The August 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 north wing classroom of MMC/Ashland.

Motion made by Dan Diamon, seconded by Kevin Thornton, to accept the minutes as printed. Motion carried.

TREASURER – Chuck Elton reported a current balance of $3866.77.

Motion made by Mary Ross, seconded by Dan Diamon, to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.

MDAC (Medical Director Advisory Committee)/MEDICAL DIRECTOR – Kevin Thornton reported that Quality Improvement (QI) and airborne pathogen training will be the subjects of an October service director meeting. Mike Caven, director of Cardio-Pulmonary Department of MMC will be the guest speaker, offering a train-the-trainer program related to the airborne pathogen standard. In addition, time will be spent discussing QI including documentation and repeating of vital signs.

Discussion about a group purchase of digital hypothermia thermometers. Jan Victorson will make contact with NWEMSC vendor.

MDAC had been discussing possibly adding another basic member to the MDAC.

ANNUAL DINNER – Discussion about options for annual dinner and possible dates. Iron River will be hosting the Annual Dinner and Meeting on Friday, September 27^th.

MAILING LIST – Jan requested that all service directors send her an updated membership/address list for the annual meeting notice.

HELICOPTER – Discussion about use of the Bayfield ALS tower for calling the helicopter directly. Bayfield County has encourages services to request activation of a helicopter through the communications center, and then communications directly between the landing zone officer at the scene and the helicopter. ALS 400 is still the appropriate channel for that communication.

TWO-COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER – An Ad Hoc Committee is going to be formed that will include law enforcement, EMS, Fire, County Board and a member at large.

Motion was made by Kevin Thornton, seconded by Viola Friermood, that Gary Victorson’s name be forwarded to the Bayfield County Administrator for consideration as the EMS representative on the Bayfield County Ad Hoc Committee. Motion carried.

INSURANCE – Discussion about insurance issues. Jan reported the last projection for insurance through VFIS to be approximately $1300. Last year coverage cost $868.

Motion made by Gary Victorson, seconded by Mary Ross, to empower the executive committee to make a decision related to insurance. Motion carried.

BYLAWS – The executive committee will bring recommendations for bylaws changes to the next regular meeting.

FAT TIRE FESTIVAL – The Fat Tire Festival is asking the Council for assistance providing EMS coverage for the weekend events.

GOLD CROSS – Dan Diamon reported that Gold Cross is cutting down on their use of lights and siren en route to the hospital. They have developed the thought process that the patient is more than 15 miles from the hospital, and lights and siren are required, consider accessing the helicopter.

Discussion: use of lights without siren in emergency vehicles.

NEXT MEETING – The next meeting will be the annual meeting on September 27^th.

Motion made by Gary Victorson, seconded by Mary Ross, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

IN ATTENDANCE

Merrilee Carlson MMC/Ashland

Dan Diamon Gold Cross

Chuck Elton Washburn

Robin Friermood Barnes

Viola Friermood Barnes

Les Luder Superior

Mary Ross Madeline Island

Dorothy Tank Ashland Co EM, Glidden

Debbie Thimm Glidden

Kevin Thornton Medical Director

Gary Victorson Iron River

Jan Victorson Bayfield County EM