2019 Annual Report
Penacook Rescue Squad
Penacook Rescue Squad 1 Oak Street Boscawen, NH 03303 2019 Annual Report Penacook Rescue Squad 2019 Annual Report
Table of Contents Mission Statement: ...... 2 Vision: ...... 2 Introduction: ...... 2 Primary Coverage Area Demographics: ...... 3 2019 Incidents by Town: ...... 3 Summary: ...... 4 2019 Incidents by Month: ...... 4 Summary: ...... 5 Number of Incidents by a Specific Timeframe (January – December) ...... 5 Summary: ...... 6 Training / Education: ...... 6 Equipment: ...... 7 Community Involvement / Partnerships: ...... 8 Conclusion: ...... 9
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Penacook Rescue Squad 2019 Annual Report
Mission Statement:
Penacook Rescue shall provide appropriate and timely pre-hospital critical care, rescue and transport for the sick and injured within the communities we serve. Penacook Rescue shall support the mission of the Capital Area Mutual Aid Compact.
Vision:
Our Department remains committed to the advancement of Emergency Medical Services system and how this system can benefit the communities we serve.
Penacook Rescue will maintain a high standard of care and will continually strive to improve our service through continuing education and outreach as it pertains to the communities’ safety and wellness.
Introduction:
Penacook Rescue Squad (PRS) is a private, non-profit public service that provides advanced life support emergency medical services (EMS) to the towns of Boscawen, Canterbury, and Salisbury. PRS also provides mutual aid to surrounding communities like Concord, Franklin, Hopkinton, and Webster when requested. A mutual aid response is when another agency assists a town that they do not provide primary coverage for. PRS operates out of a single location at 1 Oak Street in Boscawen. Historically, staff coverage consisted of both volunteer services and paid staff. To provide the appropriate level of coverage to meet the increasing needs of the primary coverage area the staffing model shifted in 2018 to paid staff 365 days a year. Over 83% of staff are licensed at the advanced level (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedics) allowing the organization to provide consistent care at the Advance Life Support level (ALS). Each year the Department membership continues to build upon their skill level and improve the care they provide to the communities they serve. PRS participates in the advancement of emergency medical services education with several different organizations by allowing their students access to staff and equipment to build their competencies and complete the required course work.
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Penacook Rescue Squad 2019 Annual Report
Primary Coverage Area Demographics:
Boscawen Canterbury Salisbury 2010 Population 3,965 2,352 1,382 2010 Median Age 43.1 years 46.9 years 41.1 years Change from 2000 +8% +18.8% +21.5% *data source http://www.city-data.com/city/New-Hampshire.html
The primary coverage area contains facilities that increase activity for the Department both with the number of emergency response and preplanning. The Merrimack County Nursing Home is a 290 bed facility located in Boscawen. The Merrimack County Corrections Facility is also located in Boscawen and is designed to hold approximately 237 inmates. There are also several schools and businesses contained within the primary coverage area. The Department also provides primary emergency medical services to a portion of Interstate 93.
2019 Incidents by Town:
Boscawen 638 63.11% Webster 8 0.79%
Canterbury 226 22.35% Franklin 2 0.20%
Salisbury 79 7.81% Hopkinton 1 0.10%
Concord 56 5.54% Keene 1 0.10%
Total Number of Incidents by Town
700 638 600 500 400 300 226 200 79 56 100 8 2 1 1 0
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Penacook Rescue Squad 2019 Annual Report
Summary:
In 2019 PRS had a total of 930 emergency responses resulting in 1,011 incidents. The total number of incidents equates to the overall number of people medically evaluated. These numbers continue to increase each year and is anticipated that this trend will continue in 2020. The additional locations listed resulted from a mutual aid response. Although Keene is not a typical area the Department would assist, the need to evacuate Cheshire Medical Center required a large response. As the event in Keene started to take form Department
leadership planned to adjust resources and increase staffing levels prior to the state sending Capital Area resources to the event. The Department was able to support this event while staffing a second ambulance continuing to provide advanced level care to the primary coverage area to without a lapse in service.
2019 Incidents by Month:
January 73 7.22% July 100 9.89%
February 74 7.32% August 84 8.31%
March 81 8.01% September 83 8.21%
April 84 8.31% October 94 9.30%
May 88 8.70% November 65 6.43%
June 105 10.39% December 80 7.91%
Incidents by Month 120 105 100 94 100 88 81 84 84 83 80 73 74 80 65 60 40 20
0
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Penacook Rescue Squad 2019 Annual Report
Summary: The summer months continue to be the period of the highest number of incidents for the Department. This trend is consistent with the historical data and it is not anticipated to change in 2020. There is no single factor or call type that can be identified as the reason for the increases in June and July.
Number of Incidents by a Specific Timeframe (January – December)
Incident Three Hour Range Of Day 24: 00:00:00 - 02:59:59 Incident Three Hour Range Of Day 24: 03:00:00 - 05:59:59 Sunday 6 0.59% Sunday 3 0.30% Monday 11 1.09% Monday 4 0.40% Tuesday 10 0.99% Tuesday 9 0.89% Wednesday 7 0.69% Wednesday 14 1.38% Thursday 6 0.59% Thursday 10 0.99% Friday 10 0.99% Friday 5 0.49% Saturday 11 1.09% Saturday 7 0.69% Total: 61 Total: 6.03% Avg: 8.71 Total: 52 Total: 5.14% Avg: 7.43 Incident Three Hour Range Of Day 24: 06:00:00 - 08:59:59 Incident Three Hour Range Of Day 24: 09:00:00 - 11:59:59 Sunday 12 1.19% Sunday 30 2.97% Monday 32 3.17% Monday 38 3.76% Tuesday 13 1.29% Tuesday 24 2.37% Wednesday 12 1.19% Wednesday 20 1.98% Thursday 13 1.29% Thursday 20 1.98% Friday 14 1.38% Friday 23 2.27% Saturday 12 1.19% Saturday 20 1.98% Total: 108 Total: 10.68% Avg: 15.43 Total: 175 Total: 17.31% Avg: 25.00 Incident Three Hour Range Of Day 24: 12:00:00 - 14:59:59 Incident Three Hour Range Of Day 24: 15:00:00 - 17:59:59 Sunday 16 1.58% Sunday 16 1.58% Monday 19 1.88% Monday 24 2.37% Tuesday 22 2.18% Tuesday 28 2.77% Wednesday 21 2.08% Wednesday 40 3.96% Thursday 27 2.67% Thursday 21 2.08% Friday 32 3.17% Friday 32 3.17% Saturday 31 3.07% Saturday 29 2.87% Total: 168 Total: 16.62% Avg: 24.00 Total: 190 Total: 18.79% Avg: 27.14 Incident Three Hour Range Of Day 24: 18:00:00 - 20:59:59 Incident Three Hour Range Of Day 24: 21:00:00 - 23:59:59 Sunday 26 2.57% Sunday 18 1.78% Monday 22 2.18% Monday 13 1.29% Tuesday 26 2.57% Tuesday 20 1.98% Wednesday 24 2.37% Wednesday 12 1.19% Thursday 15 1.48% Thursday 15 1.48% Friday 19 1.88% Friday 15 1.48% Saturday 18 1.78% Saturday 14 1.38% Total: 150 Total: 14.84% Avg: 21.43 Total: 107 Total: 10.58% Avg: 15.29
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Penacook Rescue Squad 2019 Annual Report
Summary: Looking at the data in three hour blocks PRS can determine if there is a specific time of day that consistently requires a higher demand of resources. The data shows a high demand for service occurs between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm; with the highest demand starting at 3:00 pm time frame. This is anticipated to continue to be the trend in 2020. This data will be constantly reviewed to ensure future staffing models meet the needs of the communities.
Training / Education:
EMS continuing education was provided by Emergency Education Consultants on a monthly basis to ensure our members are provided up to date information, current practices and required hours for recertification. Below are some of the topics covered this year:
Patient Restraint Diabetes Blood Borne Pathogens Immunology Capnography Crew Resource Management Medication Delivery Cardiac Arrest Congestive Heart Failure Trauma Triage Fluid Resuscitation Ventilation Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Acute Coronary Syndromes Oxygenation Evidence-Based Guidelines Post Resuscitation Culture of Safety Ventricular Assist Devices Hygiene / Vaccinations Stroke Research Pediatric Transport Ambulance Safety Central Nervous System Injury At-Risk Populations Hemorrhage Control Field Triage Obstetrical Emergencies Psychiatric / Behavioral Infectious Diseases Special Healthcare Needs Opioids Pain Management Seizures Documentation/Call Review
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Penacook Rescue Squad 2019 Annual Report
PRS staff members attended training with local law enforcement on the MACTAC (Multi-Assault, Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities) as well as the Warm Zone EMS – RTF concepts hosted by Canterbury Fire Department. Both of these trainings are valuable training towards RTF (Rescue Task Force) Deployment during violent incidents including active shooter events. This training not only prepares us for these types of incidents, but the treatments and procedures are applicable to many other situations where traumatic injuries may occur.
This year the Department expanded the Continuous Quality / Improvement Committee (CQI). The CQI provides feedback to providers after reviewing calls. The purpose of this is to ensure quality EMS treatment and transport is provided to the standard of care and following national best practices.
Staff continues to attend additional training and webinars on upcoming billing changes for Medicare and Medicaid, as well as, building cost data analysis that will be part of a national program to understand the costs across the country for Emergency Medical Services.
We have had 7 members increase their provider license level from EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) to Advanced EMT and 4 members from Advanced EMT to Paramedic. This increase has brought our Department to 10 Paramedics and 15 Advanced EMTs.
Equipment:
The Department is operating 2 advanced life support licensed ambulances (2010 and 2012 Ford F-450s) and 1 utility vehicle (2011 Ford Crown Victoria). The ambulances rotate on a monthly basis to extend the life of the vehicles. We anticipate replacing 1 ambulance in the coming year as our vehicles are aging.
In response to rising medical equipment costs PRS is developing a process to determine the most effective way to rotate equipment batteries to extend the life per manufacturer recommendations. The batteries for the CPR Lucas device have reached their end of life and require replacement. These batteries are over $700 per battery placing a large burden on the medical supply budget. Replacement batteries have been purchased for the power stretchers to ensure properly functioning equipment.
We have replaced our iPads, these were aged and not properly functioning when trying to document patient care. In keeping this equipment current we are able to increase productivity and the timely completion of reports which has a direct impact on the billing process and the receipt of insurance revenue.
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Penacook Rescue Squad 2019 Annual Report
We have purchased a second intravenous infusion pump to enhance our Departments capabilities to provide specific medications on both of the ambulances.
Carbon monoxide detectors have been calibrated and placed in service on both ambulances.
The "Chiefs Car" has been taken out of service due to mechanical issues. The cost to repair the vehicle to pass state inspection exceeds its value to the Department. The Department is not seeking replacement of this vehicle.
Community Involvement / Partnerships:
PRS is committed to the communities it serves. Working collaboratively our Department is engaged in our communities through collective partnerships impacting the overall safety and wellness of its residents. As part of this commitment we provided the following outreach:
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) courses to the Boscawen Police Department and Boscawen Parks and Recreation Department.
Introduction of the “Stop the Bleed” program to the Boscawen Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, Boscawen Police Department and the Boscawen Parks and Recreation Department.
Training for the Boscawen Police Department to gain EMS licensure for the administration of Narcan.
A fall risk reduction program in partnership with the Concord Regional VNA.
Medical coverage for events at the NH Veterans Cemetery as well as the NH Police Standards and Training Academy
Planned, organized and participated with the Boscawen Police Department in the Halloween Trunk or Treat event.
Participate in Boscawen Old Home Day events.
Participate in the Police, Fire, EMS and Corrections Memorial Parade
Participated in Concord’s National Night Out event.
Participate in the Concord Holiday Parade in Concord
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Penacook Rescue Squad 2019 Annual Report
Along with the communities it serves, PRS is part of the larger EMS system and many employees participate in outside committees and advisory boards to promote advances in Emergency Medical Services and overall public health and safety.
Conclusion:
Penacook Rescue Squad had its busiest year since starting operations in 1955. The primary service area encompasses the towns of Boscawen, Canterbury and Salisbury, adding the calls for EMS services to other mutual aid communities; the Department had total call volume of 930 emergency calls. This is a 7.7% increase in call volume from last year (863). Call volume continues to increase for our Department in 2010 we responded to 695 incidents and 33.8% increase. In 2000 we responded to 402 incidents a 131.3% increase. Since incident tracking begun for the Department in 1984 we have responded to over 19,500 emergency incidents.
Before closing this year PRS would like to recognize Chief Richard Oberman who retired after over 20 years of service. The Department would like to thank Chief Oberman for his dedication and tireless work to help create a sustainable succession plan to move the Department forward with a strong and clear path for the future.
We are honored and privileged to serve these communities and we look forward to serving next to all of our public safety partners to provide a safe community for all to enjoy.
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