The November-December meeting of the Bayfield-Ashland Counties EMS Council was called to order by Gary Victorson, Vice President of the Council. The meeting was held in the North Wing Classroom of MMC/Ashland.

Motion made by Tom Harrison, seconded by Cindy Lazorik, to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion carried.

Motion by Tom Harrison, seconded by Dan Diamon, to waive the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR – Merrilee Carlson reported that a letter has been sent to all services related to recertification requirements. One recertification can be done in house; one by WITC.

Discussion about patient reports being given by cellular telephone rather than radio. Consensus to use own discretion when giving reports to MMC. Some patient reports may require more privacy.

Mike Asbell is now Chief of Staff at MMC and will no longer be working with Dr. Thornton as a medical director to the Council. Glen Stow is no longer at MMC.

MDAC (Medical Director Advisory Committee) – No report. Planning a meeting before next EMS Council meeting.

MMC – Telephone number to the emergency room has changed to 685-5320. The former 683-1153 will ring to the switchboard, not the ER.

WITC EMS TRAINING – Cindy Lazorik announced that a First Responder class will be conducted in Butternut. She also distributed a summary of refresher, basic and CPR classes. Contact Chris Westlund for CPR classes at 682-4592, ext. 3126. Cindy also distributed website information related to stress in children.

RTAC (Regional Trauma Advisory Committee) – The first meeting of the “True North” RTAC is scheduled for December 19, at Lakewoods, 1-4pm. It is important for EMS to have a strong presence at these meetings. Call 715-685-5175 to acknowledge that you will be attending.

BELSS – Information related to the BELSS (Basic Emergency Live Support Skills) program was distributed and discussed. There has been interest from CESA 12 in providing the training locally. Barb Gonderzik, at the Bayfield County Health Department, has been in contact with several area schools.

CRITICAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – Bayfield County Emergency Management has been awarded a grant to provide two courses “Critical Incident Management: Initial Response” locally. The first is scheduled for March 26, 27, 28 in Superior (all day Wednesday and Thursday plus Friday morning); the second is scheduled for March 28, 29, 30 in Iron River at the Community Center (Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday).

The course size is limited, so respond quickly when the information is received in the mail.

AWARENESS/DECON – Emergency Response Specialists of Milwaukee have agreed to spend ten days doing training in this area related to terrorism/WMD/ hazardous materials and decontamination awareness and response. Five days will be hospital classes focusing on the “in hospital” patient. Classes will be scheduled throughout the area for the “out of hospital” offerings. This training is being funded through Ashland and Bayfield Counties public health and MMC/Ashland.

ICS FOR EMS – Bayfield County has also been awarded a grant for an ICS for EMS course. No date has been finalized at this point, but looking to wait to offer this until early spring.

TWO-COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER – Gary Victorson reported on ad hoc committee activities. They have recommended that we continue moving forward on a joint communications center. The committee forwarded the request to both county boards to fund a consultant to study and make recommendation on technical issues. The County Boards are scheduled to act on the recommendation in the next several weeks.

BYLAWS – Jan presented the proposed bylaws changes voted on at the October meeting. Discussion.

Motion made by Tom Harrison, seconded by Mary Ross, to change the wording in MDAC to include “with no service having more than one member”. Motion carried.

Motion made by Bill Andresen, seconded by Tom Harrison, to accept the Bylaws as amended. Motion carried.

BILLING QUESTIONS – Glidden has had some billing questions. Local contacts who may be able to offer assistance are Linda Hafstad at Ashland Fire Department – 682-7052 and Micky Mullozzi from Iron River Ambulance at 372-8774.

HYPOTHERMIA THERMOMETERS – Still no good resource. Les Luder will check with folks who have done research into hypothermia for potential resources.

NEXT MEETING: The next meeting of the Council will be January 30^th, 7:30 PM, at the Mason Training Room.

Motion made by Dan Diamon, seconded by Tom Harrison, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

IN ATTENDANCE

Merrilee Carlson MMC/Ashland

Dan Diamon Gold Cross

Shirley Flitz Bayfield

Tom Harrison Ashland

Peg Kman Barnes/Iron River

Mike LaGrew Red Cliff

Cindy Lazorik WITC/EMS Training

Les Luder Superior

Josh Newago Red Cliff

Mary Ross Madeline Island

Dorothy Tank Glidden

Gary Victorson Iron River/Mason

Jan Victorson Bayfield County EM