Regional Emergency Medical Services Council s2

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:

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, November 20, 2008 at the Holiday Inn, Johnstown, NY.

Chairman Lewis Jones, RN, presiding.

MEMBERS ATTENDING:

William Averill Howard Hime Joyce Mulleedy, RN

Shelley Carson, RN Stephen Hood (ex off.) Philip Mulleedy

Sidney Chase David Houck Thomas Pasquarelli

Don Coy Lewis Jones, RN Elizabeth J. Putman

Cynthia Dunham Bonnell Kaido Robert Quist, RN

Allen Dunham (alt.) August Leinhart, MD Michael Swartz

John Early Bonnie Looman, RN Mark Zeek (adv.)

John Farquhar

ABSENT AND EXCUSED:

Patrice Delameter Stephen Kuck

ABSENT:

None

GUESTS:

Shirley Burtman - JAVAC

Joseph Farrell - NYS-EMS

Margaret Hansen, RN - Tri-Town Regional Healthcare, Sidney

Richard Kersmanc - Worcester Emergency Squad

Mary Ramo - NYS-EMS

Dean Romano - Bassett Center for Rural EMS Education

*

The meeting was called to order at 1:01 PM by Chairman Jones.

ROLL CALL

A quorum was present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 16, 2008 MEETING

Copies of the Minutes had been sent to all members in a timely manner. Motion was made by Mr. Hime and seconded by Mr. Chase, as follows:

RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the October 16, 2008 meeting are approved 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 October 16, 2008 through November 19, 2008:

Sent:

·  10/16 – to keypunch, 2653 screened PCRs;

·  10/18 - to all in the “AAREMS” and “Minutes” address books, the Minutes of the October 16 AAREMS meeting (via email) – also posted on Regional web site;;

·  10/20 – to Gloversville FD, Pittsfield and Hartwick, supplies of PCRs, as requested;

·  10/20 – to West Exeter, a supply of BLSFR PCRs, as requested;

·  10/20 – to an agency officer, replying about the Amish helicopter issue (via email);

·  10/20 – to two practitioners, regional photo ID badges;

·  10/20 – to four TEKs, the usual startup paperwork;

·  10/21 – to an agency officer, replying about a new medical director (via email);

·  10/21 – to an agency officer, replying about a change of agency personnel (via email);

·  10/21 – to the American Heart Association, replying about an upcoming STEMI/Stroke capability survey (via email);

·  10/22 – to Margaretville, Garrattsville and Cobleskill, supplies of PCRs, as requested;

·  10/22 – to Perth, a supply of BLSFR PCRs, as requested;

·  10/22 – to Jefferson, Garrattsville and Milford, supplies of continuation forms, as requested;

·  10/22 – to Jefferson, a supply of refusal forms, as requested;

·  10/23 – to Roxbury, a supply of PCRs, as requested;

·  10/24 – to ten practitioners, regional photo ID badges;

·  10/24 – to Lisa DeLong, DOH, replying about the regional CME process (via email);

·  10/25 – to an instructor, a training program on CD, as requested;

·  10/27 – to Dr. Leinhart, notice of Dr. Nolan’s resignation as ED Director at Fox Hospital;

·  10/29 – to all agencies in the PCR program, the usual monthly reminder cards;

·  10/29 – to Pittsfield, a supply of continuation forms and refusal forms, as requested;

·  10/29 – to Steve Sonder, DOH, the quarterly PAD report (via fax);

·  10/29 – to Tim Mirabile, REMO, replying about returned PCRs (via email);

·  10/30 – to NYS DEC (c/o their management firm), about their new campground (26) PAD programs;

·  10/30 – to Steve Sonder, DOH, about the above;

·  10/30 – to two new provisional TEKs, the usual paperwork;

·  11/03 – to a practitioner, replying about access to the CME website (via email);

·  11/03 – to an agency officer, replying about ePCRs (via email);

·  11/03 – to Mid-County and Delhi, supplies of PCRs, as requested;

·  11/06 – to Lisa DeLong, DOH, replying to a letter to all program agencies about the QI portion of the deliverables (via email);

·  11/07 – to Dr. Fisher, replying about a QI matter;

·  11/07 – to all in the “AAREMS” and “REMAC” address books, early reminder of the November 20 meeting (via email);

·  11/10 –to Tim Mirabile, REMO, on the passing of his father;

·  11/10 – to an agency member, replying about the website (via email);

·  11/10 – to Hamilton County Public Health, replying about updated contact information (via email);

·  11/10 – to a new EMT-P (formerly credentialed as AEMT-CC), the usual paperwork;

·  11/10 – to all in the “AAREMS” and “Minutes” address books, DOH fact sheet on Pertussis (via email);

·  11/12 – to ASFC, a supply of PCRs, as requested;

·  11/13 - to Steve Hood, replying about new agency medical directors (via email);

·  11/13 – to Mary Ramo, DOH, replying about the CME recert policies document (via email);

·  11/13 – to all in the “AAREMS” and “Minutes” address books, info from Steve Kuck about FDA insulin syringe recall (via email);

·  11/13 – to a practitioner, replying to a question about Pertussis (via email);

·  11/13 – to Franklin, Oneonta FD and Rural/Metro, supplies fo PCRs, as requested;

·  11/13 – to Rural/Metro, a supply of continuation forms, as requested;

·  11/13 – to Bonnie Kaido and Dr. Leinhart, replying about the proposed secondary formulary (via email) (two emails);

·  11/13 – to a practitioner, replying about photo ID badges (via email – two messages);

·  11/14 - to all in the “AAREMS” and “REMAC” address books, meeting reminder fo0r November 20 (via email);

·  11/15 – to the advisor for the SUNY Oneonta first responders, replying about any outstanding paperwork issues (there are none) (via email);

·  11/15 – to Grand Gorge, replying about communications companies (via email);

·  11/17 – to Downsville, about their agency level of service;

·  11/18 – to all in the “AAREMS” address book, reminder from the Heart Association about the EMS survey (via email);

·  11/18 – to Lisa DeLong, DOH, replying about the program agency meeting on December 01 (via email);

·  11/19 – to keypunch, 3490 screened PCRs;

·  11/19 – to 14 practitioners, regional photo ID badges;

Received:

·  10/17 – from DOH, enforcement notice (see below);

·  10/20 – from REMO, notice of rapid recert classes (posted on regional web site);

·  10/20 – from an agency officer, about the Amish helicopter issue (via email);

·  10/20 – from Steve Hood, copy of a letter sent to Delaware County agencies regarding service medical directors (via email);

·  10/20 – from Steve Hood, about agency medical director orientation (via email) (reply by phone);

·  10/21 – from Joe Farrell, DOH, about an agency non-compliance with recertification;

·  10/21 – from an agency officer, about a new medical director (via email);

·  10/21 – from an agency officer, about a change of agency personnel (via email);

·  10/21 – from the American Heart Association, about an upcoming STEMI/Stroke capability survey (via email);

·  10/23 – from Joe Farrell, DOH, notices of four agencies non-compliant with inspection request;

·  10/24 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, asking about the regional CME process via email);

·  10/27 – from Albany Medical Center, notice of new CME programs (posted on regional web site);

·  10/27 – from Dr. Nolan, notice of his resignation as ED Director at Fox Hospital;

·  10/27 - from Steve Wright, cardiology program director at Ellis Hospital advising about STEMI educational outreach plans (via email) (reply by phone conversation);

·  10/29 – from Tim Mirabile, REMO, advising of returned screened PCRs (via email);

·  10/30 – from Margaretville FD, about an AED use (see below);

·  10/30 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, about budget modifications (sent to all program agencies) (via email);

·  10/31 – from Sidney Center, about their new medical director (via fax);

·  10/31 – from an agency officer, about scene response (via email);

·  11/03 – from a practitioner, about access to the CME web site (via email);

·  11/03 – from an agency officer, about ePCRs (via email);

·  11/03 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, informational mailing about aid for underserved physician areas (via email);

·  11/03 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, informational mailing about grant administration (via email);

·  11/06 – from Joe Farrell, DOH, about an agency failure to recertify;

·  11/06 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, about the QI portion of the deliverables (sent to all program agencies (via email);

·  11/07 – from Dr. Fisher, a QI matter;

·  11/07 – from an agency member, asking about the website (via email);

·  11/07 – from the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, their newsletter;

·  11/10 – from Delaware County QI, a copy of the Minutes of their latest meeting (via email);

·  11/10 – from Hamilton County Public Health, asking about updated contact information (via email);

·  11/10 – from Mary Ramo, DOH, regarding pertussis in the Region (via email);

·  11/12 – from Lee Burns, DOH, copy of a letter about an expired controlled substance license;

·  11/13 – from Steve Hood, about new agency medical directors (via email);

·  11/13 – from Mary Ramo, about the CME recert policies document (via email);

·  11/13 – from Eastern Medical Support, about the Hagaman FD CME recert program (via fax);

·  11/13 – from Steve Kuck, about an FDA recall of insulin syringes (via email);

·  11/13 – from Rick Voorhees, about a FDNY training academy death (via email);

·  11/13 – from a practitioner, a question about Pertussis (via email);

·  11/13 – from Bonnie Kaido and Dr. Leinhart, about the proposed secondary formulary (via email) (two emails);

·  11/13 – from a practitioner, asking about a photo ID badge (via email – two messages);

·  11/14 – from Steve Hood, copy of a letter to Karen Meggenhofen concerning course reimbursement issues (see below);

·  11/15 – from the advisor for the SUNY Oneonta first responders, inquiring about any outstanding paperwork issues (via email);

·  11/15 – from Grand Gorge, asking about communication companies (via email);

·  11/17 – from the Heart Association, about completing the EMD survey (via email);

·  11/17 – from Dr. Dailey, copy of a letter to Ed Wronski about EMS care in the ED;

·  11/18 – from Lisa DeLong, DOH, about the Dec. 01 program agency meeting (via email);

·  11/18 – from DOH, notice of enforcement actions (see below);

·  11/18 – from Ellis Cardiology Program Director, advising of a STEMI meeting (via email);

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, a letter from Delaware County regarding course reimbursement issues, an article about an EMS incident, and several handouts for REMAC members’ use.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Mr. Jones had no special report.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Mr. Pasquarelli has reported that GAVAC transmitted 670 ePCRs to DOH for September 2008, and 691 for October.

On October 20, we were advised that the American Heart Association would soon be sending a STEMI/Stroke capability survey to all agencies in this Region, with the request that it be completed and returned by December 05, 2008. It can also be completed online.

On October 29, Tim Mirabile, REMO program director advised that his office has been receiving back without comment boxes of screened PCRs that he has been forwarding appropriately to keypunch. He asked all the program directors if any had experienced this situation. This region has not, and so far neither has any other, apparently.

On October 30, we received word of an AED use by Margaretville FD. The patient was a 53-year-old male. CPR was reported as beginning three minutes after full arrest, with a total of two shocks administered, beginning one minute later. The patient was reported as becoming responsive and was transported to Margaretville Hospital. Mr. Hood advised that the patient has made a recovery and is now at home. Congratulations were offered to all involved in the patient care incident.

Life-Net of New York is offering a variety of CME presentations, and is looking for agencies interested in co-sponsoring them. For information, call 315-725-4502

On November 07, we received word of the passing of Tim Mirabile’s father. Mr. Mirabile is Program Director at REMO. An expression of sympathy has been made on behalf of this Region.

On November 14, we were advised that the program director of Mountain Lakes Region has left that position.

We have received paperwork from Fulton-Montgomery Community College, requesting that their course sponsorship be changed to include EMT-P refresher training. Mr. Mulleedy noted that the paperwork appeared to be in order. Mary Ramo advised that the original paperwork received by DOH did not contain all the required signatures, and therefore had been sent back to the sponsor. The application will therefore be acted upon when completed. Mr. Mulleedy noted that course sponsor paperwork sent to the Council for review and approval in the past at times have had the signature pages blank because the copy was generated before the originals were signed. In the future, the Council will request that all paperwork received be a complete copy of the original.

On November 14, we received from Mr. Hood a copy of a letter to Karen Meggenhofen at DOH discussing a core content reimbursement issue that has arisen in Delaware County. There was considerable discussion on this. A reply is awaited from DOH.

At this point, Mr. Jones advised the members of the untimely passing of Roger DeSilva, a long- time member of the Franklin Emergency Squad, and asked for a moment of silence in his memory.

Notices of enforcement actions have been received, as follows:

Name/ DOB/Violation Address Cert. Number Action Taken

Jeffrey Tewksbury
DOB 06/26/58
Violation Part 800.16(d); / 178 Lyell Avenue
Spencerport, NY 14559 / #002862 / Certification revoked, effective 10/10/08;
Clint Debree
DOB 05/23/74
Violation Part 800.15(b) and .16(g); / 27 Demarest Avenue
West Haverstraw, NY 10993 / #251228 / Censured; Suspended for one year, effective 11/10/08; suspension stayed; probation for one year, effective 11/10/08; civil penalty of $2000.00;
Michael Edlund
DOB 5/20/82
Violation Part 800.15(b) and .16(g); / 317 Country Club Lane
Pomona, NY 10970 / #249450 / Censured; Suspended for one year, effective 11/10/08; suspension stayed; probation for one year, effective 11/10/08; civil penalty of $2000.00;
Susan Verminski
DOB 09/09/85
Violation Part 800. 15(b) and .16(g); / PO Box 293
Clark Mills, NY 13321 / #301751 / Suspended for two years, effective 10/27/08; suspension stayed; probation for three years, effective 10/27/08; civil penalty of $4000.00;

Name and Date of Birth Address EMT Number Enforcement Action