Rumor has it Chief Sanford is going to go from "Interim Chief" to "Chief" in the very near future. We want your opinions on that. While we’re at it, we would love to hear from those that have worked with the man before. He holds the reputation of being very pro EMS and we are wondering what this will mean for EMS in the city. How will his appointment affect the fire departments EMS employees, and what does this mean for the Wishard crews? If he is willing, we would love to hear from the man himself on what his views on EMS in the fire service are. As always, he can post here or he is free to email us at deefibb@yahoo.com. Nothing like being included in the discussion.
Stay Safe
Dee
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Philly EMS
Could it happen here? Not likely, but maybe! Keep a few things in mind while watching this video.
1) Philly EMS is fire based.
2) EMS was ignored until people began to die and the TV stations started asking questions.
3) They refuse to appoint a person to the deputy commissioner level to deal with EMS.
4) With tight budgets a reality, who will be the first hired, or in the event of reductions in force, the first let go? The civilian paramedic or the merit firefighter.
5) The dispatch procedure in Philly is a lot like what we do in Indy. First come first serve.
6) Here, a 911 caller does not always get the closest ambulance. They get the closest ambulance from their EMS provider.
7) Some of the fixes they suggest are common sense, something severely lacking in our EMS system.
Before you watch this video, let us remind you that we are in no way comparing the Indianapolis systems problems to that of Philadelphia. However, if EMS remains the overlooked service as it is now, problems may escalate down the road. Our position is, as always, lets work to prevent problems before the become too big. Philadelphia is a perfect example of an EMS system that was overlooked for entirely too long.
Stay Safe
Dee
1) Philly EMS is fire based.
2) EMS was ignored until people began to die and the TV stations started asking questions.
3) They refuse to appoint a person to the deputy commissioner level to deal with EMS.
4) With tight budgets a reality, who will be the first hired, or in the event of reductions in force, the first let go? The civilian paramedic or the merit firefighter.
5) The dispatch procedure in Philly is a lot like what we do in Indy. First come first serve.
6) Here, a 911 caller does not always get the closest ambulance. They get the closest ambulance from their EMS provider.
7) Some of the fixes they suggest are common sense, something severely lacking in our EMS system.
Before you watch this video, let us remind you that we are in no way comparing the Indianapolis systems problems to that of Philadelphia. However, if EMS remains the overlooked service as it is now, problems may escalate down the road. Our position is, as always, lets work to prevent problems before the become too big. Philadelphia is a perfect example of an EMS system that was overlooked for entirely too long.
Stay Safe
Dee
D-Day 3/31
What happens to Wishard EMS as of 3/31/09?
Here is the way we got it. About a year and a half to two years ago, Wishard started asking its Paramedics to sign a request to have their certification dates changed to the same date. March 31st. They were also told that Wishard would be doing away with the Paramedic Refresher classes. Not to worry, they said, all EMS education would be done on duty from that point on. To date, from what we’ve been told, they have provided protocol review, some audit & reviews, a few hours of trauma, and ACLS. Whenever anyone would ask about it, they were told “Education is working on it.”
Now, fast forward to a couple of months ago. All employees are handed copies of the IEMS Paramedic Program schedule and told that they would need to get their education on their own. Nothing like 10 months notice to get 2 years of education.
Who dropped the ball here? Education was counted on to provide the in-service and management let them drop the refresher program before they had a new plan in place.
So, we ask again: What happens to Wishard EMS as of 3/31/09?
Stay Safe
Dee
Here is the way we got it. About a year and a half to two years ago, Wishard started asking its Paramedics to sign a request to have their certification dates changed to the same date. March 31st. They were also told that Wishard would be doing away with the Paramedic Refresher classes. Not to worry, they said, all EMS education would be done on duty from that point on. To date, from what we’ve been told, they have provided protocol review, some audit & reviews, a few hours of trauma, and ACLS. Whenever anyone would ask about it, they were told “Education is working on it.”
Now, fast forward to a couple of months ago. All employees are handed copies of the IEMS Paramedic Program schedule and told that they would need to get their education on their own. Nothing like 10 months notice to get 2 years of education.
Who dropped the ball here? Education was counted on to provide the in-service and management let them drop the refresher program before they had a new plan in place.
So, we ask again: What happens to Wishard EMS as of 3/31/09?
Stay Safe
Dee
In The Know
If there was someone in politics wanting to learn about EMS in Marion County, who would you suggest they get in contact with? We want to know who YOU would trust to represent you and your profession? We'll take your suggestions and pass them on. We want to know who and why. Let us have it.
Stay Safe
Dee
Stay Safe
Dee
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
IDHS/EMS Memorandum
To: All Emergency Medical Organizations, Supervising Hospitals and Training Institutions
From: IDHS/EMS Operations
RE: EMS Provider Forum
The EMS Operations Division of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security will be holding provider forums around the state. These meetings will last approximately two (2) hours.
The topics to be discussed are:
Emergency Response Conference
Emergency Medical Dispatch Rules
NIMS and Grants
Emergency Response Trailers
Legislative Update
Restitution Fund
DPMU
General Rule Review
The forums are open to all emergency services personnel and will be presented by the IDHS/EMS staff. The dates and sites that will be facilitating these forums are:
May 22, 2008 - 1:00 PM
Center Lake Pavillion
Warsaw IN
June 4, 2008 - 12:00 PM
Porter Hospital, Stoner Auditorium
Valparaiso IN
June 10, 2008 - 10:00 AM
Riverview Hospital Education Center
205 Westfield Road
Noblesville IN
June 17, 2008 - 6:00 PM
Margaret Mary Community Hospital
Auditorium (Lower level, old part of hospital)
Batesville IN
June 24, 2008 - 1:00 PM
Spencer County Emergency Ambulance
701 Buffaloville Road
Dale IN
All times local time.
Stay Safe
Dee
From: IDHS/EMS Operations
RE: EMS Provider Forum
The EMS Operations Division of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security will be holding provider forums around the state. These meetings will last approximately two (2) hours.
The topics to be discussed are:
Emergency Response Conference
Emergency Medical Dispatch Rules
NIMS and Grants
Emergency Response Trailers
Legislative Update
Restitution Fund
DPMU
General Rule Review
The forums are open to all emergency services personnel and will be presented by the IDHS/EMS staff. The dates and sites that will be facilitating these forums are:
May 22, 2008 - 1:00 PM
Center Lake Pavillion
Warsaw IN
June 4, 2008 - 12:00 PM
Porter Hospital, Stoner Auditorium
Valparaiso IN
June 10, 2008 - 10:00 AM
Riverview Hospital Education Center
205 Westfield Road
Noblesville IN
June 17, 2008 - 6:00 PM
Margaret Mary Community Hospital
Auditorium (Lower level, old part of hospital)
Batesville IN
June 24, 2008 - 1:00 PM
Spencer County Emergency Ambulance
701 Buffaloville Road
Dale IN
All times local time.
Stay Safe
Dee
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Treats
We want to know what different services around the county are doing for EMS week. Anything creative, different, interesting? What do you enjoy most about EMS week? Let's try to keep this positive, they're not REQUIRED to do anything!
Stay Safe
Dee
Stay Safe
Dee
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Happy EMS Week
This was sent in by a loyal reader tonight. Thanks for the pic.
Methodist wants to thank all the EMS providers during EMS Week. That is if you work from breakfast until dinner. To those of you that work overnight......Well, it's not like EMS is a 24 hour business or anything.
Stay Safe
Dee
Methodist wants to thank all the EMS providers during EMS Week. That is if you work from breakfast until dinner. To those of you that work overnight......Well, it's not like EMS is a 24 hour business or anything.
Stay Safe
Dee
Follow Up
In a reply to Get Involved, we were asked, “What should we say?”
We need to address our concerns, bring ourselves to into the picture. When an issue involving public safety is discussed, we want them to know there are more than two sides to the picture. Fire, Police AND EMS.
Most of us found out a few weeks ago from an article in the Indy Star that Wishard was suppose to take over EMS in the old Washington & Warren areas post merger. That never came to be, yet how many knew for sure that was suppose to happen? There were rumors galore before that, but no one was saying anything. There was no inclusion of EMS providers in the process. There were discussions among the chiefs, but we were kept in the dark.
What lies down the road for us? We have a mayor who supports consolidation, and has said publicly that he supports consolidation of fire departments in Marion County. Should we, as EMS providers, just keep our mouths shut and hope that the union, the management, or the Mayor makes the best decisions about our future based on what they believe our value is?
Many people have whined and cried about the state of the Wishard fleet, but how many have stepped forward and addressed the issue with anyone who has the power to investigate it, let alone demand results?
How many people in the position of power know that Wishard trucks are required to sit outside of firehouses all winter, engines running to keep their drugs warm because IFD does not let them park inside?
IFD EMS has union representation, but we need to keep in mind who that representation is and where their loyalties lie. The L416, Indianapolis Metropolitan Professional Firefighters, a local of the International Association of Fire Fighters. If push comes to shove, do we count on them to work in our best interest even if it is contrary to what is in the best interest of the firefighters?
So, the question again is what do we say. We say we want to know where EMS falls into the Mayors consolidation plan. We say we want safe vehicles to respond in. We want inclusion in decisions that affect our future. We want the union to represent us just as aggressively as it represents firefighters. We remind them that EMS is a part of public safety and we should be included as such. We say we are here and we will be counted!
Stay Safe
Dee
We need to address our concerns, bring ourselves to into the picture. When an issue involving public safety is discussed, we want them to know there are more than two sides to the picture. Fire, Police AND EMS.
Most of us found out a few weeks ago from an article in the Indy Star that Wishard was suppose to take over EMS in the old Washington & Warren areas post merger. That never came to be, yet how many knew for sure that was suppose to happen? There were rumors galore before that, but no one was saying anything. There was no inclusion of EMS providers in the process. There were discussions among the chiefs, but we were kept in the dark.
What lies down the road for us? We have a mayor who supports consolidation, and has said publicly that he supports consolidation of fire departments in Marion County. Should we, as EMS providers, just keep our mouths shut and hope that the union, the management, or the Mayor makes the best decisions about our future based on what they believe our value is?
Many people have whined and cried about the state of the Wishard fleet, but how many have stepped forward and addressed the issue with anyone who has the power to investigate it, let alone demand results?
How many people in the position of power know that Wishard trucks are required to sit outside of firehouses all winter, engines running to keep their drugs warm because IFD does not let them park inside?
IFD EMS has union representation, but we need to keep in mind who that representation is and where their loyalties lie. The L416, Indianapolis Metropolitan Professional Firefighters, a local of the International Association of Fire Fighters. If push comes to shove, do we count on them to work in our best interest even if it is contrary to what is in the best interest of the firefighters?
So, the question again is what do we say. We say we want to know where EMS falls into the Mayors consolidation plan. We say we want safe vehicles to respond in. We want inclusion in decisions that affect our future. We want the union to represent us just as aggressively as it represents firefighters. We remind them that EMS is a part of public safety and we should be included as such. We say we are here and we will be counted!
Stay Safe
Dee
Hey Greg
Hey Greg
This was sent to us from an EMS provider who happened to catch the news about the recent Hillside fire over the weekend. Greg Harris, IFD PIO, commented in response to a question from a reporter that it was Mothers Day and a difficult day to lose so many lives. Capt. Harris commented on how difficult it was for the families, the community, and the firefighters.
No mention of how hard it was on the Paramedics and EMT’s who transported these patients. Again, EMS doesn’t count. What a slap in the face by Captain Harris.
We’ve also been asked to pass on a thank you to the police officers who drove the ambulances from the fire to the hospital.
Stay Safe
Dee
This was sent to us from an EMS provider who happened to catch the news about the recent Hillside fire over the weekend. Greg Harris, IFD PIO, commented in response to a question from a reporter that it was Mothers Day and a difficult day to lose so many lives. Capt. Harris commented on how difficult it was for the families, the community, and the firefighters.
No mention of how hard it was on the Paramedics and EMT’s who transported these patients. Again, EMS doesn’t count. What a slap in the face by Captain Harris.
We’ve also been asked to pass on a thank you to the police officers who drove the ambulances from the fire to the hospital.
Stay Safe
Dee
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Maybe You Missed It
We got this information as a comment on a previous posting. A friend from Communications let us know that they are down from the required staffing level of 34 to a total of 22 dispatchers spread out over 4 shifts. So what is the problem here?Schedules; benefits; work environment; recruitment? If we remember right, you guys are 416 and recently got a new contract? Is there a problem there?
How does this affect the ability of communications to provide service to, not only the citizens of the county, but to those of us on the street. Those of us who depend on someone being at the other end of the line when we key up our radios.
Come on, you can share with us.....just between friends.
Stay Safe
Dee
How does this affect the ability of communications to provide service to, not only the citizens of the county, but to those of us on the street. Those of us who depend on someone being at the other end of the line when we key up our radios.
Come on, you can share with us.....just between friends.
Stay Safe
Dee
Friday, May 9, 2008
Get Involved
Do you want EMS to languish in obscurity? Do you want EMS to remain in the shadows, always the forgotten little brother to fire and police? Well, how about getting involved. If you are IFD, when was the last time you went to a meeting of the CCC? How about a meeting of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee? For Wishard, there is a monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Health & Hospital Corporation. Work an ambulance in the suburbs? Ever drop in on a township board meeting?
Don’t have time for a meeting, or if you are working that day, how about an email, letter or phone call. We need to let these people know we exist. We need to make them aware. Aware of not only our problems and concerns, but aware of what we do. How many people outside of emergency services know what our jobs entail?
If we don’t go after what we deserve, we deserve what we get. Step up, be counted, get involved!
Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice
The Honorable or Councilor (Name)
241 City-County Building
200 E.Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
327-4242
(R) Ryan Vaughn, Chair, rvaughn@indygov.org
(D) Vernon Brown,
(R) Bob Cockrum,
(R) Ed Coleman, edward.coleman@gmail.com
(D) Mary Moriarty Adams, mmadams@iquest.net
(D) Willaim Oliver,
(R) Marilyn Pfisterer, cpfist1061@aol.com
(R) Christine Scales, cscales_2000@yahoo.com
Health & Hospital Corporation
3838 N. Rural St.
Indianapolis IN, 46205-2930
317-221-2000
Matthew Gutwein, President and CEO
Board of Trustees
Jim Miner, M.D., Chair
Lula M. Journey, Vice Chair
Angela J. Green
David W, Crabb, M.D.
Gregory S. Fehribach
Marjorie H. O’Llaughlin
Robert Pfeifer, C.P.A.
Stay Safe
Dee
Don’t have time for a meeting, or if you are working that day, how about an email, letter or phone call. We need to let these people know we exist. We need to make them aware. Aware of not only our problems and concerns, but aware of what we do. How many people outside of emergency services know what our jobs entail?
If we don’t go after what we deserve, we deserve what we get. Step up, be counted, get involved!
Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice
The Honorable or Councilor (Name)
241 City-County Building
200 E.Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
327-4242
(R) Ryan Vaughn, Chair, rvaughn@indygov.org
(D) Vernon Brown,
(R) Bob Cockrum,
(R) Ed Coleman, edward.coleman@gmail.com
(D) Mary Moriarty Adams, mmadams@iquest.net
(D) Willaim Oliver,
(R) Marilyn Pfisterer, cpfist1061@aol.com
(R) Christine Scales, cscales_2000@yahoo.com
Health & Hospital Corporation
3838 N. Rural St.
Indianapolis IN, 46205-2930
317-221-2000
Matthew Gutwein, President and CEO
Board of Trustees
Jim Miner, M.D., Chair
Lula M. Journey, Vice Chair
Angela J. Green
David W, Crabb, M.D.
Gregory S. Fehribach
Marjorie H. O’Llaughlin
Robert Pfeifer, C.P.A.
Stay Safe
Dee
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Internal Only
Has anyone taken a look at the Wishard careers page lately? They have posted several “internal only” positions. The first is titled “EMS Operating Chief” and the second is “EMS Planning Chief.”
One has to ask, why spend good money creating new positions when they can’t even keep trucks on the road or adequate staffing levels of paramedics on the street?
What is up with the “Chief” title for these positions? Do they know something they don't want to share?
What exactly are these positions going to do, and who is doing it now?
What is Chuck Ford’s status with Wishard Ambulance? Is he removing himself from direct role in the service, or is he turning the service over to someone else to run entirely? Inquiring minds want to know.
Stay Safe
Dee
One has to ask, why spend good money creating new positions when they can’t even keep trucks on the road or adequate staffing levels of paramedics on the street?
What is up with the “Chief” title for these positions? Do they know something they don't want to share?
What exactly are these positions going to do, and who is doing it now?
What is Chuck Ford’s status with Wishard Ambulance? Is he removing himself from direct role in the service, or is he turning the service over to someone else to run entirely? Inquiring minds want to know.
Stay Safe
Dee
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Siren?
Where is the Siren program at? Anyone heard anything about this lately? Does everyone have their wireless cards? Is everyone in the system now? Has a new date been set for the startup? Inquiring minds want to know!
Stay Safe
Dee
Stay Safe
Dee
Hypothetical
We would like to hear your feedback on this little hypothetical. Say you have a truck that you believe is unsafe. Let’s say it has a flat dual, and the other tire on the same side is so low that it is barely off the ground. Now you call your superior and he tells you to drive it all the way across town to have it fixed. First of all would you do it knowing that your truck is, at that point, unsafe to operate? Next, if you were involved in an accident due to the faulty tires, who should ultimately be held responsible for it, you for driving a vehicle that was unsafe, or your supervisor for telling you to do so? If you refuse to operate a vehicle that is unsafe, and you are sent home for it, what would you next move be? Lastly, should anyone be disciplined for this?
Ok, so this is not really a hypothetical. From what we have been told, it happened. We have received 6 different emails on this, and they all told about the same story. Anyone want to guess what these geniuses have on the sides of their trucks? Great message to send here; don’t bring up any safety issues, it could cost you money.
Stay Safe
Dee
Ok, so this is not really a hypothetical. From what we have been told, it happened. We have received 6 different emails on this, and they all told about the same story. Anyone want to guess what these geniuses have on the sides of their trucks? Great message to send here; don’t bring up any safety issues, it could cost you money.
Stay Safe
Dee
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