The June 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 Northwing Classroom of Memorial Medical Center/Ashland.

Presentation made related to possible group purchase of first responder/medical bags by Les Luder, City of Superior Fire Department. If interested in more information, or in placing an order, contact City of Superior Fire Department at 715-394-0227 or through Jan Victorson at 715-373-6113.

Motion made by Dan Diamon, seconded by Chuck Elton, to accept the minutes as printed. Motion carried.

TREASURER – Chuck Elton reported a balance of $5410.28.

Motion made by Tam Hofman, seconded by Cindy Lazorik, to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR – Kevin Thornton reported that the emergency room at MMC is full most of the time. He encouraged ambulances to call as soon as possible when enroute with a patient in order for them to make room.

Ongoing discussion about availability of hypothermia thermometers that are not glass. Discussion about need to modify the suggested operating guideline related to hypothermia. Referred to MDAC.

MDAC (Medical Director Advisory Committee) – No report.

REGIONAL PLANNING – Jan is establishing a current list of regional EMS contacts throughout the northwest area of Wisconsin. The goal will be to host a meeting of all folks and identify common planning issues.

Les Luder reported that the City of Superior Fire Department/Douglas County have ordered 500 triage tags, 34 to 40 backboards, and an MCI work station. They also hosted the START (Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment) class with all their department members participating.

DECON TRAINING – Discussion about possible decon training in the Mason area in conjunction with the Brule Outreach Team.

BAD RIVER – Jan received a call from a Bad River special projects manager asking about the EMS Council, Medical Direction, etc. They are currently operating as a Fire Department medical first responder group but are looking at developing an ambulance service. Jan referred them to state and other local resources as well as invited them to attend any Council meetings.

ASHLAND CO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT and COMMUNICATIONS – Discussion about Ashland Co Communications and the challenges with individual department policies. Consistent polices were developed and adopted by the users in Bayfield County.

EMS ROLE AT FIRE SCENE – Discussion about the role EMS could fill at a fire scene. Tasks that EMS folks are currently assisting are: change air bottles, gives chance to talk with/ask about fire personnel; accountability; rehabilitation (guidance refers to after two air bottles, take time for rehab/monitor; general monitoring of firefighters. Discussion about developing a checklist for EMS at a fire scene in conjunction with Fire personnel.

FIRST RESPONDERS – Debbie Thimm brought up the fact that Glidden firefighters are interested in becoming First Responders. Discussion related to requirements. First Responders must be 16 years of age; EMTs must be 18 years of age.

LANGLADE COUNTY RESOLUTION – Jan read a Langlade County resolution related to “relaxing” the requirements for EMTs in rural areas. Discussion included many questions including: what did they propose would be relaxed; how relaxed; were they referring to background checks; do they have legitimate concerns. Discussion that volunteerism is not as it used to be and maintaining skills is difficult. Possible that requiring refresher every three years would still be adequate; develop checks and balances related to time.

Support for the volunteer ambulance as a legitimate service within the community, valued highly by state, county and municipalities would be helpful. That adds to the legitimacy of the service.

SURVEY – Jan distributed an email request for response to a survey about EMT injuries including verbal and physical abuse. Cindy Lazorik had receive the same request.

LICENSES FROM STATE – Licenses from the state had not arrived for any services as of yet. The new license period begins July 1^st. Discussion about the state usually considering a license valid if licensing materials have been mailed to Madison, and the provider may remain in service.

WITC TRAINING – Cindy distributed class schedules for the EMT-Basic. The class is 140 hours and is scheduled for one night a week in Bayfield. A second course will be offered in Ashland if there are enough participants.

NEXT MEETING – The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for Thursday, July 25^th, at the Emergency Services Training Room in Mason.

Motion made by Tam Hofman, seconded by Mary Ross, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned.

IN ATTENDANCE

Jeff Allen City of Superior

Merrilee Carlson MMC/Ashland

Dan Diamon Gold Cross

Chuck Elton Washburn

Tam Hofman South Shore

Rosemary Janigo Iron River

Cindy Lazorik WITC

Les Luder City of Superior

Mary Ross Madeline Island

Dorothy Tank Ashland Co EM

Debbie Thimm Glidden

Kevin Thornton Medical Director

Gary Victorson Iron River

Jan Victorson Bayfield County Emergency Management