Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
update on 128
We don't often show the status of our remounts. This is the phase that 128 (soon to be 228) is currently in. We don't have a firm return date yet, but believe it will be before 2009.
New Safety Vest
As of November 24, 2008 Federal law requires that a safety vest be worn by, “All response and support activities that occur on the roadways that facilitate the movement of traffic”.
Simply said if you are on a street of any kind Federal Law says you must be wearing your safety vest, day or night.
We are issuing each employee his or her own personal safety vest, however the order is on back order. To meet the deadline, we are placing two vests in each unit satchel. Additional vest can be acquired for any third riders by going through the normal inventory process (i.e. the cage)
When the bulk order comes in you will be issued your personal vest. See Policy #518 for complete details.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Welcome Tim
You may have seen a new guy around the shop. Tim Bissell recently joined Bobo and Kevin. Tim comes to us after working for a Ford dealership as well as owning his own shop for a few years. When you get a chance stop by and say hi.
Congratulations Tate Hamm
Tate Hamm was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant this week. With this new rank he will also be taking over the bike team form Stan Neal who has stepped down for personal reasons. When you see Tate congratulate him.
Red Cross Hero Awards
On Wednesday of this week Corey Burns, Fred Sterling and Alan Falcone were honored at the annual Red Cross Hero Banquet. They received this honor for the successful resuscitation of 18-month-old Caleb Gore who wandered into a pond and was found code blue. They all will be the first to say that they were just doing their job, and while that is true to some extent, it is good that some of our peers were honored for a job well done. Caleb was also at the event and was carried by Fred to the stage as they received their award. Congratulations!
Christmas party
It is that time for the annual MEMS Christmas party and awards banquet. This is open to MEMS Employees and their mates. This year we will be having it at the Holiday Inn Airport on December 5 2008.
Happy hour is from 18:00 – 19:00 with dinner and awards starting at 19:00.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Annual Awards
It is that time of year to make nominations for Paramedic, EMT, Rookie, Employee and, PRN of the Year. This year the rules are:
Any employee may be nominated for the appropriate category
Attention should be paid to employees that have gone “above and beyond” during the year
Nominee must be in good standing
Medic is defined as Paramedic
EMT is defined as EMT
Employee is defined as any full time employee who does not work as an EMT or Paramedic. (Salary/management staff are not eligible)
Rookie is defined as a Paramedic or EMT hired between October 1 2007 and October 01 2008. (See list)
Dispatcher is defined as any PRN or fulltime dispatcher.
PRN is defined as any EMT or Paramedic that has met the minimum number of hours (260 per year) to be compliant with our PRN policy. (See list)
Nominations will be taken from all staff with final selection from the top three made by management.
Deadline is Noon November 7 2008
ONE nomination vote per employee PLEASE
Ballots available at:
Station one supply room, or at Conway Central Station.
Any employee may be nominated for the appropriate category
Attention should be paid to employees that have gone “above and beyond” during the year
Nominee must be in good standing
Medic is defined as Paramedic
EMT is defined as EMT
Employee is defined as any full time employee who does not work as an EMT or Paramedic. (Salary/management staff are not eligible)
Rookie is defined as a Paramedic or EMT hired between October 1 2007 and October 01 2008. (See list)
Dispatcher is defined as any PRN or fulltime dispatcher.
PRN is defined as any EMT or Paramedic that has met the minimum number of hours (260 per year) to be compliant with our PRN policy. (See list)
Nominations will be taken from all staff with final selection from the top three made by management.
Deadline is Noon November 7 2008
ONE nomination vote per employee PLEASE
Ballots available at:
Station one supply room, or at Conway Central Station.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
New Secondary Airway
The health department has mandated that EMS services carry a secondary airway.
We are now introducing this device into our protocol. This device will be the King Airway and will be considered the secondary airway of choice at MEMS. Included in your packet you will find the updated protocols to support these changes, MIF information, as well literature written on the King Airway.
This is mandatory training required for all paramedics that must be completed prior to using this new airway. There is a 6 minute training video available at http://www.medic.metroems.org/ If you are new to the medic site please register and then log on to view the video. Available for check out are DVD / CD from your supervisor or please see the Echo on duty. We will also be placing DVD/CD at each outlying station. Also included in your packet is a 10 question exam that must be completed and turned into the on-duty supervisor, Echo (C. Spychalski or C. Goddard) or Foxtrot in order to receive credit for this training. The deadline to complete and turn in exam is October 31, 2008. The exam must be turned in by this day or you will be ineligible to work until training is complete. You can also fax your completed test to 301-1485.
If you have any questions regarding this new device please contact Captain Janelle Johnson in training 301-1464.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Inventory and North Pulaski
Inventory
Inventory system is up and running. I want to remind you to be sure that you check you satchel at the start and end of your shift, as well as complete a start of shift check sheet. This is mandatory. We have found some mistakes, and after tracing them down discovered they were simply matters of just not checking your equipment. We are also in the process of majoring all the Thomas packs and tagging them. We are still tweaking the system, if you have ideas that make is smother or faster, we are all ears.
We will start remodeling the old supply room the week of September 29th. This new office will house the Staff Captains. Currently they have no “home” and have been working on projects such as inventory, Moving of North Pulaski Station, Health department Inspection etc..
North Pulaski
Speaking of North Pulaski, we have moved the trailer that started out in Sheridan, moved to station one and now resides in North Pulaski. It was moved to the North Pulaski Fire Station behind the current NP Station. We received permission from the Fire Department to share their land. We are in the process of getting a septic tank, porch, under pinning etc.. We do not yet have a move in date.
Inventory system is up and running. I want to remind you to be sure that you check you satchel at the start and end of your shift, as well as complete a start of shift check sheet. This is mandatory. We have found some mistakes, and after tracing them down discovered they were simply matters of just not checking your equipment. We are also in the process of majoring all the Thomas packs and tagging them. We are still tweaking the system, if you have ideas that make is smother or faster, we are all ears.
We will start remodeling the old supply room the week of September 29th. This new office will house the Staff Captains. Currently they have no “home” and have been working on projects such as inventory, Moving of North Pulaski Station, Health department Inspection etc..
North Pulaski
Speaking of North Pulaski, we have moved the trailer that started out in Sheridan, moved to station one and now resides in North Pulaski. It was moved to the North Pulaski Fire Station behind the current NP Station. We received permission from the Fire Department to share their land. We are in the process of getting a septic tank, porch, under pinning etc.. We do not yet have a move in date.
Returning units
Thursday September 25, 2008 units 522 and 507 will be coming home from Excellance. Unit 128 will be sent for remount. Unit 522 will have a diesel run, on board generator with a roof mount A/C system. This is an experiential system for us. We are trying to find ways to improve fuel efficiency as well as ways to better cool the units, reduce idle time etc.. It will look a little different, but we hope it meets the above needs.
Condition Green
I think that we finally finished up from the hurricane.;-) It seems that getting patients here is a lot easier than getting them home. Thank you to everyone who worked so patiently through out this whole process.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Currently in Condition Yellow
We move to Condition RED Saturday prior to the first plane into Little Rock. Again I remind you condition RED is a mandatory call in (check in for availability) of all off duty crews. This AM we moved back to condition Yellow due to the potential of several weather in Arkansas from Hurricane Gustuv. (Yellow be alert and ready to come in)
WOW!!
This is Tuesday already; I wanted to give you an update on the weekend. We started off Saturday at 10AM at MEMS getting ready to receive patients at noon. The first plane did not come till late that evening which meant a lot of tiring waiting. When they did start coming it got busy. The preliminary totals are.
13 aircraft were received
233 patients were off loaded, triaged and transported to local hospitals
The following is an excerpt from Rex Oxner IC of the event for VA/NDMS
This was a massive operation. Probably larger than anything seen during Katrina/Rita and certainly the largest reception activity ever completed over such a short time.
A simple “Thank You” to all of those who helped to make this operation a success seems inadequate but I hope that it is enough that you know what a great job you all did and how much your dedication meant to the success of this endeavor.
Thank You
Rex
J. Rex Oxner, MHA
Area Emergency Manager
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
I add my thank you to this staff, I have said of events like this in the past, most days we are called to help people, sometimes we are called to help cities. Until later, Thank you, Thank you.
Greg
13 aircraft were received
233 patients were off loaded, triaged and transported to local hospitals
The following is an excerpt from Rex Oxner IC of the event for VA/NDMS
This was a massive operation. Probably larger than anything seen during Katrina/Rita and certainly the largest reception activity ever completed over such a short time.
A simple “Thank You” to all of those who helped to make this operation a success seems inadequate but I hope that it is enough that you know what a great job you all did and how much your dedication meant to the success of this endeavor.
Thank You
Rex
J. Rex Oxner, MHA
Area Emergency Manager
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
I add my thank you to this staff, I have said of events like this in the past, most days we are called to help people, sometimes we are called to help cities. Until later, Thank you, Thank you.
Greg
Friday, August 29, 2008
Condition Yellow!
Reminding you that MEMS is in condition yellow in preparation for possible evacuation of area hospitals in New Orleans.
Condition yellow means, among many things, that all units are prepared for immediate deployment and staff is notified to be ready to come in immediately. Condition Red means that there is a mandatory call back of all employees. If condition red is called, staffing will be set up so that we can sustain an extended response with not only the event, but also normal 911 and day-to-day operations. The goal is to staff up without burning everyone out.
As of now, we do not know if we will be activated, how many patients to expect etc.. We did succeed in getting the reception site moved to Central flying instead of Jacksonville Air Force.
I know that this is a Holiday weekend, however this is what we do for living, respond to patients, and in this case cities in need.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
September 2 Inventory Changes
You have been hearing for several weeks about the up coming inventory control changes. Here is a brief over view of the system.
Why the change?
· In the face of rising cost a more accurate inventory is a must.
· Have you ever gotten into a truck and not had the proper radio, map, Thomas pack or phone for your EKG monitor. This new system will track those as well as other must have items.
· The main point is we can better track and control the items that you need in a more efficient manner.
How does station one work?
· You will come into work and report to the east hall and enter the supply area. There you will find Louis or one of the Oscar staff.
· You will give them your unit that you are assigned for the day, and they will check out to you the following. (Known as assets)
o Satchel with your radios, unit and drug keys, maps, binoculars, fuel card and fob as well as a “quick look” book that has many need to know facts such as hundred blocks, latest dialysis patient info, 12 lead cheat sheet etc…
o Monitor with your attached phone and cables, batteries, paddles
o Thomas pack with glucose monitor, laryngoscope, BVM etc…
· At the end of your shift you will bring back the items that you were issued to be checked back in. They will be inspected to make sure that all that was sent out comes back.
· You will also turn in your supply list form the day’s shift. Your list will be pulled from stock by the Oscar staff; it will then be your responsibility to restock your unit.
What about outlying station supplies?
Each outlying station that is not in Faulkner County will have a supply area that will be locked for use by the assigned crew only. The key will be on the assigned units drug key ring. The station will have a predetermined inventory amount. Whenever the crew uses a supply they will pull it from the stock and record the usage in the stock order book. The Oscar staff will work with the station lead to maintain the appropriate stock levels.
What about outlying station monitors, satchel etc ?
At each shift change the crew must do a start of shift check off sheet to account for everything the satchel is suppose to have. In addition you must account for the monitor and Thomas pack. We understand that this is the weakest part of this system so it is imperative, in fact a requirement that you inspect and fax in you start of shift check off sheet. If an item is missing during after your shift you will be held responsible. When a unit is brought in for maintenance, or reassigned to metro, the assets will be checked back in to supply.
What about Faulkner County?
Conway and Faulkner County units will be handled by the Foxtrot staff. All Faulkner County units will be restocked form Conway Central.
I am sure we will make some changes as we go along in an effort to make it as user friendly as possible.
Why the change?
· In the face of rising cost a more accurate inventory is a must.
· Have you ever gotten into a truck and not had the proper radio, map, Thomas pack or phone for your EKG monitor. This new system will track those as well as other must have items.
· The main point is we can better track and control the items that you need in a more efficient manner.
How does station one work?
· You will come into work and report to the east hall and enter the supply area. There you will find Louis or one of the Oscar staff.
· You will give them your unit that you are assigned for the day, and they will check out to you the following. (Known as assets)
o Satchel with your radios, unit and drug keys, maps, binoculars, fuel card and fob as well as a “quick look” book that has many need to know facts such as hundred blocks, latest dialysis patient info, 12 lead cheat sheet etc…
o Monitor with your attached phone and cables, batteries, paddles
o Thomas pack with glucose monitor, laryngoscope, BVM etc…
· At the end of your shift you will bring back the items that you were issued to be checked back in. They will be inspected to make sure that all that was sent out comes back.
· You will also turn in your supply list form the day’s shift. Your list will be pulled from stock by the Oscar staff; it will then be your responsibility to restock your unit.
What about outlying station supplies?
Each outlying station that is not in Faulkner County will have a supply area that will be locked for use by the assigned crew only. The key will be on the assigned units drug key ring. The station will have a predetermined inventory amount. Whenever the crew uses a supply they will pull it from the stock and record the usage in the stock order book. The Oscar staff will work with the station lead to maintain the appropriate stock levels.
What about outlying station monitors, satchel etc ?
At each shift change the crew must do a start of shift check off sheet to account for everything the satchel is suppose to have. In addition you must account for the monitor and Thomas pack. We understand that this is the weakest part of this system so it is imperative, in fact a requirement that you inspect and fax in you start of shift check off sheet. If an item is missing during after your shift you will be held responsible. When a unit is brought in for maintenance, or reassigned to metro, the assets will be checked back in to supply.
What about Faulkner County?
Conway and Faulkner County units will be handled by the Foxtrot staff. All Faulkner County units will be restocked form Conway Central.
I am sure we will make some changes as we go along in an effort to make it as user friendly as possible.
Unit Moves Coming
What’s up?
Our budget process allows for MEMS to remount 6 trucks a year. With us having 36 units this means that each truck should be 6 years old and have @ 250,000 miles at the end of its life. To accomplish this feat, it is important that we pay attention to how many miles each unit is getting on a regular basis.
Example
· The company average is 3155 miles per month
· 519 has been averaging 6826 miles per month and at its current rate it would have to be remounted in 2009 instead of the scheduled 2012
In the past we had our hands around this process pretty well, but with the recent strike of the company that makes the axles for our units, we have not been able to get new chassis and because of this have not been able to do the needed remounts this year. In addition, the 6 liter engine problem that Ford was having, had kept so many units down that we have had to keep moving our units just to have enough that were not in the shop on the street.
Our Plan
Beginning in September we will do our best to move the units in the fleet to better balance the mileage and get us back on our remount schedule. This means that as many as 12 units will have to change shifts.
We have already been going through the fleet making “punch” lists for each truck of items that are in need of repair such as seats, dents, scratches, grills etc…
We have ordered several new seat covers, grills and bumper covers to make the needed repairs. In addition we have already painted unit 180, 133 and will soon be painting 130 to get them back to the condition that a company like MEMS expects. We have contacted our decal company and have given them a list of the units whose stripes are peeling, fading or cracking and have them scheduled for repair and replacement.
Lets face it, our fleet does not look as good as it should, this is a problem that we all can address. I am asking for your help with this move, as well as this new emphasis on a cleaner better shape fleet.
We will continue to monitor the mileages and will make smaller changes during the year.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call.
Greg
Our budget process allows for MEMS to remount 6 trucks a year. With us having 36 units this means that each truck should be 6 years old and have @ 250,000 miles at the end of its life. To accomplish this feat, it is important that we pay attention to how many miles each unit is getting on a regular basis.
Example
· The company average is 3155 miles per month
· 519 has been averaging 6826 miles per month and at its current rate it would have to be remounted in 2009 instead of the scheduled 2012
In the past we had our hands around this process pretty well, but with the recent strike of the company that makes the axles for our units, we have not been able to get new chassis and because of this have not been able to do the needed remounts this year. In addition, the 6 liter engine problem that Ford was having, had kept so many units down that we have had to keep moving our units just to have enough that were not in the shop on the street.
Our Plan
Beginning in September we will do our best to move the units in the fleet to better balance the mileage and get us back on our remount schedule. This means that as many as 12 units will have to change shifts.
We have already been going through the fleet making “punch” lists for each truck of items that are in need of repair such as seats, dents, scratches, grills etc…
We have ordered several new seat covers, grills and bumper covers to make the needed repairs. In addition we have already painted unit 180, 133 and will soon be painting 130 to get them back to the condition that a company like MEMS expects. We have contacted our decal company and have given them a list of the units whose stripes are peeling, fading or cracking and have them scheduled for repair and replacement.
Lets face it, our fleet does not look as good as it should, this is a problem that we all can address. I am asking for your help with this move, as well as this new emphasis on a cleaner better shape fleet.
We will continue to monitor the mileages and will make smaller changes during the year.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call.
Greg
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Congratulations Janelle!!
As you may have heard Janelle Johnson was chosen as the 2008 Arkansas EMS instructor of the year! Janelle, we are very proud of you!!
;-)
"Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing!"
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
100% Pass!!
100% of the MEMS/UAMS Paramedic class #6 passed their national test on the first try. This brings 8 new Medics to the streets.
We are very glad since they already had a back up plan going ;-)
Congratulations, you all set the bar high!
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