News and announcements from Emergency Medical Services Administrators Association of California - EMSAAC.
EMSAAC's Board of Directors has now approved a Strategic Plan for the Association. Starting with a workshop facilitated by our own Michael Petrie last September in San Diego, this document has gone thru several drafts before being finalized. Board members were recently polled via email for their vote. Kudos to Cathy Chidester and EMSAAC's Executive Committee for their leadership for this process!
Download document here: EMSAAC 2013 Strategic Plan
Marin County has developed a practical guide containing key procedures that may be needed by the Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC) during a disaster. This handbook describes local procedures used in Marin for notification and alerting via CAHAN, ReddiNet use, Medical Health resource ordering, deployment of CHEMPACK or EMS Field Treatment Sites, and other key functions. It also includes position checklists for key personnel in the Medical Health Branch of the Operational Area EOC.
Download document here: Marin OA Medical Health Handbook
Yolo County is in the process of forming its own local EMS agency. Located west of Sacramento, Yolo County has contracted with Sierra Sacramento Valley EMS for many years, and has now decided to establish its own single-county LEMSA. They are working closely with neighboring Solano County EMS to set up the required functions, and expect to be operational by July 2013. Yolo has also recently hired an EMS Coordinator.
At the annual California EMS Awards ceremony in San Francisco on December 5th, the EMS Authority recognized Bruce Barton (Riverside County EMS) and Miles Julihn (Marin County EMS) for their leadership on statewide EMS issues. Bruce was honored as EMS Administrator of the Year, and Miles was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal. EMSAAC has also benefited from their leadership, and we congratulate them on their outstanding achievement!
For more information on the California EMS Awards go to: http://www.emsa.ca.gov/about/awards/default.asp
A study published in the October 2012 New England Journal of Medicine found that cardiac arrest victims in low income neighborhoods were less likely to receive bystander-initiated CPR than those in higher income neighborhoods. Supported by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and CARES, this study included 14,225 patients who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from 2005-2009. Researchers concluded: "In a large cohort study, we found that patients who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in low-income black neighborhoods were less likely to receive bystander-initiated CPR than those in high-income white neighborhoods."
To view the abstract from this study, go to: New England Journal of Medicine abstract
San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency's Public Health Services is seeking a dedicated nursing professional for Quality Assurance Specialist. The quality candidate chosen for this position will be responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and auditing the quality of services provided by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, hospital systems, clinic systems, and/or correctional/ detention institutions.
To apply or for more information download the recruitment bulletin below, or go to: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcounty/ and look for the QA Specialist position in the Job Postings.
In just the last two years, 8 of California's 32 local EMS agencies have received new executives. These leaders will have a significant impact on both our organization and its future influence on statewide issues. EMSAAC welcomes each of these colleagues to the Board of Directors and we hope that each will find a place to make a difference. As Captain Picard would say, "Set course...Engage!"
Contra Costa EMS is proud to announce their participation in a study evaluating the LUCAS device just published in Resuscitation. The study found that interruptions in CPR to apply the LUCAS mechanical chest compression system can be longer than 20 seconds, and training in the prompt application and use of these devices is very important. The link to the abstract is available below. Contact Contra Costa EMS for more information.
Bryan Stow, a paramedic with AMR in Santa Clara County, was severely injured in a brutal assault following a San Francisco Giants/Los Angeles Dodgers game in Los Angeles on March 31, 2010. Today Stow, the father of two young boys, continues his nearly 3-year battle to sowly recover from his devastating traumatic brain injury. Bryan's medical care is expected to cost over $50 million. Multiple events to benefit Bryan and his family have been scheduled. For the most current update on Bryan's condition, go to: http://www.support4bryanstow.com/
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