Winter 2008

For my comments on the Fall 2008 Conference I will again say “Ditto” to the District 2 Directors report   I join in distress caused by the death of David Stahley, former Editor and current Historian.  I expect the arrangement and appropriate actions by the board will be announced during this conference.  

On October 17, 2007 there was a combined national tele-conference video conference conducted by:

1.      National Rural Health Association – EMS Issue Group

2.      National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health - EMS Task force

3.      National Association of State EMS  Officials – Rural Committee for

            This conference was interesting but of limited value.  It was mostly about the Australian EMS system.  Apparently “worn out” Paramedics are posted to many remote locations where they tend to the sick and injured.   In even more remote locations, a cabin is stocked with supplies, a radio, and an electrical generator.  Family and/or mates of the patient call the clinic.  The instructions may consist of open crate number 120, remove box “A”, give the patient two pills from vial “K” and call back when anything changes.

            The January 16^th 2008 conference was by telephone only.   It was about the “National Education Standards” project which is a follow up to the new “National Scope of Practice” project.   There seems to be almost universal agreement, the terms EMR, EMT, etc should mean the same in every state.  No weakening of standards, but states may require additional training.

            There was a lot of concern with the length of training time for the three lower grades.   Many educators are reducing training time by increase prerequisites.  To improve pass rates they are placing great importance on pre-testing with remedial educations.   Several comments were made concerning the need to tailoring the course material to the local culture without downgrading the training.    Many of the educators stressed the importance of adjusting the training to the past experience of the students and available field experience.   I.E. GOOD EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS WITH GOOD INSTRUCTORS WILL PRODUCE GOOD GRADUATES.  DUN.

            They expect the text books will be available this year.  The new Advance Provider (Super Paramedic) program is delayed. 

            I am still trying to place the fall 2008 conference at Salt Fork State Park.  This is the flagship of the Ohio State Park System and October is the peak season.    I had a possible plan for October 31 thru November 2, but before we could reach agreement the facility sold out.    My second date was in conflict with other events. Back to square one.

            I don’t have any reports from district 3 county reps.   Monroe County problems have been enough.  

 Good news:  The ambulance replacement program continues.  A new ambulace was purchased for the Antioch squad.   I think the size of the fleet will be increase to 12 Ambulances with a budget to replace three Ambulances every two years.

Bad news:  The problems are keeping the local newspaper full.  Until this mess started, I didn’t have any grey hair.

            New Protocols are in the awaiting final approval by the Medical Director.  New by-laws are in the hands of the lawyers.   Still outstanding is a new contract with the County Commissioners. 

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Larry P.