WHAT'S IN A NUMBER?
By Senior Paramedic Keeler
The EMR computer...It should be put on a t-shirt along with a stethoscope and splint as part of the “tools of the trade” and is an inherent part of the EMS arsenal we bring to the patient. Virginia Beach EMS is actively working on improving our use of the EMR devices. We are constantly refining the software and hardware to allow for seamless patient care workflow.
Everyone in our system can agree (including this author) EMS and computers don’t always mix. The need to carry around another device, and have another screen to distract us can certainly be seen as a hindrance instead of a helpful tool. There are many out there who yearn for the days of paper and “press hard – 3 copies”.
Yet the good ol’ days aren’t always so good. As a system, as a profession, and as a workforce for the collaborative good to society, we are a data driven entity. We are only as good as the data we collect and the advent of technology really does nothing more than ensure we track and document the things we should have been doing all along. The only difference now, is the ability to track in real time and, through automation, the ability to collect and manage every aspect of our patient care which can be stored and analyzed to affect real improvements.
A tiny piece of this big puzzle is the utilization of the Panasonic CF-20 as a workhorse for data collection and documentation. Every ambulance and zone car is assigned one. The laptops certainly take a beating through everyday use and deployment in less than optimal conditions. As such, they need rehabbed, repaired, and replaced. This is managed by tracking every EMR on a master datasheet and sending a human to go hands-on with the device.
Every laptop is labeled and placed on a particular apparatus. This means, some of the stations have between 7 and 12 laptops scattered throughout the building on carts, cars, and ambulances. It’s easy to fall into the temptation of simply transferring one device from one unit to another. Shift changes, late reports, broken and borrowed devices all tempt providers to swap EMRs. This leads to significant delays in tracking down a given unit for upgrades or repairs.
A few moments of consideration can save us hours in time trying to find a given laptop. I would ask providers, crew chiefs, logistics officers and station leadership to adopt a culture of consistency by leaving EMRs with their assigned units. If there is a malfunction or problem with a given laptop, I would encourage parties to contact EMS 1 or EMS 2 and describe the situation so it can be resolved, quickly. In turn, crews can provide patient care, reliable data input and inclusive documentation.
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PROGRAM & FUNDING MANAGER
Note: This position is an Emergency Medical Services Transport (EMST) grant funded position.
Organizational Summary:
Incorporated in 1922, the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA) is an advocacy, non-profit organization representing the 19 local fire and rescue departments (LFRD) throughout Montgomery County, Maryland. Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service is a combination service.
Position Summary:
The successful candidate will be hands-on and participative high-level manager and a strategic thought-partner under the supervision of the President and the MCVFRA Board. Primary functions include: preparation, administration, advisement, oversight and management of the State of Maryland Amoss funding, and County Emergency Medical Services Transportation (EMST) funds for the Association and the 19 LFRDs. This includes creating, monitoring, maintaining, and submitting all financial records, applications, books, payments, and audits of the Amoss and EMST funds. Additionally, the incumbent prepares all reports, records, and procedures, and reviews and makes recommendations for all financial functions of the Amoss and EMST funds. The position also manages Notice and Opportunity (N&O) review, responses, and records for the MCVFRA, program management, policy development and reports, as well as other duties assigned by the MCVFRA President and Board of Directors.
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Between the dates of May 29, 2019 and June 20, 2019
the following individuals have advanced
to the current EMT Certification Level:
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EMT- P RSI
Breen, Cathan
Gurecki, Kevin
Jarbo, Jonathan
EMT P
Jones, Jason
EMT-B
Albrecht, Jessica
Amelly, Darby
Baldwin, Jason
Boger, Katelyn
Gutierrez, Tyler
Lopez, Juan Javier
Null, Forest Woody
Simon, Allison
Weaks, Chelsea
BLS Intern
Abunal, Arriane
Ascher, Mindie
Bassig, Rayanne
Bitterman, Alexander
Boyd, Erik
Buckner, Ashley
Cabera-Galeno, Edwin
Cetin, Elif
Cox, Dana
Crandall, Cassandra
DeAntonio, Matthew
Decker, Gloria
Foreman, Tailor
Gatfield, Hillary
Griffin, Vanessa
Hawker, Donna
Johnson, LaToya
Kennedy, Shawn
Kersch, Daryn
Kline, Hayley
Lucas, John
MacLeod, Allyson
McKeegan, Jamie
Miller, Kerri
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Mungin, Evan
Rovillos, Eva
Salka, Kara
Scrivanich, Lisa
Winebrenner, Erin
Student
Adams, Andrew
Bagley, George
Baughman, Boyd Bud
Butler, Nicole
Craig, Shelley
Despain, Amanda
Dickens, Zachary
Doscher, Scott
Eason, Michael
Epping, Jordan
Fuller, Naven
Gilliam, Abigail
Hayes, Keonna
Homer, Daniel
Jefferson, Caitlin
Meece, Zachary
Merrifiels, Joy
Moore, Erika
Morris, Nicholas
Munjwani, Daiwik
Ore, Shekea
Oyuela, Cesars
Peele, Jessica
Pina, Lynette
Purificacion, Lorenzo
Raymer, Steven
Rivera, Zoraida
Rodrigues, Maria
Sacco, Taylor
Shoulders, Jr., Keith
Solis, Brittany
Steele, Jessica
Swiderski, Michael
Tabb, Jairus
Villanueva, Matthew
Villena, Alleza Maurene
Wood, Skyler
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COMMUNITY APPRECIATION
Testimonials and letters from grateful neighbors
"
Your members were 'Johnnie on the spot,' last December when I had a pulmonary embolism. The EMTs were totally professional, and I was impressed with the driver's comments about turning to keep the EMTs from getting thrown about the cab. You folks are the best! Thank you ever so much."
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SQUAD APPRECIATION DAY
These events are being held to help each squad with their recruitment and retention efforts. Each month’s highlighted squad will bring any swag, recruitment materials, apparatus, etc. to showcase their station, as well as teach the Stop the Bleed class and Hands-Only CPR demos to the public.
These events are open to all VBEMS members, their families, and the public to enjoy, to support, and to learn more about the squad being featured.
Refreshments will be provided by different places each month so stay tuned to see who is up next! As always, we will work with the Supervisors on these days to rotate the crews through as best we can. Feel free to send any questions to
vbemscom@vbgov.com
.
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QUICK LINK TO YOUR WEEKLY UPDATES
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Your VBEMS Updates can be accessed at any time by visiting
HERE
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HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!
Chuck Crews
- 7-25 rescue 16
We want to recognize your birthday!
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We would LOVE your newsletter contributions!
Do you have events to share on our future calendar?
Have an idea for a story? Questions? Compliments?
Other input?
Contact us!
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Rescue Lines
is sent directly to your email on a monthly basis.
On a quarterly basis, stories from
Rescue Lines
will be included in a downloadable PDF version which can be printed and shared or sent digitally to donors, family and friends. Printed copies of the quarterly version can be requested free of charge from EMS; contact VBEMS at
RescueLines@vbrescuecouncil.org
for guidelines, requests and further details.
Every month,
Rescue Lines
features a special offer or giveaway for rescue personnel, so be certain to open it.
We hope you will read, enjoy and contribute to your newsletter.
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$100 Gift Card WINNER!
David Clement
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Just for being a part of this group you will be automatically
entered into a drawing each month!
Be sure to check every newsletter for all the news you need to
know and to see if you are the lucky WINNER!
If you are the winner, contact
Mary-Ellen McLean, Program Officer, VBRSF,
to collect your prize!
Members are eligible to win each month, but can only be a prize winner once per year.
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