The February meeting of the Bayfield-Ashland Counties EMS Council was called to order by Dean Hambrecht, President of the Council. The meeting was held in the Board Room of Memorial Medical Center in Ashland.

Motion made by Chuck Elton, seconded by Tam Hofman, to approve the minutes of the January meeting with corrections. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Chuck Elton reported that there is a balance of $6,241.19 at present. Dues in the amount of $750 are still outstanding. The insurance has been paid and $5500 is earmarked for medical director payment.

Motion made by Gary Victorson, seconded by Teresa Gunderson, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Motion carried.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT – Dean Hambrecht reported that the executive committee had reviewed the medical director job description, sent out letters to area physicians who were identified as potential medical director candidates, and received replies from three physicians. One of those physicians was willing to take on only four of the services within the Council. Two interviews were conducted and qualifications reviewed.

The executive committee’s recommendation is to offer the position of medical director to Dr. John Schulz of Ashland. Discussion.

Motion made by Teresa Gunderson, seconded by Mary Ross to offer the position of medical director to Dr. John Schulz. Motion carried.

Dean stated that the executive committee will be reviewing the medical director agreement and compensation documents and work with Dr. Schulz to assure they are in place before the end of March. Dean noted that Kevin Thornton had been working for us both making contact with physicians who might be interested and answering their questions. MDAC is on hold until Dr. Schulz is on board. The executive committee also will be suggesting that a director’s meeting with Dr. Schulz be held soon after the signed agreement is in place.

STATE ISSUES – Jan Victorson reported on possible changes to the training portion of the Funding Assistance Program (FAP). She stated that in the future each service will receive a training stipend for each active EMT on their roster that is to be used for training. Each service will then be required to pay actual training costs billed by the training center directly rather than have the state reimburse the training center. Several formulas for disbursement of the training funds were examined and the “per EMT” method was found to keep the services most whole.

COUNCIL DATABASE – Jan is still looking for EMT driver’s license and birth date information from several services. This information has been requested by the Council insurance carrier.

EMS WEEK – The issue of EMS Week was listed on the agenda in order to get folks thinking about possible activities. Additional discussion at the next meeting.

RECRUITMENT – Jan reported that the Bayfield County Fire Association is working with Douglas County Fire Association to plan for a media event. They have been discussing having volunteers “standing by” at visible locations along highway routes to demonstrate that we are there 24 hours a day. They want the message to be consistent from location to location bringing awareness and the need for volunteers in emergency services to our community’s attention. Discussion. Consensus to participate.

BROSELOW TAPES – Discussion about need for Broselow tapes in all ambulances and possible group purchase if necessary. This will be a question to discuss with Dr. Schulz.

COMMUNICATIONS ISSUES – Barnes Ambulance had an experience where a dispatcher was unable to give them accurate times due to the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system. Dorothy Tank was able to answer some questions about CAD capabilities and tracking of times.

NEXT MEETING – The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for March 25, 2004 at the Mason Emergency Services Training Room.

Motion made by Gary Victorson, seconded by Dan Diamon, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

IN ATTENDANCE

Ron Brendalen Mellen

Dionne Bresette Bayfield

Dan Diamon Gold Cross

Chuck Elton Washburn

Teresa Gunderson Mason

Dean Hambrecht Great Divide

Tam Hofman South Shore

Rich Huber Mellen

Peg Kman Barnes

Brandi Marko Washburn

Mary Ross Madeline Island

Dorothy Tank Ashland Co EM

Deb Thimm Glidden

Gary Victorson Iron River, Mason

Jan Victorson Bayfield County EM