The February meeting of the Bayfield-Ashland Counties EMS Council was called to order by Chuck Elton, Treasurer of the Council. The meeting was held in the cafeteria of MMC/Ashland.

Motion made by Tam Hofman, seconded by Rosemary Janigo, to approve the minutes. Motion carried.

TREASURER – Chuck Elton reported that the billing for 2003 dues has gone out. Balance of $781.47.

Motion made by Cindy Lazorik, seconded by Teresa Gunderson, to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion carried.

MDAC (Medical Director Advisory Committee) – MDAC reported on the following:

· QI (Quality Improvement) – Five services have not filed reports documenting run reviews. Services were reminded that their reports should be turned in to Merrilee Carlson as soon as possible. The left desk drawer of the EMS room has additional forms.

· Dispatch issues – Discussion related to dispatcher training in EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) and/or First Responder level in order to respond appropriately to requests for assistance. Dr. Thornton would like to develop protocols for the trauma call. Discussion.

· C-Spine immobilization – Dr. Thornton reviewed the SOG approved by MDAC related to clearing C-spines in the field.

Motion made by Kevin Thornton, seconded by George Koval, to adopt the protocol for clearing C-spine potential injury in the field. Motion carried.

HIPAA – The federal Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements were reviewed. Resources to assist in the process were discussed. In order to comply with HIPAA requirements, copies of run reports will not be needed in the EMS room. QI audit reports should use run report number rather than patient’s name in order to comply with HIPAA.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT – Jan Victorson reported that the attendance at the hospital decon and field terrorism/hazmat/decon classes was excellent. Over 230 field personnel attended the training with an additional 60 hospital based folks trained in hospital based decontamination concerns and procedures. Discussion. The instructors were well received with the focus being on what we can do rather than what we cannot do. The Critical Incident Management: Initial Response course is still scheduled for the end of March. There is a class limit of 25 so please register as soon as possible. Both classes are close to full at this time.

PEDIATRIC AED – Rob Puhs wrote a letter to MDAC related to use of the AED on the pediatric patient. American Heart Association has not endorsed the use of AED at the pediatric level. There have been no change to guidelines that state no use of AED in patients under the age of eight. Rob will continue to monitor any developments.

EMSC (EMS for Children) – Cindy distributed information on use of the Broselow tape. She stated there are grants available for purchase of the tapes. They are not real useful at the EMT Basic level but do provide documentation of normal vital signs for patients under twelve years of age.

AIR TASER – Kevin Thornton presented information about use of the air taser by law enforcement. This has approved for use by law enforcement in Ashland County. He distributed videotapes to each Ashland County service to use for in-house training. The SOG related to use of the air tazer was presented.

Motion made by Tam Hofman, seconded by George Koval, to accept the Air Tazer SOG as written. Motion carried.

WITC – Cindy Lazorik reported that the PEPP (pediatric) basic course will be offered at the Ashland campus in the near future. A First Responder class is being conducted at Northland College. And the planning for the Telemark Emergency Services Conference is progressing well.

2001 WISCONSIN ACT 2 – Jan Victorson distributed information related to 2001 Wisconsin Act 2 which states that a newborn baby can be turned over to an EMT with no questions asked. A letter requesting basic health history for the baby that could be available at each ambulance hall was reviewed. Consensus that the letter should be mailed back to the ambulance service in order to encourage return of the information.

RTAC (Regional Trauma Advisory Committee) – The Lake Superior RTAC is made up of eight counties, with representatives from hospitals, physicians, EMS, fire, and public health. The Executive Committee was elected with Kevin Thornton being Chair, Jan Victorson being Vice-Chair, Merrilee Carlson being Secretary/Treasurer. Other Council members who are on the committee include Dorothy Tank, Rob Puhls, and Les Luder. Now that the organization is in place, the work of assessing needs and identifying resources can begin.

ADDITIONAL MEMBER FOR MDAC – MDAC has made the suggestion to the EMS Council that an additional member be added representing the basic level provider. Tam Hofman was nominated. No other nominations.

Motion made by George Koval, seconded by Cindy Lazorik, to cast a unanimous ballot for Tam Hofman as a member of MDAC. Motion carried.

SMALLPOX VACCINE – Dr. Thornton discussed the strategy related to vaccination of personnel. The government wants to have a core group of folks immunized in order to care for smallpox victims and give immunizations as required. “Weaponized” smallpox, which does exist in our world, has a 30-40% kill rate with good exposure and no immunization. MMC has had three people immunized. Issues that still exist include that fact that workers comp does not cover personnel since the immunization is voluntary and there is often five days of illness after immunizations. Spooner will have a pre-event team. A mass immunization program is planned within three days of if smallpox is found in the area. Three days after immunization an individual will have pretty good immunity; after three weeks an individual is considered immune. Signs of smallpox include cough, fever, blisters, runny nose, with an incubation time of 7 to 21 days. Mask, gloves, use of good PPE consistently was encouraged. Counties are presently planning for the possibility of a mass immunization event. The current vaccine is a more virulent strain that we received as children. The website cdc.gov has lots of information.

TRAIN THE TRAINER – A request was received to conduct a train-the-trainer course for those who will provide in-house training. Madeline Island, Barnes, and South Shore need personnel. Kevin will be working toward a schedule. Discussion about expectations for recertification process in-house. Kevin will notify services.

RESPIRATORY TEST KIT – South Shore has a respiratory protection test kit for anyone who would wish to use.

NEXT MEETING – The next meeting is scheduled for March 27, 7:30 PM, at Mason.

Motion made by Dan Diamon, seconded by Mary Ross, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned.

IN ATTENDANCE

Ron Brendalen Mellen

Merrilee Carlson MMC/Ashland

Alice Deragon Red Cliff

Dan Diamon Gold Cross

Chuck Elton Washburn

Viola Friermood Barnes

Teresa Gunderson Mason

Dean Hambrecht Great Divide

Tam Hofman South Shore

Rosemary Janigo Iron River

Karl Kanneberg Ashland

Peggy Kman Barnes/Iron River

George A Koval Mason

Cindy Lazorik WITC/EMS Training

Les Luder Superior Fire

Josh Newago Red Cliff

Mary Ross Madeline Island

Marcia Swanson South Shore

Dorothy Tank Glidden

Kevin Thornton MMC/Medical Director

Jan Victorson Bayfield County EM