Recent Recipients:

• Dave Forester of Rural Metro responded with ALS 102 to a MVC, a rollover with ejection, possible DOA. Thanks to the fast response and treatment of Dave, not only was it not a DOA, but the patient is expected to make a full recovery.
• Ed & Donna Tuite, Dave & Mickey McCormick of Bath Ambulance for their speedy response and dedicated efforts to save a patient that was originally presumed to be DOA. The patient is expected to make a full recovery.
• Tompkins Corners FD: Weather and road conditons, along with the distance to the scene, delayed the arrival of ALS to the scene. The crew did an OUTSTANDING job doing CPR and BLS protocols for what must have seemed like forever until the ALS crew arrived on scene.
• Michael Johnson of Webbs Mills FD, for dedication on cardiac arrests on 2/6/04 and 2/8/04.
• Rick Kimball of Erway Ambulance, for going above and beyond the call of duty, to make sure the a disabled spouse was being cared while the patient was treated in the ER.

Instant recognition for a job well done, by anyone involved in EMS – CFR, EMT, AEMT (EMT-P, EMT-CC, EMT-I), RN, MDs, “Ambulance driver,” EMD, Instructors, etc...

To recognize:
     *Special situations managed with ease
     *Professionalism
     *Some task done that was above and beyond the “call of duty”
     *Someone who deserves a “pat on the back”
Community marketplace      *Any time that you want to recognize a task well done.

It is not intended to be a substitute for the annual awards.

Nomination cards are available at the STREMS office, the Council meeting, or nominations can be made via the STREMS website at http://www.strems.org/goldstarpost.html.

Read about more Gold Star recipients at http://www.strems.org/goldstars.html

EMS Operational Environments: Far From Home EMS (rural, wilderness, offshore); Tactical EMS (potentially hostile scenes); Special Events Management/Incident Command; Medical Surveillance (bioterrorism threat)

Poison Exposure Hazards: What is toxic? Poison Control Centers; Poison Exposures; Alcohol Poisoning

9/11: Two Years Later - Marking two years after the worst terrorist attack on American soil, this video looks at all that has changed and how these changes affect you, your department and your country. Hear from people who responded to the attack sites about what they learned. Since the impact is felt nationwide, fire service and EMS leaders from across the country share how their departments are changing and how they are preparing for what might come next. This video helps you prepare for any potential attack in your area, with special attention given to explosives. Topics: the Personal Impact, the Local Impact, the National Impact, Explosives.

Burn Injury: Introduction and Epidemiology; Burn assessment; Burn treatment; Pediatric & Geriatric patients and transport decisions; Chemical burns

Emerging Issues in EMS: EMS Agenda for the Future; Emerging trends in airway management; Vehicle and Scene safety; Current understandings of CPR; Quarantine.

Wellness: Stress can take a heavy toll on the EMS provider. This video shows you how to better take care of yourself to help you handle your shift – no matter how hectic or idle. Good choices, stress management and exercise can help make a difference in how effectively you respond. This video also looks at the precautions you should take to protect yourself from airborne or blood borne pathogens. Topics: A Dose of Reality, Stress and anxiety, Planning Your Meals, Developing Core Strength and Flexibility; Personal Protective Equipment.

Southern Tier EMS personnel may borrow these videotapes from the STREMS office. Loans are for two weeks, priority goes to EMS instructors.

For a complete list of videotapes available, check the STREMS website: http://www.strems.org/videos.html or call732-2354 ex. 19.

The following policies have been recently issued. If you do not have a copy at your agency, contact the NYS Department of Health or the STREMS office.

• 04-02 Maintenance of IVs by EMTs
• 04-01 SARS Advisory
• 03-11 Respiratory Disease Precautions
• 03-10 Extension of Certification for Military Service
• 03-09 Surrender of EMS Operating Certificate
• 03-08 EMS Provider Certification & Identification
• 03-07 Providing Medical Direction
• 03-06 Radiological Terrorism Rapid Response Card
• 03-05 Mark I Kits
• 03-04 Chemical Terrorism Preparedness & Response Card
• 03-03 Instructions for Completing a Version 5 PCR
• 03-02 EMS Response Planning to a Suspected Biological/Infectious Disease Incident
• 03-01 Ambulance & ALSFR Response Service Certificates

If you are missing any of these policies, contact the NYS DOH Operations at 518-402-0966 or call the STREMS office, or you can download them from the DOH web site: http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/policy/policy.htm.

2004 Walt Ersly Award: Nominations are being accepted for the Walt Ersly Award for Total Excellence in EMS. A nomination form is available at http://www.strems.org/ersly%20award.html, feel free to make additional copies. In order for your nomination to be considered, please address each of the qualifications with specific examples. Nominations should be sent to STREMS, 315 W Water St., Elmira NY 14901 no later than April 15, 2004.