MEMS STUFF

letter to operations

2012-01-25T14:23:00.003-06:00

I wanted to update the MEMS staff on the status of some of the changes in the operations side of MEMS. I wrote about two of the biggest areas we currently face, staffing and communications. I have placed the letter to employees on the employee side of the mems web site and look under memos.

Greg

FPU

2012-01-23T23:00:00.002-06:00

A preview for FPU will be Wednesday night at 18:30. The start day of the class has been moved to February 13th due to shipment time. There are payroll deduction forms at station one, or you can down load them from the MEMS web site. http://www.metroems.org/ Look under the employee section, docs, other, there you will find the form

FPU is here!

2012-01-17T06:45:00.004-06:00

It is here FPU (Financial Peace University) We will have a demo video on Thursday evening 18:30 at the training building for anyone who can attend. The program will offically kick off February 13th. Chris Marshall will be our class facilitator. The cost, commitment, plan along with a form and address link to sign up will be posted tomorrow.

New Year Action

2012-01-02T21:45:00.001-06:00

Before you jump into action...
Before you fill up your schedule...
Before you set your goals...
Before you make promises and declarations...
Before you grade yourself on your accomplishments and failures...
Stop.
Get some space between the logs of your fire. Get a strong personal foundation in place so that you can be at your best this year.

Financial Peace University training

2011-12-29T21:34:00.001-06:00

We want a better work/life balance for MEMS employees, to that end MEMS is offering the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University training starting in January. I will be posting details about cost, commitment, class or on-line structure over the next few days. This is a 12 week program that covers everything in finances from eliminating debt (including your home) savings, giving, retirement, insurance, how to deal with creditors etc… whatever you level of finance savvy is, I feel confident you will come away with new information.

http://www.daveramsey.com/home/

2011-12-16T06:35:00.001-06:00

Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain. ~Author Unknown

annual award winners

2011-12-15T07:30:00.002-06:00

The annual awards banquet had more in attendance that even last year. Thank you to all worked so hard to make it a success. The food decorations and fellowship were great.

The annual award winners for 2011 were announced:
Paramedic - Jayson Perry
EMT - Brandon Hooper
Dispatcher – Chris Pipkin
Employee - Janelle Johnson
Rookie - Christine Slyby
PRN - Eddie Rhine
ATCC- Curt McClung
Teamwork- Sara Oslin

Amateur Radio

2011-11-09T07:15:00.003-06:00

An Amateur Radio Technician License class will be presented in the ADH Auditorium, 4815 W. Markham St, on November 12th and 19th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

This 2 day class will present the basic knowledge required to pass the Element 2 FCC exam for the Technician Class amateur radio license.

The class is open to the public, and is free of charge. No pre-registration is required. Enter at the south downstairs door.

FCC exams for amateur radio licensing will be given on the afternoon of the 19th, at the end of class. There is a $15 administrative fee to take the FCC exam, which will be collected by the Volunteer Examination team at the time of the exam.

It is a neat skill to have, many are storm spotters, you have the ability to communicate when most every other form of communication is down. I am very interested in forming a ham radio team at MEMS.
There will be other classes, we just found out about these

Billy Day

2011-10-11T07:14:00.003-06:00

Many have heard by now that Billy Day a former Paramedic with MEMS passed away this week. I wanted to pass along the funeral information:

Billy's Services: visitation is wed at 5:00 for family and 6:00 for friends; service is at 2:00 thurs; Vine st. Baptist church, 418 N. Vine Ave. Mt. View AR 72560; casual attire or work uniform/scrubs etc. Instead of flowers a healthcare scholarship fund has been started at Citizen's Bank in Batesville/Mt. View in Billy's memory.

Billy's life was too short, he will be missed.

2011-10-11T07:01:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to stop and say, it has been busy, very busy lately. Many of you are working your shift and picking up extra shifts. Help is coming in the form of: a paramedic class that is about ready to test, a rookie class that just began, and 13 certified EMTs and Paramedics that will start orientation soon.

In the mean time know that your work is noticed, I cant describe the weight that comes with this job. I carry the thought of your welfare with me all the time.

Know I appreciate you very much.

I just had to tell you.

Greg

Mandatory Training

2011-10-11T06:57:00.003-06:00

A reminder that October 15th is the last day to do your on line mandatory classes. If you miss the date you will have to attend an actual class. If you are a paramedic and miss the deadline for the new drug, you ant work.

Let training know if you have any issues

We are remodeling again

2011-10-11T06:54:00.002-06:00

Just when you think we can’t make any more room, we find a way. You may have read in the monitor that Lee has been promoted to controller. This means that we need another office for his replacement. After looking around the property we decided on the following plan.
The supervisor will be in the 12X24 Morgan building on the west side of the building.
Tammy and Keith will move to the supervisor’s old office,
David Turner will move to Tammy’s old office,
We will wall up the West wall of Keith’s office, and make a new door on the east wall. This will be a new office for QA.
The new accountant will move into David’s old office.

The work started Friday with the moving of the smoking area awning. The new smoke area will be by the antenna on the west side of the building.
The ice machine shed will be torn down, and a new awning will be put up from the back door to the front door of the supervisor’s new office.
We trust this will give us the needed space until we can build a new building.

Rookie 17

2011-03-29T07:59:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to rookie 17 for passing their national registry test with a 100% pass rate!

408

2011-03-23T09:50:00.010-06:00

Many know by now that 408 was involved in a major MVA on March 10th. We are grateful that our crew sustained only minor injuries. After looking at the unit on scene, I said to Jon that this was the first box we have ever had totaled, I was wrong.... After Excellance looked at the unit, they reported that not only was it not totaled, but that is could be repaired without taking it off the chassis.

I continued to be amazed at the strength and quality of the equipment they produce. Many have see the picture of 223 that hangs in the hall by the break-room. This unit was hit head on on the 67/167 We cut our EMT out of the unit, (she sustained a broken arm) we found that all the doors still opened and the box was still square. Excellance bought that damaged unit from us to sit in their warehouse as a visible example to others of their strength.

I tell you this to say, we place the safety of our crews at the top of the list, especially when we buy ambulances. Days like the 10th tell me that for this purchase, we made a good decision.

MEMS on Facebook

2011-03-23T09:42:00.001-06:00

We have started a MEMS page on Facebook. It give us a little more interactive way to communicate.

The Blog is back for 2011 !

2011-01-06T15:13:00.004-06:00

As I look back we have not used this format to communicate with you for a while. I want to make sure that it gives the information that you may need to stay current at MEMS.

One change that you need to know about is the change to our Adenocard. The current packaging is expiring. As we started to order new we discovered that we were paying an increase of @85% for the style packaging that we had. By going to the vial we save thousands of dollars a year on a drug that normally expires before we ever use it. Please log on to the MEMS web site to see the video concerning the new packaging.
It is located under the employee access section under operations videos.

EPI NOTICE

2010-07-23T15:47:00.001-06:00

As a result of the nationwide shortage of EPI 1:10,000 MEMS is going to temporarily change the way the medication is prepared and administered.. This will be in effect until the nationwide shortage has been relieved.

Each administered dose of Epi 1:10,000 will require the following:

1-amp of Epi 1:1,000, 1-10cc prefilled syringe & 1-18g needle

Step one: Dispense 1ml(cc) of Nacl from the 10ml prefilled syringe into a waste receptacle.

Step two: Affix the 18g needle to the prefilled syringe

Step three: Snap the top and remove from the amp of Epi 1:1,000

Step four: Draw up the 1 ml of Epi 1:1,000 into the prefilled syringe. This will result in a syringe of Epi 1:10,000 that is now ready to be administered. To help insure safety, you can discard the needle into the Bio/Sharps container once the 1ml of Epi 1:1,000 has been drawn into the prefilled syringe.

Again, this will be in place until the shortage of Epi 1:10,000 has been relieved.

Check out the video on METROEMS.org under training and then updates

Mike Kumpuris

2010-07-19T12:48:00.005-06:00

It is with great sadness that I report Mike Kumpuris passed away Sunday July 18th at SVI. Mike is considered one of the founding fathers of MEMS. He will be greatly missed.....

Arrangments:
Griffin Leggett Forest Hills
Visitation: Tuesday July 20, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Memorial service
Wednesday July 21, 10:00 AM

Link to Griffin Leggett

Volunteer Company Meetings

2010-06-28T15:11:00.001-06:00

6/29 Tuesday at 07:00
6/30 Wednesday 09:00
7/1 Thursday 16:00
We will be discussing MEMS current event such as call center, building training etc…
We will meet in the training center.

Howler Siren Use

2010-05-27T07:26:00.004-06:00

After trying out the system, MEMS is now in the process of adding the "Howler" siren to our emergency warning system. Each remount will have the addition of the Howler as a standard feature. We are currently retrofitting the supervisor's vehicles. Here is a brief description of how to operate the system.

The Howler siren is to be used just as you would use your air horn. It is set up on an 8 second timer so once activated it will run and then time out and shut off. The switch is located next to the air horn switch. While the siren is activated just push the Howler button when needed. It will change tones automatically as you change them with your siren. If you want to deactivate it before it times out simply push the switch again. Howler provides deep, low frequency tones, which are able to penetrate other vehicles, alerting drivers and pedestrians of your approach. Howler is not a replacement to the vehicle's primary siren; Howler adds a minimum eight second penetrating burst of low frequency siren sound for use in heavy traffic, intersections or other high ambient noise conditions.

Any questions please feel free to come by the Shop and we will demo it for you.

Thanks, “The Shop”

420

2010-05-27T07:11:00.003-06:00

You may remember that 420 was hit hard in the right rear just before remount. Jason Henderson and Clay Brannon were on scene when a mustang hit them at @ 50-60MPH. I just wanted you to see the actual damage to the unit. All in all is was not bad for that speed. Jason and Clay were a bit sore, but suffered no other injury. This is why we buy Excellance, better protection for crews.

Happy EMS week!!

2010-05-21T13:25:00.001-06:00

NDMS Drill 2010

2010-05-21T13:20:00.002-06:00

Friday Fish Fry

2010-05-19T15:02:00.003-06:00

Friday we will be frying fish at the shop from 11:00 to 13:00. This to cap off EMS week, as well as honor Excellance (who is buying the fish) in honor of 506 being their 1000th remount. Come by and grab some food and say to the Excellance staff. Happy EMS week!!

EMS Parade of lights

2010-05-19T14:57:00.004-06:00

Today the parade of lights was held at the State Capitol. Ambulance and rescue vehicles from around the state went from War Memorial Stadium to the capitol in honor of this week. Our latest unit 506, which happens to be Excellance’s 1000 remount, made it debut. MEMS own honor guard posted the colors for the ceremony

MEMS 2010 Golf Tournament

2010-05-19T14:42:00.003-06:00

EMS week continues, with the annual MEMS golf tournament
Pam McCain & Dan Harrison were the winners this year, and the tournament was held at Hindman Golf Course. Big turnout with lots of fun to be had by all……

Pictures Link

We have promoted two new Lieutenants

2010-05-18T09:10:00.005-06:00

Charles Malin will be taking over as LT of the Bike team

Mike Ghidotti will be the new LT for the honor guard.

Please help us congratulate these guys.

Drawing winners

2010-05-17T10:49:00.006-06:00

In honor of EMS week, today we are drawing every hour from 09:00 to 21:00 for prizes.

09:00- Jessica Whitaker won an Afghan

10:00 winner Fred Sterling won a travel mug

11:00 winner Pete Pitre won a MEMS umbrella

12:00 winner Barbara Dollarhide wins a MEMS back pack

13:00 Ralph Perales wins MEMS pen set

14:00 Kendra Lewis won a travel mug

15:00 Shelly Antone won a camo chair

16:00 George Hrenchir won a silver back pack

17:00 Kristy Dean won a thermos
(No picture available works in communications)

18:00 Stacy Hock won a lunch tote
(No picture available new rookie)

19:00 Larmon VanWinkle won a travel mug

20:00 Tommy(Mark) Shuffield won a camo duffel bag

21:00 Brandi Johnson won a blue chair

Congratulations to all the winners !!

MEMS SAFE DRIVER AWARD

2010-05-17T06:44:00.001-06:00

Hey guys, as most of you know the Driving Committee has been reviewing accidents reports and “paddling bottoms” for a while now. Well in effort to “rubs bottoms” of those who are excellent drives; the MEMS Driving Committee is initiating a new program to spotlight and award for good driving. Below are the guidelines, please take a moment to have look. The Driving Committee is looking forward to rewarding the drivers who standout………..

MEMS SAFE DRIVER AWARD

GUIDELINES:

Open to all employees who drive a company vehicle a minimum of 550 miles each month.

Information will be gathered from the Driver Safety Summary and the MEMS Driving Committee records.

Top 25 driver’s names, meeting the requirements, will be placed in a random drawing.

· Winners must be in good standing with driving committee by not having any driving incidents in the past year from date of drawing.

Driving incidents are defined as any backing incident or minor/to major chargeable incident.

· Winners cannot have more than one backing tone per 100 miles driven.

· Winners cannot have any over speed counts.

Grand prize winner will receive $50.00 cash.

Three other runner-ups will be drawn for $10.00 food gift cards.

Winners will be notified by Driving Committee representative and picture made for Monitor and posting.

Kevin Crosby will be the Driving Committee representative for the MEMS SAFE DRIVER AWARD.

Getting Clear About our Standards

2010-05-13T16:12:00.001-06:00

You have probably heard by now of the “crack down” on ACLS and PALS, let me give you my side of the story ;-) I approached this year with a major project in mind, the development of a leadership program for MEMS. This has two facets the first involves a structure for employees who are identified formal or informal leaders, (More on this facet later). The second involves developing a program for our medical skill set.

I came across a recent article by Barry Tanenbaum who wrote, “Some of the best athletes in the world have personal coaches, why shouldn’t you have a coach for your career? Even Tiger Woods, unquestionably the best golfer in the world has a personal coach. No matter how good you are there is always the possibility to improve, excel, and take your game to the next level.”
Coaching is an idea and principle that we want to bring to MEMS. In order to sharpen our edge, go to the next level or what ever your word picture is, we first need to get clear about our expectations.

The training department, QA and several field medics met to begin to answer the question, “what should we expect to be the skills of a MEMS Medic, and how do we measure it”. The first step towards this goal is the development of a check off much like national registry for ACLS and PALS. It covers what ACLS and PALS states as mandatory pass fail, as well as what MEMS holds as its expectations. These would be published as a way of communicating the expectation.

Some have asked, “what do you do with those who fail” I answer simply, we have hired a great staff, and if someone is having trouble we will work as a coach to determine the area needed for improvement and develop a plan to get them there.

This is still in development, we will be holding operations meetings in June to show our work and seek input, after all we are working on OUR expectations.

Greg

EMS Week May 16-22

2010-05-05T07:31:00.001-06:00

EMS week is May 16-22

Here are a few of the Things that we have planned.

15th MEMS 26th annual family Reunion. This year it is held at the Shiner Temple (the same place as the 25th picnic) We will have food, volleyball, music, unit displays for the kids, games etc..

16th- We heave reserved the pavilion at Dickey Steven field. Two free tickets for each employee and $10.00 for each additional ticket (see sign up for more details) the tickets include admission, and food.

17th- Drawing through out the day for prizes. ALL employees in good standing will be eligible to win.

18th- MEMS golf tournament. See Louis for details

19th- The parade of lights to the State Capitol. This is in honor of National EMS week. EMS service from around the state will be in Little Rock that day for a special presentation at the Capitol. MEMS own Honor Guard will be presenting colors.

20th- We have to do some work ;-) We will be having an NDMS drill at the airport.

21st- Cook out at MEMS to celebrate unit 506 coming home. This happens to be Excellance’s 1000 remount. They will be in town with us that day to celebrate

All of these activities are designed to say thank you for all you do.

YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

2010-04-29T14:10:00.001-06:00

Red Cross Award

2010-04-16T07:32:00.000-06:00

Rick Maynard and Charles Mailn shown here receiving the Red Cross Heroes award for the successful resuscitation of Ms. Ruth Welcher. Family has given us permission to use her picture. She attended the ceremony today. It was good to see her again, but it was very emotional for her. She stayed teared up most of the time, and just hugged all over the boys.
It does not come near enought, but hats off to all the MEMS crews for the work you do everyday.

new cots

2010-03-30T08:55:00.003-06:00

We have ordered 8 new cots to replace our oldest ones. The cots that we are replacing are being serviced and stored for MCI's. They will have an MCI sticker on them to distinguished them from front line cots.

Congratulations Pat GIfford

2010-03-30T07:18:00.004-06:00

Pat Gifford was honor last night at the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce Banquet as the 2009 EMT of the year. Congratulations Pat!!

2010-03-30T07:13:00.002-06:00

This accident was July 4 2000. The girl in the story was pinned under the car. Though a mutual family friend Jeff Tabor has been keeping up with her since the accident, and was invited to be a part of her lecture Monday night.

link to story

Bariatric cot system

2010-03-19T09:09:00.001-06:00

MEMS has purchased a bariatric cot system that includes a Stryker cot that is rated up to 1600 lbs in the low position and 850 in a raised position. Our system also includes the Transafe brand of ramps and winch. This equipment will be carried in two of our retired wheelchair vans. One is located in Conway with the other at station one. Every type 3 unit is in the process of having the necessary hardware installed to receive the ramp and winch.

How it is dispatched
If we know that a particular call has need of this equipment, it will be dispatched with the unit. The vans currently do not have emergency lighting, so it will take a little longer than the unit to get on scene. The transporting crew can begin patient care, until the equipment arrives. The van crew will begin the process of installing the ramps and winch in the transporting unit. In addition they will help load the patient, and carry the units normal cot to the destination.

In the event of an emergency call where you realize you have need of the equipment when you get on scene, you will simply notify communications, who will dispatch the cot and ramps to you. Remember the vans currently do not have emergency lighting, so it will take a little longer to get to you.

How are they staffed?
The van will not be staffed each day with a ready crew, so Oscar, floating medic or office staff etc... will be used to bring the van to the scene.

Check out the video on the web at metroems.org looking under the education and training tab and then to updates.

We will be issuing more information as this project matures.

MS Package Changes

2010-03-17T08:43:00.005-06:00

Due to a change from our manufacture, there has been a change in the packaging of our Morphine. Instead of 10mg/10ml we now have gone to 10mg/1ml. This is in a carpi-jet just like the Valium. Please take a look at the video at the following link, to make yourself fame lure of this change.

Greg

A Note: we have added a tab to our website for updates. (metroems.org) This will hold training videos.

Link

Do you treat your patients or do you care for them?

2010-03-08T11:29:00.003-06:00

Have a little think for a moment then read on and see if you still think the same way by the end of the post.

Here’s a little bit of a back story as to what got me thinking about it….

I was working with a new member of staff a little while ago. We were sent to an elderly male who had fallen outside of a bar after he had been spending the evening with some of his friends. He was intoxicated but not drunk as such, and he was my favourite type of drunk….The happy singing drunk.

Anyway, he had a small laceration to the back of his head which had stopped bleeding and probably only needed a little bit of glue to close it up. He also had a small haematoma surrounding the wound. There was no known loss of consciousness, although there was no witness to the fall. He had no neck or back pain and appeared alert and orientated. All of his primary observations were well within normal limits.

It all pointed to a simple mechanical fall after tripping on a lose pavement stone resulting in a minor head injury.

With these sorts of cases it is up to me to decide if it is suitable for my colleague, an ECSW (Emergency Care Support Worker) to go in the back with the patient to the hospital. When this happens and an ECSW ‘observes’ the patient on the way to the hospital, I am still totally responsible, clinically for the patient, even though I am in the front and driving the vehicle.

[An ECSW is trained to be able to assist the paramedic in his/her interventions and care. They can complete all clinical measurements that the paramedic can, and they have a basic understanding of A+P and various clinical and trauma conditions. They are trained to ‘observe’ suitable patients in the back of the ambulance on the way to A&E after the paramedic has completed a full assessment – Maybe this is the same sort of thing as an EMT-B?}

It goes without saying, that there has to be an element of trust between the paramedic and the ECSW for this to work. As the senior clinician, I need to know that if there is any change in the condition of the patient, then the ECSW in the back will inform me immediately so that I can decide whether I need to swap into the back and take over care of the patient.

But, there always has to be a first time to start to develop the trust, and this was that moment.

Once I had completed my assessment and decided that the patient was suitable for an ECSW to care for them en route to A&E, we set off up to the hospital.

On the way, I kept looking into the rear view mirror so I could see the patient and my colleague. It was all very quiet back there. I could hear no chit chat and no questioning for demographic and personal details. As I looked back, I could see the patient asleep in the chair.

I started to get a little nervous…

“Julie……Can you please check that Bobby is just sleeping and not actually suffering from a decreased level of consciousness?”

A quick shout over to him saw him wake up and acknowledge Julie, he then stated that he was just tired and then shuffled in his seat and closed his eyes again.

“He is okay, just a bit tired!”

I decided to keep driving but keep a very close eye on the rear view mirror. I know that the chances of anything bad happening to Bobby were very small, but I just wasn’t happy.

A few minutes later, I still don’t hear any conversation, so I look back and see Julie, writing on the patient report form, but not looking up and checking on Bobby.

Something is nagging away at me so I pull over and ask Julie to finish the drive to hospital. I get the expected dirty look, but now is not the time to discuss why I have pulled her out of the back.

The rest of the journey goes without a hitch. I engage Bobby in a conversation about his time in the Air force in the 1950s (always good for checking someone’s level of consciousness) and I hand him over to the hospital team where he gets cleaned up and sent off home in a taxi with a head injury card.

All well and good, yes?

No, not really, and here is my point.

In these days of ‘respond not convey’. If you are taking a patient to hospital, it is because you have a legitimate concern about them. If there was absolutely nothing wrong with them, then they wouldn’t be going to hospital would they?

Therefore, if you have a patient in the back of the ambulance, they need constant re-assessment. They are in your care and they are your responsibility. You don’t have to take constant blood pressures and ECGs for the vast majority of patients. It doesn’t mean that you have to be actively assessing them throughout the journey, but it does mean that you at least need to engage in some form of regular conversation or interaction with them.

‘Treating’ your patient is performing the interventions that are required by your protocols and guidelines in specific response to a clinical presentation. ‘Caring’ for your patients is to provide much more than an intervention. It is to show concern, empathy, understanding, and interest in them and their lives.

If you care for your patient then in return they feel cared for. They feel as though you actually want to be there and you want to be looking after them. They don’t feel as though they are troubling you and they open up far more than what they would if you are just treating them.

Virtually anyone can treat a patient…Give someone a list of signs and symptoms, then give them the interventions that are required to treat those signs and symptoms and the vast majority of people could do that adequately.

You can’t teach someone to be truly caring, it has to come from within, and if you find yourself in any of the health professions, I would assume that you are one of those people.

However, there are some of us out there who are not carers, and sometimes it is blatantly obvious to see.

More from this writer

2010-03-08T11:18:00.002-06:00

BENSALEM, Pa. - March 8, 2010 (WPVI) -- At 7:00 p.m. Sunday, a 911 came in reporting an emotionally disturbed man on the 2600 block of Knights Road.

"The medics arrived first and were approached by the person and as a result, the medic was injured at the scene," Andrew Aninsman of the Bensalem Police said.

Investigators say the man then ran. One paramedic followed. When his partner caught up to the two, the medic was on the ground. He had visible signs of injury, but police say they still don't know the cause of death.

The medic has been identified as 39-year-old Daniel McIntosh.

McIntosh, a 13-year veteran paramedic for the Bensalem Rescue Squad, leaves behind his wife and two daughters, ages 1 and 5. He was also a Tactical Medic for the Bucks County South SWAT Team and was recently hired as a part-time police officer for Hulmeville Boro.

"We are treating it like we would any other investigation; our detectives have been called in and we're just basically trying to find out why it happened and what caused this tragic incident tonight," Aninsman said.

As police combed the area for clues, medics at the Bensalem Emergency Medical Services building placed a bunting on the front facade.

The suspect's name is being withheld. Police say he has a history of mental illness. The suspect is in custody and being evaluated at a local hospital.

more articles

link added

2010-02-12T15:57:00.004-06:00

Ralph just added a log in for the schedule software to the MEMS website.
metroems.org and you will find the log in box.

New scheduling software

2010-02-12T14:02:00.006-06:00

You may have heard by now that MEMS is going to an online scheduling software. A few of the reasons are:

1. Ability to see your schedule at anytime, you can even download your calendar to your Smart Phone.
2. Ability to turn in for PTO via the web, and receive confirmation through e-mail
3. Ability to make yourself available for overtime, from the comfort of your own home.
We have talked to other agencies that are using the software. They report that the learning curve was not bad after they played with it a bit. For this reason we are making it open for you to begin to experiment. The database is live, so be careful.

We have locked out every month but February. To log on go to:
http://secure.emsmanager.net/mems/index.php

Your id and password are your EMT #.
As soon as you log in change you ID and password to your choosing by going to my info tab.
The home page has instructions for things like:

To Submit Availability:
To sign up for an Open Shift:
To request a trade:
To request time off:
To see your personal schedule for the month:

Please note that any schedule changes you make for February are not valid, it is practice only!

In addition to opening the site to everyone, Tammy and Gary are making themselves available for Voluntary classes on the following dates and times. I think going over it with them will make a big difference your learning curve.

Monday 2/15 17:00-19:00
Tuesday 2/16 17:00-19:00
Monday 2/22 17:00-19:00
Tuesday 2/23 18:00-19:00
Wednesday 2/24 17:00-19:00
Thursday 2/25 18:00 19:00

Please call them to schedule your time. We would like to go live in March, so coming up to speed now is a great idea.

Docking a Tablet

2010-02-12T13:21:00.001-06:00

These have been some docking issues with the tablet. Please check out the link to get a demo. If they are not properly docked they do not charge, and may cause damage to the tablet or docking station.

Video

A reminder…………

2010-02-05T08:56:00.001-06:00

My name is John and I am 63.
In just over 3 years time I’m going to be driving through your jurisdiction just as you are sitting down to your first meal in 12 hours. As your order hits the counter I will experience an odd tightness in my chest and dismiss it as gas.
When you take your first bite my wife of 35 years will watch me clutch my chest and stop the car on the side of the road.
Just as you begin to think your bad day is finally slowing down, the worst day of my life, and possibly the last, has just begun.
I’ve slumped over in the car, releasing the brake pedal and the car drifts into a signpost, discharging the airbags.
My wife is hit by the passenger side airbag as she is leaning over to help me, noticing my unconsciousness just prior to her own.
A passerby has stopped and is now describing a motor vehicle accident to your dispatcher.
Lunch is still warm in your hands when your radio alerts to the accident.
You are tired.
You are hungry.
The kids have been keeping you up late.
The rent is past due.
Big deal. I’m about to die. While you’re cursing me walking to your rig, my MI is moving and my wife’s head injury is complicating what is already going to be a difficult airway judging by the amount of teeth on the floorboards.
As your rig negotiates traffic, my respirations are rapid and shallow, my wife’s now non-existent.

When you pull up to the scene I need your A game. I need you trained to the point where what you are about to do comes as naturally as breathing, because we’re having a bit of trouble in that department.
This is not about you. It’s about me. It’s about us.
So back to your studies, we’ll meet again before you know it.

New Field Supervisors

2010-02-04T15:28:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Tonya Jones, Robert Darr and Randy Hambrick on being promoted to the rank of Captain. These three have a combined 56.7 years of experience here at MEMS. They begin their upgrade training February 16th.

Becky Brown

2010-01-21T18:07:00.003-06:00

Some of you may not know, but our own Becky Brown grew up as a missionary in Africa. She was able to leave earlier this week for a medical missions trip to Haiti. I have been getting updates from her mom about the trip. Last word I got from her, said they had treated 79 patients their first day. They are staying at an orphanage at night She was in country when the last big 'after shock' took place. She should be stateside Sunday.

An opportynity to help Haiti

2010-01-19T14:26:00.005-06:00

As you should have heard by now. MEMS partnered with the American Red Cross and Wal-Mart to sponsor a “Fill the Sharps Container” drive for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Over the period of 4 hours a day for Saturday and Sunday we collected almost $13,000.00. We discovered that many people were looking for a way to give to the relief effort but were uncertain of a trustworthy conduit. Because of the community trust that you have built, people felt very comfortable giving to MEMS and the Red Cross.
This was such a success that we are doing it at least on more time this Saturday. We are planning on not only being at Little Rock and North Little Rock Wal-Marts', but also Conway, Jacksonville and Sheridan. Jacksonville Fire Department as well as Conway Fire Department are wanting to work along side us.
This is a volunteer opportunity that does not come along very often, If you would like to be a part, please contact either Tammy or Gary. We will meet at MEMS at 10:00 Saturday and be back by 15:00.

FINAL Tablet Classes

2010-01-15T03:46:00.002-06:00

I appreciate everyone for stepping up and getting the mandatory classes done so fast. Since there were not enough spaces to get everyone, we have set that last of them.

Something we are doing differently this time is asking that you pre-register online for the class you will be taking.
Procedure to register
1. Go to METROEMS.ORG
2. Click on education and training
3. Click on course registration
4. You will see the event registration page. Notice the event, date, capacity and registered.
5. Choose your preferred class on your desired date and register. Due to the number of tablets, we have a limit of 14 persons per class. If the class is full choose another date.
6. A confirmation email from the system with your chosen date and time will be sent to you as well as training.

NOTES:
• Remember the attendance policy states that failure to attend a class that you are registered for will be considered a no call no show, or unauthorized absence.
• If you need to change your class after you are registered, contact Ralph at 301-1439 to make the change. You holding a spot keeps someone else from being able to attend
Dates and times of classes
Monday, January 18th 1300-1600
Tuesday, January 19th 1300-1600
Tuesday, January 26th 1300-1600

And the FINAL class….Friday, January 29th 1300-1600

Remember- Failure to attend mandatory training will cause you to be considered not in good standing with MEMS. It will keep you from promotion opportunities, shift bids, effect your evaluation and NOW your ability to work.

Snow on the way ???

2010-01-05T16:48:00.000-06:00

Heads up, I foresee us going to yellow sometime tomorrow. Please begin to make your plans.
Below is a note from John Robinson Warning Coordination Meteorologist

Greg

Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 11:00 AM

Light snow is likely to reach northern Arkansas late in the day
Wednesday or early Wednesday evening.

During the evening and overnight hours (Wednesday night into Thursday
morning), precipitation is likely to spread to all sections of the
state. Snow is the likely precipitation type over the northern half of
the state. Over the southern half, rain or a rain/sleet/snow mix is
likely to begin with, eventually transitioning over to all snow in most
areas. The extreme south is looking a little iffy, and it's possible
that a mixture will occur there and it will not change over to all snow.

Snowfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches seem likely across northern Arkansas,
with some 4 inch amounts probable, especially in northeast Arkansas. A
Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the northeast part of the state.

In a west to east band across the middle of Arkansas, including the
Little Rock area, totals of 1 or 2 inches seem most likely, but totals
could end up being a little less than this in some places.

In the southern part of the state, totals of an inch or less should occur.

Snow will diminish from west to east across the state Thursday morning.
If anything lingers after midday Thursday, it should be only flurries.

Gusty winds and colder air will move in as the snow moves out. I think
some Wind Chill Advisories (and perhaps even some Wind Chill Warnings)
will become necessary over a large part of the state later Thursday into
Thursday night.

2010-01-05T10:20:00.000-06:00

Its a little late, but the crews at Cabot wanted to say, we hope you had a Merry Christmas !

Bike Team Lieutenant

2010-01-05T10:18:00.001-06:00

Job Title: Bike Team Lieutenant
Grade: no change

We have an opening on the bike team for the position of Lieutenant.

Requirements:
• A member of the bike team currently
• Insurable to operate company vehicle
• Full time status
• Acceptable- CQI record, discipline record and attendance history a must
• Initiative and ability to identify analyze and resolve problems
• Ability to clearly communicate information and provide technical assistance
• Ability to supervise and direct work of others in a positive, tactful and supportive manner
• Ability to assess a situation and use experience, knowledge and judgment to respond quickly in an appropriate manner
• Ability to follow through on verbal and written instructions to ensure directions are carried out.
• Ability to interact with management, co-workers, hospital personnel and patients in a positive, friendly and cooperative manner at all times
• Ability to represent MEMS in a professional competent manner at all times
• Ability to be present, prompt and able to perform all job duties on a dependable and reliable basis

Employees interested in this position should submit a transfer request form to Greg Thompson
DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS Tuesday January 12 AT 17:00

Field Captain

2010-01-05T09:49:00.001-06:00

We are starting the promotion process for the Field Captain position. There is a process that each applicant goes through that includes testing etc.. These people are joining the management team, so I am looking for not only excellent performance skills, but also an equally great attitude and a willingness to learn. The complete list of qualifications can be found at station one, or Conway central.

Employees interested in this position should submit a transfer request form to Greg Thompson (A copy of the complete job description is available in HR)

DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS Monday January 11 AT 08:00

Greg

Mandatory Tablet Training

2010-01-05T09:43:00.000-06:00

We have deployed the new tablets in Conway. We are now preparing to deploy the next phase in the other outlying areas and finally the metro system. We have set the following schedule to accomplish the needed training. Something we are doing differently this time is asking that you pre-register online for the class you will be taking.
Procedure to register
1. Go to METROEMS.ORG
2. Click on education and training
3. Click on course registration
4. You will see the event registration page. Notice the event, date, capacity and registered.
5. Choose your preferred class on your desired date and register. Due to the number of tablets, we have a limit of 14 persons per class. If the class is full choose another date.
6. A confirmation email from the system with your chosen date and time will be sent to you as well as training.

NOTES:
• Remember the attendance policy states that failure to attend a class that you are registered for will be considered a no call no show, or unauthorized absence.
• If you need to change your class after you are registered, contact Ralph at 301-1439 to make the change. You holding a spot keeps someone else from being able to attend
Dates and times of classes
Jan 11th 0800-1100
Jan 11th 1600-1900
Jan 12th 1500-1800
Jan 13th 0800-1100
Jan 13th 1600-1900
Jan 14th 0800-1600
Jan 14th 1600-1900
Jan 14th 1900-2200
Jan 15th 0800-1100
Jan 15th 1600-1900
Jan 15th 1900-2200

Remember- Failure to attend mandatory training will cause you to be considered not in good standing with MEMS. At the very least this will keep you from promotion opportunities, shift bids, effect your evaluation and ultimately your ability to work.

Passing of Clay Finley

2009-12-28T13:38:00.004-06:00

It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of our own.
Clay Finley was found dead in his home yesterday (December 27 2009) by his wife of four months. Clay had been ill, and had left work early on Christmas day. The cause of death is undetermined at this point.

Clay came to work at MEMS October 2008 with Rookie 12. He had been primarily working at the Sherwood station. He was a BLS Lead.

We are still working on the funeral plans, there will be EMS participation. Please remember this family in your prayers.
Greg

Passing of David Taylor

2009-11-05T20:59:00.000-06:00

Arkansas EMS Director David Taylor died today, November 5, 2009 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas after suffering an apparent acute myocardial infarction. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, family, colleagues, friends and the extended EMS family who mourn his untimely passing.

Tentative arrangements for him are funeral at 10AM Monday. We will post more information as we get it. Please keep them in your prayers. For more information, you may contact Med-Tech EMS at (501) 354-8181.

Two people were killed in Ambulance

2009-10-22T14:33:00.002-06:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two people were killed when an ambulance was involved in a crash with a Tennessee Department of Transportation truck on Interstate 65 North on Thursday afternoon.

The crash occurred near the Wedgewood Avenue exit at about 2:50 p.m.

The driver of the ambulance, David Cline, and a patient inside the ambulance, Sue Bly, were both killed. Cline was a Franklin, Tenn., firefighter who was working off-duty.

"The ambulance was traveling without the emergency lights and transporting an elderly woman from her dialysis treatment back to her retirement home. For reasons unknown at this time, the ambulance rear-ended the TDOT truck," said Kristin Mumford, Metro Police.

An off-duty Metro firefighter, Evans Johnson, who was inside the ambulance and working as an EMT for the ambulance company, was also hurt in the wreck. Johnson was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center and in critical but stable condition.

The driver of the TDOT vehicle, Robert Green, was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center but released on Friday.

The ambulance belongs to a private company that was based in Franklin, Tenn.

When the crash occurred, the TDOT truck was pulled over in the emergency lane without its hazard lights on.

However, TDOT policy says the lights only have to be flashing when a worker is outside the vehicle helping a driver. So, it was still unclear why the TDOT truck had pulled over.

The Franklin Fire Department will provide grief counseling to its firefighters.

The Franklin city manager issued a statement on Friday night echoing the sentiment that Cline will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Check your equipment

2009-10-08T20:01:00.000-06:00

This is a story from EMS Magazine. Good reason to check your equipment every day.

Dead Defib, Dead Patient Equals $3.2M Award Against Chicago

The family of a 49-year-old man who died of a heart attack after a
defibrillator on the Chicago Fire engine sent to resuscitate him did not
work -- because the batteries hadn't been replaced -- will receive $3.2
million under a settlement advanced Monday by a City Council committee.

Frederick Partyka, a stationary engineer who worked for the city, was using
a snow blower in front of his home in the 2700 block of North New England
when he collapsed on Jan. 22, 2005.

Partyka's son, a paramedic with the Hillside Fire Department, witnessed the
incident, called 911 and administered CPR to his father while waiting for
help.

When the fire engine arrived at 3:16 p.m., the paramedic found Partyka in
ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening condition. But when the
paramedic attempted to shock Partyka's heart back into rhythm, the
defibrillator didn't work, a lawyer for the Partyka family said. The
batteries were old and did not hold a charge.

When the old batteries were replaced with spare batteries, the defibrillator
powered off again, the lawyer said. At 3:22 p.m., an ambulance arrived with
a working defibrillator. But it was too late. Partyka was already dead.

"The industry standard required -- and the manufacturer recommended -- that
this particular defibrillator battery had to be replaced every two years,"
said Susan Schwartz, an attorney representing the Partyka family.

"But, on Jan. 22, 2005, no battery had been purchased by the city since
October 2000. They didn't properly maintain the batteries for these
defibrillators."

During Monday's Finance Committee meeting, First Deputy Corporation Counsel
Karen Seimetz told aldermen that the defibrillators used on that day were
replaced in March 2005. The new version uses batteries "automatically
changed out with the manufacturer every two years," she said.

"In the thousands and thousands and thousands of times these defibrillators
have been used, this is the first known instance where this has ever
occurred," she said.

Under questioning from aldermen, Seimetz acknowledged that no one knows
whether a working defibrillator would have saved Partyka.

But, she said, "The problem is under the law, if there's any percentage
chance that a person could have survived but for the alleged negligence,
that's enough to recover [damages]. Even though he had an underlying heart
disease, this might have made the difference. There was no damage to the
heart on autopsy."

2009-09-25T08:34:00.003-06:00

Facebook is a great way to keep in contact with friends, and relatives. However, the wrong use of Facebook has caused its share of problems. I want to remind you that HIPPA forbids us from posting pictures or information in this public forum. In the past few weeks it is reported that an RN at a local hospital was fired for taking a patients picture. I understand that this tool should be private, but the fact that its usage is about being public with the day to day events of our lives. Remember that anything placed on the internet it is forever and could come back to haunt us later in life.

Please be careful!!!

Below is a news article that was sent to me today.

A firefighter accused of putting a patient's photo on Facebook was suspended today, after he apologized for what he said was a "bone-headed" decision.

The Board of Public Safety voted to suspend firefighter Jordan Jostes for 30 days without pay for posting the photo taken with his cell phone camera to the social networking site Facebook.

Jostes, wearing a black suit, told board members that he did not want a hearing to dispute the allegations.

"It was my decision, which I admitted was bone-headed, to put the picture up on Facebook," Jostes said.

But Jostes said he was also the first to recognize that posting the photo was wrong, and that he took it off of the Web site a few hours after it was posted.

Jostes also told the board that he took the photo, which allegedly showed the inside of the ambulance as well as the patient, at the request of a doctor who was riding in the ambulance.

That fact, however, didn't sway board members who voted to accept Chief Howard Buchanon's recommended suspension, which states that Jostes violated department policy against using cameras or cell phones during emergency calls.

MEMS has a new parka.

2009-09-21T12:54:00.003-06:00

MEMS has been looking into a new parka for several months now, attached is the parka that’s been selected. HOWEVER PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COLOR WILL BE DARK NAVY & ANSI YELLOW (NOT THE ROYAL BLUE) we didn’t have a good pick of the navy.

The coat is a 5.11 Responder Parka and comes as a 2-piece design. The outer shell is a very durable finish of dark navy, and ANSI Yellow and the inner liner is a fleece style. The coat can be worn as a set, or you can wear just the parka or the fleece liner by itself. The cost is approx $275.00, but remember the coat is about $75.00 more the spiewak we currently wear. The lead time for the initial order is about 5 weeks, so you will need to get your coat on order asap. All new orders for parka will be this style. If you have a spiewak coat, you will still be able to wear it as long as you like. The Blauer brand is still authorized to wear as well. The outer shelf will have the MEMS logo screened on the back, and the fleece liner will have the MEMS patch and your name embroidered on the chest. If you have any questions, please see louis.

New AEDs

2009-09-02T14:46:00.004-06:00

This is the Phillips HeartStart FRx. We have seven(7) of them, and they are ready to go. . The idea is to use them specifically on the BLS units, and move the Medtronic AEDs to support and back up rolls such as special events. Janelle’s department has two(2) of the trainers for this unit. Below are pics of the components that make up the unit.

This is the standard defib pads that will go with the AED

This key allows the AED adult defib pads to be used during a pedi event. The weight guidelines are printed on front of the key. All the medic has to do is plug the key into the slot provided and its ready to go…….

We will be putting out an in service video soon. Hey are very basic and should be fairly intuitive to use. As always please make yourself familiar before checking one out.

H1N1

2009-08-26T15:31:00.000-06:00

You’ve likely heard by now. After weeks of hesitating, the World Health Organization has declared the H1N1 virus infections to be a Level 6 on the pandemic scale, which means a pandemic has been announced. The thing is this... you are still the same. My life is still the same. Nothing has changed from the five minutes before the announcement and five minutes after the announcement. That’s what people need to remember before beginning to panic.

How long can influenza viruses stay alive?

According to the standard information we have, the virus stays alive on your hands for about five minutes. It can stay alive on your clothing for up to 12 hours and it can exist on objects for up to 48 hours.

How do infections like influenza get transmitted?

There are five ways infections can be transmitted:

1. Skin to skin contact (scabies, for example)

2. Droplet (cold viruses coughed into the air and breathed in)

3. Airborne (much tinier viruses that hang around in the air, like H1N1 virus)

4. Common (an contagious person drinks from a water bottle, you drink from it moments later)

5. Insects (malaria, for example)

How can we protect ourselves from infections like influenza?

It can’t be stressed enough: hand washing – and proper hand washing, not just rinsing your hands under the water. Here is a site that has a good video showing how to wash your hands with either soap and water or sanitizer.

Hand washing breaks the infection chain. A pathogen (virus, bacteria, fungus) needs to be able to spread. Once it spreads, it has to have a good host (good living conditions) to flourish. If we stop it from spreading, then it can’t get any further.

Let’s not forget about maintaining a clean, safe environment in both the back and front of our trucks.

Ron

Thank You From The EAP

2009-08-26T12:56:00.002-06:00

Not a good news story

2009-08-25T08:59:00.001-06:00

A former ambulance driver who was involved in a crash that killed a passenger in April 2008 pleaded not guilty Monday to multiple charges, including murder, a spokesman for the Jefferson County commonwealth's attorney's office said.
Advertisement

Tammy Renee Brewer also was charged with assault, driving under the influence, wanton endangerment and criminal mischief in the death of 54-year-old Vickie Whobrey.

Brewer was indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury Thursday.

She allegedly was driving an ambulance while under the influence of drugs when she swerved off Rockford Lane and hit a utility pole and rolled through two ditches while Whobrey was in the back. The ambulance came to rest in a yard. Brewer told investigators she swerved to avoid a pedestrian who had darted in front of the ambulance.

Brewer had also been due to appear in court Friday after she was cited in March of this year for not having proof of insurance after an noninjury accident on Interstate 65 in which it was determined she was at fault.

When she failed to show up for a hearing to determine whether she had paid a $1,000 fine and court costs, a bench warrant was issued for her arrest, but the warrant was recalled after Brewer showed up for her arraignment in the April 2008 incident Monday, said Bill Patteson, a spokesman for the Jefferson County attorney's office.

Patteson said Brewer had been sentenced to 90 days in jail in June because of the March incident, but she was conditionally discharged and did not spend any time in jail.

In January 2008, just months before the ambulance crash, Brewer was caught speeding in a school zone near Bates Elementary on Bardstown Road. She was charged with going 23 mph over the limit, no proof of insurance and an expired license plate, according to arrest records.

And in September 2006, Brewer was charged with having expired insurance and an expired license plate after she was involved in an accident in the 5800 block of Bardstown Road.

Brewer was driving personal vehicles in those incidents.

MEMS Academy hits two home runs!!

2009-08-10T15:22:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Medic 7 on a 100% pass rate on their National Registry practical test

Congratulations to Rookie 14 on a 100% pass rate for their National Registry test.

New BLS Units Ordered

2009-08-10T12:07:00.002-06:00

We are trying to take pressure off the ALS emergency side of the house. We have hired more full time EMTs and just order two more type 2 Wheeled Coach units. They should be delivered in 30 45 days. The newly hired EMTs will complete 2-3 weeks of classroom training and then will start out as drivers on BLS shifts. This is a departure of our normal way of doing business. Starting on the BLS units will allow time for learning geography, radio traffic, MEMS system etc.. in a slower setting. As FTO's become available they will move to the ALS side and resume their ALS training.

Vet Medicine ??

2009-08-10T12:01:00.001-06:00

Trying out the "Howler"

2009-08-10T10:50:00.005-06:00

In an effort to give you the best tools, we are evaluating one of the latest in emergency warning devices; the “Howler” The Howler provides deep, low frequency tones, which are able to penetrate other vehicles, alerting drivers and pedestrians of your approach.
They are currently being tested by LRFD, NLRFD and ASP. We placed it on 954 since the pickup style vehicles seem to have the most trouble getting noticed by traffic. If this works well, we are looking at putting them on the entire fleet.

New Valium Packaging

2009-08-05T10:51:00.003-06:00

MEMS Challenge Coins & 25th Anniversary Artwork

2009-07-14T12:31:00.003-06:00

MEMS’ Challenge Coins and 25th Anniversary Artwork are here!!!

The Challenge Coins are serialized (101 thru ???) and will be issued based upon current seniority.

The artwork, by Jim Mullenax, is specific to MEMS and was drawn in honor of our 25th Anniversary!

If you have been a full-time employee, in good standing for more than one year, you are eligible to receive these gifts. Employees who have not completed one year of full time employment must wait until their anniversary date to receive theirs.

These items will be available for pick-up from Lee Harper beginning this Thursday, July 16, 2009.

110/12 Volt A/C System

2009-06-30T10:07:00.001-06:00

As you know cooling a unit is quite the task these days, especially when you add the problem with not being able to idle the unit all the time. We are beginning the process of moving some units around to help combat this problem.

Plugging the unit in, even in the summer
The Chevy units are not able to be idled for long periods of time. There is a new exhaust system that actually clogs up and causes the unit to run at reduced power if the unit idles too long. This could be quite a problem when given an emergency. To combat this we began to move to a 110/12 Volt A/C system a few years ago. This means, that when you plug it into a shore line, the A/C as well as the heat works. We are moving these units to the outlying stations during the summer months, some of the units will remain in the city. The goal is to have all our fleet equipment with a system like this to reduce idling time, and heat problems.

We are having signs made for the interior as well as the exterior to remind you to plug in the truck to keep it cool.
Unit 507 has a generator on it. We will be placing it on a 12 hour city car fulltime to test its ability to reduce idle time. This unit has its own unique procedure to be followed.

Setting the high idle
When you do have to idle a truck on scene, be sure to always set your emergency brake which enables the high idle. This helps the unit cool, as well as reduces the strain on the alternator. Failure to do this is causing some real issues. So you will know, the high idle causes the fan to run faster, causing the engine to run cooler, I know it sounds like it is going to blow up, but it really is better for the unit.

Idling at the hospitals
While I am talking about idling, the hospitals are asking us once again, to kill the units when in their ER bay. Our noise and exhaust are causing a problem in their building. Please respect this wish.

The following units have a 110/12 volt A/C system
126, 136, 137, 138, 228, 232, 415, 416, 420, 425, 502, 504, 513, 514, 519, 522, 609

5.11 Polo Shirts

2009-06-24T10:30:00.001-06:00

Many of you have already made the switch to the 5.11 polo shirts (it’s the style w/ the pen pocket on the left sleeve). The polos have held up very well and has become the predominate polo ordered lately. Because of these issues, I have spoke w/ Greg about making it our official uniform polo shirt. Greg agreed and approved for us to make the switch. So, MEMS made a purchase of approx 800 polo shirts that’s (navy and long and short sleeve). The polo shirts are being embroidered right now and should be ready for orders to be filled next week. If you have ordered polos within the last week or so, give me a just a few more days, and you’ll be ready to go. If you have any questions, let me know. By the way, you can order your polo shirts on line through the MEMS Company Store, so you don’t have to fill out paperwork and leave on my desk, you can order them from the comfort of your house.

Company Store is up and running, so have a look…….
10 Minute Fitness is available, so get your butt in shape………
5.11 polos are the new polos, so update your shirts, if they need to be…….

As always, if you have any questions, please see Louis

10 Minute Fitness

2009-06-24T10:27:00.002-06:00

I have all of the detail worked out and we now have an arrangement with 10 Minute Fitness centers for our exercise program. 10 Minute Fitness has 2 locations 1 in Little Rock (hwy 10) and the other in North Little Rock (by McCain). The store have 24 hrs access during the week and open approx 16 hours each day on Saturday and Sunday. 10 Minute Fitness has all of the modern conveniences for weight and cardio training.

The arrangement is: 10 Minute Fitness will wave the $50.00 sign on fee and MEMS will payroll deduct the membership dues which are $10.00 per month (so you’re looking at $5.00 per pay period) that’s not a bad deal at all considering the resources that will be available to you. If you would like anything additional (i.e. tanning, personal training, they are available but you’ll have to work those option directly w/ 10 Minute Fitness). To get started, see Louis to fill out.

MEMS Company Store

2009-06-24T10:23:00.002-06:00

Some of you may know and some may not, but MEMS now has an On-Line Company Store. The store is up and running and open for business. You can find it on line @ at our web address www.metroems.org. You’ll the see the “Company Store” box, just click on it and away you go. If you’ve ever ordered on line before, the store will look very familiar, if you haven’t ordered on line before, it’ll very easy to follow. Its important to know that we no long keep items like t-shirts, ball caps toboggans, etc on hand here at sta.1 so plan accordingly.

All you have to do is go through the items available for purchase, make you selections, and check out. When you check out, YOU WILL NOT BE ASKED FOR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION. Your order will be sent to my email, and I’ll get your order taken care. I will forward your order to store that warehouse’s our inventory, and the order will be here the same day or the very next day. The system has been in place for a couple weeks and has been working fine. Items that are approved Uniform Allowance will be posted to your uniform allowance, and items that are payroll deduct, will be deducted from your payroll check. If you have any questions, please see me. Also, fyi this will be order method for the sweat shirt order we use to do once a year. These type of items will be available year round.

Link to store

New Glucose Meters Coming

2009-06-18T12:49:00.006-06:00

You will be seeing a new glucose meter on your ambulance in the next week. We decided to evaluate a new meter for several reasons and found the following differences:

a). Current meter takes 20 seconds to produce glucose result, Contour (new meter) takes only 5 seconds, Blood sample can be obtained from a capillary or venous site.

b). Current meter requires a code strip (to calibrate) and it must be checked regularly, Contour doesn’t require any type of coding or calibrating of the meter before the strips are added.

c). Current meter hi/low display is 500-20 range, Contour blood glucose range is 600 -10 range

The cost are the same between the meters. We believe after the field test, and the differences noted above the Contour meter will better fit our needs.

It functions the same as the old with the exceptions of.
1. No need to calibrate
2. The strips are stored in a small bottle and not packaged individually

NOTE- venous blood or capillary blood is acceptable to this unit

Great Work

2009-06-18T10:48:00.001-06:00

I noticed two things in reviewing reports that I want to say job well done.

Response Times for June
While I am still premature, I wanted to acknowledge the effort that is being made to make our response times. While I know that there are several factors that the crew does not have any control over, there are several that you do such as reaction times, turn times, knowledge of where you are going etc, , and overall everyone seems to be managing these better.

Driving Report
I noticed on the latest driving report that we have improved significantly in backing with a spotter. As you know backing accidents are one of our largest preventable expenses.

I know I get busy sometimes and miss the opportunity to say job well done and Thank You, I did not want to miss this opportunity.

Great Job!

Greg

2009-06-15T12:54:00.002-06:00

Pictures Available

2009-06-12T08:35:00.003-06:00

We have posted some of the pictures of the anniversary banquet on line. The MEMS history Documentary is in final edit, I will let you know when it is available. Thank you again for making it a fun day!
Greg

on-line album

Swine Flu

2009-04-27T10:51:00.003-06:00

The new strain of flu has been a part of our news over the past few days. We are meeting with our area health depart staff to monitor any activity form this strain in Arkansas. Let me remind you that we treat this threat like we would any other air or droplet borne exposure.

The following is an excerpt from a Health Department release from Dallas County today:

1. Any providers approaching an individual who appears sick with a fever AND who has a cough OR difficulty breathing should first place a mask on themselves,including eye protection, and should wear gloves. The mask should preferably be one that offers protection at an N95 mask level or higher.

2. After protecting themselves with the mask, eye protection, and gloves, providers should place a similar mask on the patient, if it can be tolerated. It is understandable that patients with shortness of breath may not tolerate such a mask, especially if oxygen is being administered or possibly CPAP.

Nebulize through the Boussignac CPA

2009-04-27T10:36:00.003-06:00

Yes you can………

Nebulize through the Boussignac CPAP System

Congratulations Carla!

2009-04-20T09:46:00.000-06:00

Carla Kelley was honored on April 11th, 2009, as the Faulkner County Veterans of Foreign Wars Paramedic of the Year. Carla was honored for her dedication to EMS, much of it in Faulkner County, her strong skills, and her compassion for her patients. She was a unanimous choice by the Foxtrots.

North Pulaski

2009-04-06T09:45:00.006-06:00

I don't know what those crews are up to in North Pulaski, but here is a note and few pics from them.....

Of all the things that are on the blog, the goat did not make it? Not sure how I should take that. He could be one of our most famous future employees William "Billy" A. Goat.

Gratitude from a PT's family

2009-04-01T16:50:00.001-06:00

Wife of a patient express her sincere gratitude to Medics Terra McDougald and Adam Weiser. PT's wife said that the CPAP is a wonderful device that helped her husband so much. Got his Pulse Ox saturation from the low 80’s to the high 90’s by the time he got to the hospital. He did not have to be intubated, but is still in ICU Dx with CHF.

She said “I will stand on the curb and clap for MEMS whenever they go by our home!”

Great Job Terra and Adam.

325 (soon to be 425) update

2009-03-25T16:17:00.000-06:00

By the way 228 is now at Excellance, we are still working on the cause of the fire.

Tech tips from the shop

2009-03-19T11:36:00.003-06:00

We already know that in our profession basic skill save lives, the same rule applies to our units.

I have been meeting with the shop, they have put together a few tips on starting, plugging in the unit etc... They are all basic skills, however we have had some problems with the mastering of these basic skills.

Did you know that not waiting on the glow plugs to heat up before starting the unit can cause damage to the glow plugs as well as the unit? The result is poor or no starting, or poor performance when it does start, not to mention the damage to parts that must be replaced.

Did you know that putting gas in a diesel engine cost an average of $500.00 to fix, assuming you don't ruin the engine?

Employees, please log on to the medic access part of the MEMS web site to view the video.

http://medic.metroems.org

Update on 325

2009-03-18T16:13:00.005-06:00

A few pictures on the status of 325 (soon to be 425)

Latisha Johnson

2009-03-18T09:27:00.002-06:00

Our own Latisha was honored as one of Arkansas’ Stars of life recently. This is an honor given out by the Arkansas Ambulance Association. She spent the day at the State Capitol interacting with Legislators, and touring the Capitol as well as participating in a luncheon in the Stars honor. Latisha, we are very proud of you !

Cot Inspections

2009-03-18T09:20:00.002-06:00

We are in the process of bringing in all the cots in the fleet. We are doing a decontamination as well as inspection/repair as well as replacing any worn cot straps. I am reminding everyone that the chest straps are a requirement on our cots and should be used to restrain your patients.

We are also placing a “Mega Mover” on all cots. Its functions like a draw sheet on steroids. It can hold up to 1500 pounds. It is stored at the foot of the cot under the mattress. We have now placed it on the check off and major sheets.

Auto Vents in

2009-03-17T14:35:00.001-06:00

We have received the shipment of the Autovent 3000. This means that all transport vents will be the same. All Paramedics should have received an in service in the last mandatory classes that were held. This is almost exactly like the Autovent that we have had for the last several years. If you need any additional in-service, please see your Supervisor.

2009-03-17T10:11:00.003-06:00

A while back we adopted the phonetic alphabet to describe the different positions in the company. Mike=Major, Charlie= Captain, Hotel=Hazmat etc…

I think sometimes the new folks (and some of the old) are having a little trouble getting the concept ;-)

228 catches fire

2009-03-14T07:59:00.006-06:00

Not a site you see everyday for sure. The crew of 228 (a newer unit) had just picked up a non-critical PT and were in route to the ER, when they lost power and started seeing smoke. The crew pulled over, evacuated the PT to a safe area. One crewmember went back with a fire extinguisher and was able to get to some of the flame, however the fire appeared to be in the wall of the unit, so he was unable to get to the true source of the fire.
I don’t feel the unit will be a total loss, but it does have heavy wire and smoke damage. We can replace metal, but not people. I am very grateful to the crew for their quick thinking and actions

A little trivia for ya....

2009-03-03T09:14:00.004-06:00

This is Hunter Gray. He "invented" the stick man and the way we stripe out trucks. He also designed our first MEMS Alert campaign .

History of the Star of Life

2009-02-24T22:10:00.003-06:00

Did you know??

The blue Star of Life was designed by Leo R. Schwartz, Chief of the EMS Branch, NHTSA. It was officially registered February 1, 1977. Just as pharmacists have the mortar and pestle and doctors have the caduceus, EMTs have a symbol. Each of the bars or six “points” of the blue “Star of Life” represents the six-system function of the EMS: detection, reporting, response, on scene care, care in transit, and transfer to definitive care. The staff on the star represents Medicine and Healing.

Slain EMS worker remembered

2009-02-02T12:33:00.002-06:00

The EMT volunteer murdered Friday night in Cape Vincent had a promising career in emergency medical work cut short.

Mark B. Davis, 25, was killed by a gunshot from a high powered rifle while responding to a call late Friday evening.

Mr. Davis was involved in multiple emergency agencies, was enrolled in a paramedic program at JCC and worked full time at Watertown's Guilfoyle Ambulance, says the county's Fire and Emergency Services Director Glenn Morrison.

"He had an amazing passion for it," Morrison said.

Davis joined the Cape Vincent Fire Department in late 2006. He was both a volunteer and paid driver for Thousand Islands Rescue. "This was all he knew at this point," Morrison said. "He gave the ultimate sacrifice."

He said Davis' death is being treated as a "line of duty death," meaning funeral and survivor benefits being made available to Davis' family. It also means a formal honor guard funeral, to be held in Cape Vincent.

The designation of a "line of duty death" requires extensive paperwork which has already begun, Morrison said.

Davis moved to Cape Vincent about 2004 from Florida.

He is survived by his mother, a brother, a sister and other relatives.

murder of an EMS volunteer

2009-02-02T12:30:00.001-06:00

Cape Vincent man is being held without bail after being arraigned for the
alleged murder of an EMS volunteer who was responding to his residence.

Christopher G. Burke, 25, was arraigned in Cape Vincent Court on 2nd degree
murder and weapons charges late Saturday morning.

State Police investigators say Burke shot and killed Cape Vincent EMS
volunteer Mark Davis at his 114 South Esseltyne residence late Friday
evening.

Davis and other EMS personnel had been summoned to Burke's residence by a
911 call, authorities say. Police would not reveal the nature of the medical
emergency.

While the EMS workers were tending to Burke, he became agitated, went into
another room and retrieved a high powered rifle. While talking to the EMS
workers, Burke had indicated he had weapons in the home, police said.

"And they heard the action of a weapon being activated. At that point the
EMTs attempted to retreat from the residence," said State Police BCI captain
Mark Lincoln.

As the EMTs retreated, Burke allegedly fired two rounds, one of them hitting
Davis and killing him.

Burke then ran from the home and was tackled and held down by another EMT.
Clayton Police officer Robin Pearce took him into custody with help from
Alexandria Bay Police officer Jerry Delosh.

EMTs at the scene attempted life-saving efforts on Davis and continued
during the ambulance transport to Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown,
where he was pronounced dead.

Capt. Lincoln declined to say whether drugs or alcohol may have been a
factor in the fatal incident.

25th Anniversary patch

2009-01-23T12:41:00.004-06:00

In Celebration of MEMS 25th Anniversary, we have authorized the wearing of the MEMS 25th Anniversary patch. You are authorized to have this patch on your polo’s, or flying cross shirts in place of our regular patch for 2009.

Since this is an optional patch, and not required so a word of caution, this is only for 2009 so only order what you think you will wear for 09, 2010 we will move back to our traditional patch.

Stations being re-keyed

2009-01-23T11:17:00.002-06:00

It’s time to re-key all of the MEMS sub-stations.

We started this week and hope to be concluded by the end of the January.

Now, some things you NEED TO KNOW.

The new keys are going to be color coded: Pink and Blue

Pink station keys will be on each MEMS unit key ring. (The color will insure that they stay on the key ring.)

Blue station keys can be issued to an employee who wants one. Note: employees or their family members ARE NOT authorized to duplicate or have a station key unless it has been issued by MEMS.

MEMS Policy on station keys is: You can be issued a station master key only. You CAN NOT take it upon yourself to have a station master key made. If you have MEMS station key made without MEMS authorization, you will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. (ouch!!) In other words, don’t duplicate key…… J

You can see Louis or one of the supervisors in Conway to have a station key issued. There is a $50.00 fee/fine for the key, if it is lost and/or not returned. If your issued a key, you assume all responsibility until it is returned. If the key breaks or doesn’t work properly, just bring it in and we’ll swap it w/o worries……..

UAMS is MOVING!

2009-01-16T15:34:00.001-06:00

The entire hospital will begin moving all patients, equipment and supplies on Saturday, January 17, 2009.

Beginning Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 0800 the old ER will be closed and the new ER will be accepting patients. The new ER entrance is located off of Shuffield Dr. across from LRVA ER. Follow signs for ambulance parking and entrance.

The new Helipad, located on top of new hospital, will be completely operational beginning Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 0800.

Update on 232 (132)

2009-01-16T11:57:00.004-06:00

The new 232 is beginning it transformation. Should be home near the end of February.

MEMS to be mentioned in new book

2009-01-02T13:29:00.001-06:00

Lamar Pickens, MEMS patient suffered 3 gun shot wounds to his body after a man asked to use the phone in his business then turned and shot him. Mr. Pickens owns Lamar’s Auto Air and is very happy to be alive today. He attributes his life to Medics Jalana Braqnham and Allen Lawrence, but knows for certain that he was ultimately in God’s hands. Interesting, Mr. Pickens said, “the shooter pointed that gun at my head and I told him In the name of Jesus, don’t kill me…..” Strangely, the gun misfired and he only suffered powder burns to his face and “3-days of sulfur” in his mustache! He did take one bullet to the abdomen, one to his Left femur and one to his Right femur.

His book is called “Psalm 91:1”. He wants to name Jalana and Allen specifically in his book. Also, present on scene was Terry Henson, who he said scooped him up and carried him to the ambulance by herself!!!

I thought this was an interesting note. He is in the process of getting his book published.

MANDATORY Paramedic Training

2009-01-02T13:13:00.002-06:00

In January MEMS will carry 2 different brands of cardiac monitors, the LP 12 and Philips MRx. All paramedics are expected to attend one of these MANDATORY classes on the use of the Philips monitor. There are several dates to chose from but each class is limited in size.
Reserve your space early.

Monday, January 5th 1200-1500
Monday, January 5th 1700-2000
Tuesday, January 6th 0800-1100
Tuesday, January 6th 1700-2000
Wednesday, January 7th 0800-1100
Wednesday, January 7th 1200-1500
Thursday, January 8th 0800-1100
Thursday, January 8th 1700-2000
Friday, January 9th 0800-1100
Friday, January 9th 1200-1500
Saturday, January 10th 0800-1100
Saturday, January 10th 1200-1500
Monday, January 12th 1200-1500
Monday, January 12th 1700-2000
Tuesday, January 13th 0800-1100
Tuesday, January 13th, 1700-2000
Wednesday, January 14th 0800-1100
Wednesday, January 14th 1200-1500

We will also cover:

CPAP
Autovent A-3000 ventilators
disposable ventilators
Taser probe removal

Location: Training Building

You must submit registration form to the Training Department no
later than 3 days prior to class.
Space is limited so late submissions are subject to denial.