Decadron & D10
Within the next few days, we will be switching from SoluMedol to Decadron and from D50 to D10. Attached are some slides that will clarify their usages and indications. Please review them ASAP. Decadron: Given as 1 dose of 10mg/1mL IV/IM/IO for asthma, allergic reaction, and COPD exacerbation. Replaces SoluMedrol in the current MLREMS protocol due to the inability to procure SoluMedrol; there is a nationwide shortage. D10: We do not have the premixed D10 bags in stock yet, so we will be mixing... read more
CPR Changes
There is a new matrix for CPR from Dr. Cushman. Essentially it states that CPR will be performed uninterrupted, except for defibrillation, on all cardiac arrest patients. This was discussed at the SIM sessions this month and will be reviewed at the staff meeting in October.
Congratulations - Nick, Kayleigh and Jess...
...on becoming certified as NYS paramedics. Great job!
Dr. Chris Harmon Joins our Team
Dr. Harmon has been assigned as our Associate Medical Director. He will be assisting Dr. Cushman in his duties as our medical director. This will enhance our overall access to medical direction, although Dr. Cushman does a fantastic job. Dr. Harmon will be working under the current agreement that we have for medical direction and his services will NOT cost HVA anything additional. Dr. Harmon graduated from UofR and is currently doing a pediatric fellow ship at the UofR. He lives in Henrietta.... read more
EMS Week Picnic
EMS Week runs from May 17th – 23rd. On Sunday, May 17th, there is an EMS Week Kick-Off Picnic at Genesee Valley Park from 1200 – 1600.
MEDIC 51 USE
Going forward, as a general rule, Medic 51 should not respond to calls requesting Paramedic intercept, unless it is the only vehicle available or the assigned supervisor is using it to respond. There are a few reasons for this: 1) the partner can assist our paramedic with initial patient care, 2) your vehicle won’t be stranded in another district, 3) in the event the requesting service needs an additional ambulance, you’ll be available.
Ambulance Washing in Cold Weather
If the temperature is 30’F or below, you do not need to wash your ambulance at the end of your shift. The only exception to this would be if the ambulance isn’t being staffed immediately following (e.g. it’s moving to the back of the garage or will be used by a crew later in the day). When in doubt, check with the on-duty supervisor. Thank you.
emsCharts Outcome Change
Changes to Billable Refusals & Outcomes For billing purposes, we now have two options for billing refusals on the back-end: An ALS refusal and a BLS refusal. For sign-offs, when selecting the OUTCOME in your chart, please continue to make a determination on whether you feel it should be billable or not. This may be subject to change at the discretion of the Billing QA Auditors and/or the Billing Department. As a reminder, you should never promise or guarantee that there will not be a bill... read more
Awards, Awards, Awards
Thanks to all of your hard work. We have been honored with many accolades recently. Congrats! Eric Thomas - Henrietta EMT/BLS of the Year 2015 Eric Rathfelder - MLREMS Paramedic of the Year 2015 Chief Allen - MLREMS Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award Henrietta Ambulance - MLREMS Agency of the Year 2015 American Heart Association - 2016 Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Level Recognition Award
Field Testing New Monitor Bag
One of the cardiac monitors is currently outfitted with a new style black bag. We will be trialing this bag for the next two weeks. Some equipment may be located in a slightly different location, so please familiarize yourself at the start of your shift. Please send all feedback, good and bad, to mhoskins@hvaems.org. Thanks.