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 North Wing Classroom, MMC/Ashland.

Motion made by George Koval, seconded by Chuck Elton, to accept the minutes as printed. Motion carried.

TREASURER – Chuck Elton reported that there is a balance of $689.26 in the Council account. Most 2002 dues checks are still to be deposited.

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

MDAC/MEDICAL DIRECTOR – Dr. Thornton reported that the hypothermia guideline was reviewed at the MDAC (Medical Director Advisory Committee) meeting. Discussion about each ambulance carrying a thermometer that registers low temperatures. Patients should be transported to the closest facility with a heart/lung bypass machine as quickly as possible. Consider air/helicopter transport.

Motion by Kevin Thornton, seconded by Chuck Elton, take the revised hypothermia guidelines to services for review and vote on guideline at the next Council meeting. Motion carried.

Pain scale rulers are still being sought after (1-5 pain scale). HEPA masks and fit-testing is also being researched.

The MDAC discussed the structure of the committee including the possibility of adding one more BLS representative. Proposals will be discussed by the Council with decisions to be made before the annual meeting. Also discussed the IV Tech level now approved at the state level with decision to not consider locally at the present time.

Discussion on drawing EPI rather than using EPI-pen; medical director wants services to continue using pens. Discussion on clearing C-spines in the field; medical director encourages common sense approach – looking at mechanism of injury, presence/absence of neck pain, drunk or drugs on board, and distracting injury. Discussion about QA (quality assurance) and taking a more formal approach, identifying any problems or concerns with patient care and working to resolve.

FIRST RESPONDER DEFIB – Jan Victorson will be at the state Bureau of EMS on Monday and will research the status of written approval for the First Responder Defibrillation Program.

TRAINING ISSUES – Discussion about concerns related to WITC and EMS training. Consensus to approach the EMS specialist with the question, “How can we assist WITC meet the needs of the EMS community?” Additional discussion about the need for ongoing communications and the role the Council may be able to fill.

FIRST RESPONDER REFRESHER – A first responder refresher is going to be held in either Mason or Ashland during the month of April. This will include the defibrillation component.

NWEMSC – Jan Victorson has received the invoice for membership dues in the North West EMS Cooperative of $35.00. Discussion.

Motion made by Gary Victorson, seconded by Art Nelson, to continue the membership in NWEMSC. Motion carried.

LENGTH OF SERVICE – Terri Pearson brought up that Don Tower has been an EMS for forty years. Mellen Fire Department plans on honoring him at the spring annual fire meeting in April.

Motion made by Gary Victorson, seconded by Dan Diamon, to research a Council recognition for Don Tover for his service to Mellen and EMS. Motion carried.

NEXT MEETING – The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for Thursday, March 28^th, at the Emergency Services Training Room in Mason.

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

IN ATTENDANCE

Merrilee Carlson MMC/Ashland

Tom Christian Butternut Fire

Dan Diamon Gold Cross

Chuck Elton Washburn

Dean Hambrecht Great Divide

George A Koval Mason

Art Nelson Glidden

Terri Pearson Mellen

Gene Qualle Bayfield

Mike Ramirez National Park Service

Mary Ross Madeline Island

Dorothy Tank Ashland County Emergency Management

Kevin Thornton Medical Director

Jan Victorson Bayfield County Emergency Management

Gary Victorson Iron River