an announcement will go out as soon as approval is received. [n.b., approval was received on April 21, and notifications have already been made]
Transportation and Standards Committee
Mr. Mulleedy noted that no C.O.N. or clarification of operating territory applications have yet been received.
STATE COUNCIL REPORT
The State Council and State Medical Advisory Committee (SEMSCO and SEMAC) next meet on June 05 -06, 2014 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy.
REGIONAL PROGRAM UPDATE
Regional Program Directors Meeting
There was nothing to report.
Other Program Updates
There were none.
REMAC Report
REMAC next meets on May 15, 2014 at 1030 AM prior to the Council meeting on that date..
County Reports (Reported from North to South in the Region)
Hamilton County – Mr. Wickes had nothing new to report. Fulton County – Mr. Farquhar had nothing new to report. Montgomery County – Mr. Pasquarelli had nothing new to report. Schoharie County – Mr. Beevers advised of the formation of an EMS strategic planning committee. AAREMS Minutes for April 17, 2014 Page 6 Otsego County – There were no representatives present from Otsego County. Delaware County – Mrs. Delameter noted that Ms. Wilson, the new county EMS Coordinator, is working effectively.
OLD BUSINESS
There was none.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Mulleedy advised that Mrs. Dunham has now been absent for a very large number of consecutive sessions, and according to our bylaws it is a membership decision as to her continued status on the Council. Motion was made by Mrs. Delameter and seconded by Mr. Wickes, as follows:
RESOLVED, that the seat on the Regional Council formally held by Cynthia Dunham is declared vacant, and appropriate nominating authority will be asked to nominate a replacement.
This was adopted unanimously, with no abstentions.
Mr. Beebe advised of a NAEMSE (National Association of EMS Educators) instructor course to be held in Glens Falls. This is already noted on our website. Mr. Huth advised that the SUNY Cobleskill AEMT course already has 27 registrants, and that their EMS Winter symposium is scheduled for January 10, 2015.
ADJOURNMENT
At 1:43 PM. Next meeting will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, May 15, 2014, at the Holiday Inn, Route 30A, Johnstown. It will be preceded at 10:30 AM on that date by a REMAC meeting at that same location.
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