WITC – Cindy Lazorik reported on dates of upcoming EMT-Basic Refresher courses. She also reported that the upcoming EMT Basic course would begin September 6 and run through May 4 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The course has increased from 140 to 180/185 hours in order to meet the National Standard Curriculum. Discussion.

MDAC – No report.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR – John Shultz reported that he has been reviewing run reports. He would like to plan for the annual “trip through the northwoods”, identifying several central meeting places, to complete the annual review of skills before summer. He would appreciate us working with his schedule.

LAKE SUPERIOR RTAC – Dan Diamon reported on several ongoing projects:

· PSA competition/injury prevention project information is ready to be released to schools and students. Packets were distributed to those that will deliver to local schools.

· Backboarding project – Local hospitals are being encouraged to leave a patient on the backboard when transferring them to another hospital. This means a patient may be kept on the backboard longer. It has been demonstrated that pressure sores begin to develop within 30 minutes. Discussion about use of “back raft” or other form of padding on backboard.

· TEMS – The Tactical EMS course is scheduled for June 6 thru 9 in Superior. Information should be released soon.

· Trauma Basics 2 – Dan will come to your service and provide the “second version” of Trauma Basics. There is a focus on pediatrics with this training.

· HEMS – Early activation of helicopter EMS is an ongoing discussion topic. A reminder – call early, call often.

WITC/Rice Lake Conference – March 15, 16, 17.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT – Jan Victorson reported just attending a conference on developing community shelters. One of the speakers from Joplin, MO mentioned how valuable GPS locators were in identifying road intersections and locations after their tornado event.

· March 2nd – “Risk and Vulnerability Assessment for Rural Communities” training course in Washburn. Registration materials were distributed.

· March 3rd – A listening session/town hall meeting has been scheduled at the Barnes Town Hall beginning at 9:00 AM. We hope to have folks from statewide organizations as well as state officials with whom we can share our concerns.

· Radio Grant – Bayfield County has received a grant to upgrade/purchase radios capable of working on the statewide trunking system/WISCOM. Discussion.

EMT RECRUITMENT – Marcy Pratt reviewed progress with the EMT Recruitment grant received from Office of Rural Health. She is looking for information related to equipment and ambulance vendors, as well as supportive employers/businesses in the area. She reported the following:

· Recruitment event – May 5, 2012 at the Visitors Center

· Home Show – April 20 thru 22 in Ashland. EMTs will be needed to staff the booth.

· The survey tool identified several challenges as well as reasons for becoming an EMT.

· She would like to photograph each service; please make contact with her.

· Videos are being made of staged ambulance calls with interviews with EMTs rendering care intertwined.

o Washburn is hosting the scene for the “usual” EMS call – elderly female needing transport.

o Iron River is hosting the scene of a car crash 9:00 AM Saturday, February 18th

· Next EMS Council meeting – kick-off for the marketing plan

Discussion about local application process and CEP evaluation process.

CONCEALED CARRY – Dan Clark, Pete Schenck, and Gary Victorson are still working on a policy that may be implemented by all.

MELLEN AMBULANCE – Ron Brendalen has resigned as ambulance service director. Tony Huber, Fire Chief, will be a point of contact.

NEXT MEETING – The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 23rd at MMC/Ashland.

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

IN ATTENDANCE

Dan Clark Washburn / BASO

Steve Cordes Mason

Lyn Cornelius Bayfield

Cindy Dalzell Madeline Island

Dan Diamon Lake Superior RTAC

Dean Hambrecht Great Divide

Matt Herriott Ashland

Cindy Lazorik WITC

Tara Renz Mellen

Bob Rhiel LifeLinkIII

Gary Victorson Iron River

Jan Victorson BAEM

Guest:

Marcy Pratt NWCEP