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

TREASURER – Chuck Elton reported that dues have been received from ambulance services. $5339.56 available for payment for medical directors and insurance. We may need to ask for additional donations depending on the amount of insurance payment for the coming year.

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

MDAC/MEDICAL DIRECTOR – Merrilee presented the hypothermia guideline as approved by Dr. Thornton. Only glass rectal thermometers are available at this point in time. Discussion about guideline.

Motion made by Chuck Elton, seconded by Art Nelson, to accept the SOG for Hypothermia as presented. Motion carried.

Discussion about exclusion criteria for C-spine and review of the trauma guideline. MDAC will review.

REGIONAL PLANNING – Discussion about what would be required in the case of a multi-casualty incident. Issues included: knowledge of triage and consistent triage guidelines; multi-agency communications capability and training including common names for frequencies; common frequencies, designated use of frequencies; understanding of ICS (Incident Command System), familiarity with how EMS fits into the system, what needs to be in place, job descriptions, consistent definitions, etc.

Discussion of three phases of an incident:

1 – Initial phase – usually the first 30 minutes…with majority of patients identified

2 – Transition phase – a few hours or days dependent upon the situation

3 – Final phase – command team in place

HELICOPTER DISPATCHING – Dorothy Tank from Ashland Communications Center reported having problems with requesting medical helicopter to scene flights in two incidents April 20^th and 21^st. The helicopter dispatcher was asking for information that was not available immediately including status and weight of patient, description of injuries, and current vital signs. Discussion. Referred to SMDC/Steve Durst for follow-up.

Discussion about pre-designating landing zones. A reminder to turn GPS units on while traveling to the scene and the reading will be ready to go when needed.

CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT – Lt. Dan Clark of the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department is willing to conduct Crime Scene Management classes for area ambulance providers. If you have not received notification, please contact Dan at the Sheriffs Department.

GREAT DIVIDE – Jan Victorson reported that Great Divide is requesting a letter of support from the EMS Council for their move the EMT-Paramedic level. A crew will consist of an EMT-Basic and an EMT-Paramedic.

Motion made by Tam Hofman, seconded by Art Nelson, that the secretary of the Council write a letter of support for Great Divide’s upgrade. Motion carried.

GLIDDEN – Dorothy Tank reported that Bob Prochnow, former director of the Glidden Ambulance, died last week. Both Mason and Washburn send an ambulance to the funeral. It was very meaningful to the family and the community. Discussion about prompt notification in order to facilitate representation at such events.

NEXT MEETING – The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for May 23^rd at 7:30 in the Mason Emergency Services Training Room in Mason.

Motion made by Art Nelson, seconded by Dan Diamon, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

IN ATTENDANCE

Merrilee Carlson MMC/Ashland

Dan Diamon Gold Cross

Steve Durst SMDC/Lifeflight

Chuck Elton Washburn

Dean Hambrecht Great Divide

Tam Hofman South Shore

George A Koval Mason

Cindy Lazorik WITC

Art Nelson Glidden

Terri Pearson Mellen

Gene Qualle Bayfield

Mike Ramirez National Park Service

Mary Ross Madeline Island

Dorothy Tank Ashland County Emergency Management

Jan Victorson Bayfield County Emergency Management