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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 09.21.2015 MINUTES EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 21,2015 COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5:30 P.M. Members Present: Doug Poehls, Chairman Pat Kimmet Richard Dawes Clete Knaub Others Present: Mark Mace, Mayor Rick Musson, Police Chief Brent Peters, Fire Chief Kara Hergenrider, Acting Ambulance Director Kent Kulesa, Assistant Chief Beth Olson, Ambulance Training Officer Dan Achten, Deputy Chief Grant—Cardiac AED's Kara stated they are still working on the grant with the State. She said an AED life pack is being set up and they will demonstrate it at the next meeting. There was discussion on having a cardiac AED located in City Hall. Kara said there will be AED's purchased with the grant in all public buildings. Safety Mill Levy Doug Poehls had sent an e-mail to the committee members asking them to prepare an editorial that will educate and encourage citizens to vote in favor of the Safety Mill Levy. He received four of them and the members consented to begin to hand them out to the Laurel Outlook to put in the paper. Discussion on putting the editorials in the Billings Gazette. Other Items Fire Chief, Brent Peters addressed the committee for discussion on the Laurel firemen and ambulance attendants. Brent handed out information the two departments put together showing what they would like to see for the future of the fire and ambulance departments. The two departments are hoping for support and direction from the committee. He expressed both departments' concern as he referred to reviewing the job description of Ambulance Director. He said the subject has come up to replace the departments with a full time chief. He referred to an article in the paper that the Laurel's Chief Administrative Officer, Heidi Jensen, decided residents would be better served by combining ambulance and volunteer fire services under a single director, who is a paid director over the combined departments. He said his department did not initiate anything to bring forth a change. He stated the job description was put on the workshop agenda but the item was removed before any discussion was held. Brent stated when Derek Yeager was a paid fire chief, the city wasn't ready for a full time Fire Chief When Derek left the city, the department went back to a volunteer Fire Chief and the department has become very strong. The officer positions are filled to maintain all needs of the department. He introduced his Assistant Chief, Kent Kulesa, and Deputy Chief, Dan Achten, who were also in attendance at the meeting. Discussion on the city not reaching population of 7,500 till close to 2020. He mentioned that Kara, acting Ambulance Director, has tended to many issues to rebuild the department. Those who volunteer for the fire and ambulance have compassion for the community and prove that by the time they put into being volunteers. He hopes that he would be asked for advice for the best interest of the city. He feels the change wouldn't be beneficial to the city. He referred to the folder of information that he handed out. It was put together with the intent for combining the goals and training, and have all volunteers working with the same values, listing Volunteer Fire, EMS, and Rescue. He said they need support to carry this forward. Discussion on what direction to take. Clete Knaub expressed concern that the Safety Mill Levy should be the first priority right now. Doug Poehls recommended to put everything on hold to see if the mill levy passes. Respectfully submitted, Pliv-t- Xlizi"L- Neva Hall, Secretary : -: LAUREL FIRE DEPARTMENT 215 WEST 1ST STREET • LAUREL, MT • 59044 OFFICE 406.628.4911 • FAX 406.628.2185 When I was first tasked with compiling a list of the Fire Department needs we were asked, "What needs keep you up at night"?That was a great question but a difficult task.Trying not to go over board was a tough task because there are so many needs. From personal safety to life safety to preserving property and equipment needs. The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department is an all volunteer department that proudly serves the community of Laurel and the surrounding areas. It is made up of 45 proud firefighters. In Fire Service you have to be ready for just about anything.We respond to structure fires,wildland fires,vehicle fires, industrial fires, auto extrications, rope rescues,water rescues, cold water rescues, hazmat, service calls, emergency management situations, assist the Ambulance or other agencies and anything else that doesn't follow in the guidelines of other agencies.That's a lot of equipment that has to be purchased,trained and managed.The equipment isn't cheap.A lot of times I find myself thinking that I hope we'll have an opportunity to purchase the needed equipment before we need it. I worry of an incident at a multi-level building such as the Crossings or downtown and Laurel being without a Ladder truck. Laurel has to rely on Billings or Columbus to respond in the event that we need one as was the case of the Laurel Auto Parts fire. Ladder trucks or Ariel trucks are detrimental tools in both firefighting and rescue. I worry about vital equipment becoming wore out.We have fire engines that are over 20 years old and brush trucks that are pushing 30 years.All the equipment runs hard and a great team of Maintenance personnel keep it running. But there comes a time when equipment can no longer be repaired and has to be replaced. I'm concerned of specialized equipment that will improve the safety and property preservation of our community that is looked over for the purchase of older equipment that needs to be replaced. I worry about the safety of the Firefighters and if they have the needed personal protective clothing and equipment to safely do their jobs. Firefighters were using air packs that were 20 years old and becoming unreliable. We were lucky enough to obtain a loan from the State of Montana to purchase new air packs and improve the survivability of our firefighters.That loan however moved the replacement of fire apparatus back a few years. I worry when the call volume reaches the numbers above what volunteers can respond to and that is there enough revenue to hire fulltime responders. Or the fact that the current fire station does not have enough room to house all of its apparatus or staffing for fulltime responders. 1998 the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department went over 100 calls in a year. 2011-274 calls 2012-328 calls 2013-323 calls 2014-301 calls 2015-as of September 14th 282 calls -: LAIIREL FIRS DEPARTMENT 215 WEST 1ST STREET • LAUREL, MT • 59044 ` r OFFICE 406.628.4911 • FAX 406.628.2185 NOTE:When the population of Laurel reaches 7500 it is required by Montana law to have a partial paid fire department.The next census to determine that population is 2020.The State of Montana does not define what a partial paid department is. I could be a paid Fire Chief,Administrator, Fire Marshal,or Firefighters/EMT Paramedics.The smart choice is for responders making a difference. The Safety Mill Levy will improve on the safety and survivability of all Emergency Responders and our Community. Without the needed revenue help we risk falling further back and not having the needed tools and resources to properly take care of our community. There has been many sleepless nights of thinking and worrying of our needs. Brent Peters Fire Chief Laurel Volunteer Fire Department 1 It has been said that the only constant in life is change. We see this in Laurel. As much as we may think Laurel is Montana's version of Mayberry,that has not been true for decades. Laurel is growing. That, coupled with the close proximity to Billings, has brought an influx of people with the associated problems of urban growth such as an increase in crime and need for emergency medical and fire services. For the past three years the Emergency Services Committee has been looking closely at the varying manmade and natural disasters Laurel is subject to. Please remember our geography. We have a refinery, major railroad yard, and I—90 in our city. What we have discovered concerns us greatly. While change might be a constant the city's emergency services have largely remained static for years. In 1999 an advising firm noted our police force was woefully undermanned. They recommended hiring six new officers as soon as possible. That still has not happened due to lack of funds. Right now there are many times when only one officer is on patrol. Mo Cones has better coverage than our police department. Recently a Laurel police officer was assaulted. He had no back up and,were it not for a passing sheriff,the incident may well have turned tragic. Our ambulance service is primarily manned by volunteers who are driving a vehicle with over 180,000 miles on it. Despite the best efforts of our dedicated volunteers there has been times when the city has had to request help from Billings. The Billings ambulance service may or may not help us out. In fact there have been times when Laurel has had to request help from Columbus or Joliet. The committee believes this increase wait time for an ambulance is unacceptable. The fire department is also manned by volunteers who are making due with dated equipment and vehicles that should have be scrapped long ago. The committee strongly believes action is needed to make beef up all three emergency departments. You may be asking why the need for the safety mill levy as you may have not had a problem with the police, ambulance, or fire departments. We can assure you the men and women who serve in those three departments are doing nothing short of a fantastic job but they are being stretched and, at some point in the future, it is probable an emergency service will be called for and that service may not be able to deal with the emergency or respond in a timely manner. For more details on why this committee is advocating for this safety mill levy increase,please refer to the pamphlet you received in your last water bill. We,the Emergency Services Committee, respectfully ask you to vote in favor of the upcoming safety mill levy. This tax increase will not be going to Helena or Washington DC. It will stay here to make the community we live in and love safer for our families, our neighbors, and ourselves. Thank you for your time and consideration. Very Sincerely, Safety Mill Levy We would encourage people to vote YES for the Laurel Safety Mill Levy that is on the ballot in November. As a committee made up of citizen's of the Laurel community, we have been looking at the needs and issues faced by the Fire, Police and Ambulance departments of Laurel for the past two years. We must say that they all do a tremendous job with the resources that are currently available to them. But there are many glaring problems currently. And issues in the future that have to be addressed. One of the biggest issues is safety. Only being able to financially have one police officer on duty, at times, leaves not only that officer in a potentially dangerous position with no immediate backup but also leaves our community in a vulnerable position. People have complained about police response times. But how do we expect them to respond to multiple calls with only one officer on duty. Is it good with any job to be alone and have multiple things happening and try to cover all of them at once? With the ambulance being staffed by volunteers, there are times when we have problems getting enough attendants for one ambulance and not able to staff a second ambulance when needed for an additional callout. These issues have a direct effect on response times for our citizen's medical issues. Equipment is also at issue. Police cars may look new but have many more miles then a normal car and are a maintenance headache. Fire and ambulance equipment that is outdated and in some cases dangerous for the operators. We just had to replace the fireman's breathing units because the old ones were so old we could not get replacement parts and they were failing. I would not want to see one of those fail while the fireman was in a fire. But we ended up having to borrow money for the $45,000 those units cost because we did not have room in our budget for that additional expense. In the future,after the next census, Laurel will be required by law to have a paid fire department. What that means, we are not entirely sure of at this time. Can we have a paid Department Head that over sees the Fire/Ambulance department? Or do we have to staff a paid 24/7 Fire Hall? And then add in any kind of expansion that we might have to address in any of these departments because of growth in the city of Laurel. As you can see there are many challenges ahead for Laurel and we need your support. Please vote YES for the Laurel Safety Mill Levy on this November's ballot. Sincerely, Emergency Services Committee Police Department Have you ever wondered how many police officers work for the City of Laurel Police Department. When I have the privilege to speak to students, from grade school age to college age, I ask them how many police officers work for the Laurel Police Department. One number that comes out most of the time is 50 officers, of course that number brings a smile to my face. The reality is we have 13 sworn police officers which include the Chief of Police, 1 Captain, 1 Detective, 1 Drug Detective, 2 School Resource Officers and 7 Patrol Officers. Due to working with a very tight budget, we will be reduced to 12 sworn officers the moment an officers leaves the department. The Laurel School District pays for 70% of each School Resource Officers wage and wage package. Without the funds from the School District we would not be able to retain the two School Resource Officers. Seven patrol officers are asked to cover the streets of Laurel 365 days per year. Every hour of each day must be filled by a patrol officer. There are days when I have to utilize the Detectives and School Resource Officers to cover open hours when Patrol Officers are out of work due to Vacation, Sick, Court or Training. When you call for a police officer to respond, you want one to respond right away. We are not always able to send an officer right away due to the fact that many days we may only have one (1) officer on per shift. We have to prioritize calls and send the officer to the most critical calls first. How about Officer Safety? We are asking our police officers to respond to dangerous calls without having a backup officer. We train our officers to not enter a building or room without another officer. Many times it is necessary for an officer to go against their training because they are the only officer on shift. The Public Safety Mill Levy will allow the City of Laurel to hire 6 additional Police Officers. Along with more officers on the street we will be able to purchase a new patrol vehicle annually. 1111111 11111111 11111111 I 11111111111111111111111111111111 LAUREL VOLUNTEER FIRE/ EMS ;► asp By-Laws(Ambulance) 2015-001 August 2015 Work on Staffing plan, Evaluate current members, Maintain communications of what is going on with the transition September 2015 Finalize Staffing plan, Introduce vehicle maintenance,trainings on Wednesday nights October 2015 New hire protocol, Introduction of the Maintenance plan, Outline of Training plan. New hire will include application, interview committee, interview questions, selection process, background and certification checks,and the in processing of a new employee.The policy will also include any and all requirements of staffing, conduct,training, local and state EMS protocols and a briefing of the Preceptor program. November 2015 Preceptor program, State protocols, Medical Director letter December 2015 Finalize Training plan.This includes a monthly training schedule, certification and recertification requirements, training requirements of EMT's, etc. January 2016 Job Descriptions. February 2016 Safety Plan final.This includes Driver safety,Work place safety, PPE, and other safety related policies. March 2016 Maintenance plan final.This includes a post call inspections, monthly maintenance schedule,and an annual service.This also includes inspection and certification of all EMS equipment to include cot inspection,AED inspections, etc. April 2016 Longevity plan. An outline of a 1, 3, 5, and 10 year plan. May 2016 June 2016 July 2016 August 2016 Implement the Ambulance leadership core to match the Fire Department EMS Assistant Chief EMS Deputy Chief 3 EMS Captain/ FSO's Training Captain with Assistants Maintenance Captain with Assistants Safety Officer Laurel Volunteer Ambulance by-Laws 2015 Article I Applicability A. The City of Laurel Ambulance By-Laws contained herein shall govern members of the City of Laurel Volunteer Fire/EMS Ambulance Service Article II Purpose A. To provide quality emergency medical services to the City of Laurel and the surrounding community. B. To serve according to the policies that have been adopted by the City of Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service and other such laws and regulations that may be required by the City of Laurel, Yellowstone County, and the State of Montana. C. To remain dedicated to the concept of community and public service. Article III Employment Opportunities A. Any qualified person may submit a written application to the Chief provided by the City of Laurel. B. Qualified applicants must meet the following criterion: 1. Must be at least 18 years of age 2. Must have a current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification 3. Must be licensed by the State of Montana as an Emergency Medical Technician-First Responder with an ambulance endorsement or higher. 4. Must have a valid Montana Operator's license with a satisfactory driving record to allow the City to obtain and provide insurance coverage. 5. Must have a current CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level. 6. Must pass a background check prior to accepting employment. 7. Must work a minimum of 20 hours a month. C. There must be a minimum of two qualified and trained crewmembers on every ambulance call. One will consist of an EMT-B or greater qualified to do patient care and one shall be a qualified driver. D. Appointments to the City of Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service shall be made by the Mayor upon recommendation of the Committee with final approval by the City Council E. Each new crew member shall complete a probationary period of 12 months following the date of appointment. During the probationary period (as provided by Appendix 1) a crew member may be discharged at any time, with or without cause or hearing. F. Crew members shall not receive compensation from the City of Laurel for their services except as provided by resolution of the City Council. This includes hourly stipends, call-out pay, and stipends for additional jobs required administratively. G. The Hiring Committee shall consist of the Chief,Assistant Chief, Training Officer, Captains, and Fire Chief. Article IV Crew Responsibilities A. Maintain equipment in good working condition. Crew members may be furnished with a radio and charger, some clothing, and other equipment deemed necessary by the Chief. All equipment assigned to a crew member must be turned in upon resignation in the same condition as issued. There shall be no reimbursement by the City for clothing/uniforms unless specifically provided for in the Annual Budget. 215 IV . I -. t Street , 1aurel \1T 5c) U44 I'agelot14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance BV-1,11\'‘, 2015 B. Maintain appropriate personal grooming, attire, and hygiene standards while on call. 1. All clothing shall be clean and in good repair 2. Long duty pants, shirts with the LVA logo, and sturdy, closed toe shoes with socks shall be worn on all calls. 3. Only jewelry items that do not interfere with patient care or Body Substance Isolation(BSI) may be worn. 4. Hair shall be fixed so as not to interfere with patient care or BSI. 5. Final approval of all of the above shall remain with the Chief. C. Members shall answer all calls when scheduled and notify the Chief of any schedule changes as soon as practical. If a crew member is unable to contact the Chief,he or she shall attempt to contact the remaining chain of command and attempt to make provisions for a replacement of the hours covered. D. Turn in a weekly schedule by Wednesday indicating the member's available hours for the following week. E. Maintain complete and accurate records of each ambulance call or activity responded to as provided by Addendum II. F. Perform administrative,housekeeping, or other duties as delegated by the Chief. G. Comply with all training requirements and actively participate in meetings',and training programs. H. Comply with Disciplinary and Internal Grievance Procedure 1. Crew members shall answer to the Chief for any suspected violation of Federal, State, or local laws, the City of Laurel's rules and/or policies and guidelines regarding employee conduct, behavior, or performance standards. During this time the crew member may be placed on suspension pending investigation. 2. The Chief shall investigate to the best of their abilities the suspected infraction and may interview the crew member during the investigation process. The Chief shall make a recommendation regarding appropriate disciplinary action to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). 3. The CAO shall review the Chief's recommendation and conduct further investigation if deemed necessary. The CAO shall meet with the crew member and provide the crew member with notice of the suspected infraction.Prior to any adverse disciplinary actions the crew member shall have the opportunity to respond to the infraction. 4. Upon conclusion of the CAO's review and investigation, the CAO shall have the authority to rescind,modify,or approve the Chief's recommendation. The CAO shall have the authority to provide for any disciplinary action other than termination. If the CAO determines that termination is appropriate, the CAO shall provide their recommendation to the Mayor. 5. The Mayor shall review all termination recommendations from the CAO and conduct further investigation if deemed necessary. The Mayor may rescind, modify, or approve the CAO recommendation and shall issue the written decision within 10 days of the submitted recommendation by the CAO. 6. Any appeals to the Mayor's decision shall be made in writing by the crew member and submitted to the Mayor within 10 days of the Mayor's decision. The Mayor has 30 days to rescind or modify the final decision after receiving the crewmembers written appeal. Article V Officers 21 --i 1V . Int Street , Laurel , AI I 9 () 44 I'age ' ,)f 14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance By-I axti,, 2015 A. The officers of the City of Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Service shall be the Chief,Assistant Chief, Captains, Training Officer,Assistant Training Officer, and Vehicle Maintenance Officer. B. Duties of officers are stated in Appendix 2. Article VI Training A. Scheduled meetings and trainings will be held as posted. B. All crew members are required to attend all meetings and training unless excused by the Chief. If training is missed the crew member is required to make up the training. The make-up training will be provided for by the Training Officer. C. If unable to attend due to work or vacation the crew member must notify the Training Officer prior to the scheduled training. Article VII Funds A. All expenditures are subject to all rules and regulations required by the City of Laurel. B. An annual budget shall be prepared and sent to the Mayor for approval and presentation to the City Council 21 3 1V . 1st StrreI , Laurel , A1 "If O () 44 Page ()I 14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Bv-Lass's 2015 Appendix 1 A. Probationary Period The probationary period will consist of 12 months total beginning from time of appointment by the City of Laurel and evaluators will consist of the Chief, and/or the Assistant Chief, and Training Officer unless otherwise stated. 1. 90 Day Evaluation a. Evaluated on time invested, consistency, and attendance b. Performance c. Appearance d. Training e. Attitude (to include with crew members, patients, the public, and other medical professionals. f. Patient care g. Competency/skills 2. 6 Month Evaluation a. Review of all above categories for improvement or deficiencies 3. 12 Month Evaluation a. Review of prior evaluations and final determination of permanent membership 215 GV . 1st Street , Laurel , Ali 3 ) O44 1),tge4u1 I4 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance By-l_aw,, 20n 5 Appendix 2 Duties of Emergency Care Providers Accountable To: EMS Chief Primary Objective of Position: Performs emergency medical services under general direction where work situations vary and require individual judgment within well-established standards and procedures, and State of Montana protocols. Essential Job Functions: Must be able to perform mental and physical duties customarily associated with emergency medical pre-hospital care at the licensed level. Requires substantial contact with the public, employees, volunteers, and other agencies where confidentiality must be maintained. Physical requirements include sitting, walking, bending, stooping, talking,hearing, viewing, and lifting up to 751bs or greater with assistance. On occasion extrication ability may involve strenuous physical effort. Work is performed in all types of weather conditions and exposure to hazards and 1 communicable diseases is likely. Major areas of Accountability and Performance: Performs emergency medical services in pre- hospital settings in accordance with the level of license possessed and skills will include: patient assessment, C-Spine stabilization, extrication, administration of oxygen, airway management, fracture stabilization, wound treatment,safe transportation of patients, communication between the patient/hospital/others in attendance,and incident documentation. Individuals will initiate and complete accurate trip and patient care reports in a timely manner. Duties will include the upkeep and general maintenance of assigned vehicles and assuring the vehicle is properly stocked with 131.,S/ALS,supplies after each call and assist in inventory maintenance. Assigned equipment will be maintained and returned in the condition given. Individuals will treat an patients, personnel, and the general public with courtesy and respect while maintaining a professional work environment and performing other duties as assigned by the EMS Chief. Education, Training, and Experience Required: Combination of a high school diploma or equivalent, preferably one year of prior EMS experience. Must possess a current CPR/AED certification, a current National Registry and Montana registration required at the proper level, along with a clean driving record and a valid operator's license. 2I5 1V' . Int Street , I. aurel , y1150044 rd e ; UI14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance By-Laws 201:7 215 XV . I I Street , Laurel , A1 .1- 59) O44 Pa,tr6ot 14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance GvLaw 2015 Appendix 4 Code of Conduct All crewmembers must review the Code of Conduct and sign as an indication of acceptance to adhere to the rules set forth by the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance A. Dress a. Crew members shall wear the assigned uniform designated by the Chief while responding to calls b. Uniforms must be clean and well maintained. If a uniform is damaged or deemed unwearable it must be turned into the Chief for replacement. c. Uniforms shall remain unaltered unless in need of alterations d. All uniforms and equipment are to be checked in and out by the Chief B. Hygiene a. Crew members are expected to maintain a clean,well groomed appearance b. Avoid the wearing of strong perfumes and colognes or smelling of cigarette smoke, alcohol, or other noxious odors c. Crew members are expected to examine their self for detriment after a call and use available methods to maintain cleanliness, such as regular hand washing, checking for bodily fluids and other contaminants at the scene. C. Language a. Foul language will not be permitted during calls and kept to a minimum at the station and training areas. b. Respectful language will be used when addressing other crew members, fire personnel, patients, the public,and other medical personnel. D. Drinking/Drug Use a. Drinking while on duty and 12 hours prior to the start of a shift is absolutely prohibited. b. Frequenting bars and drinking establishments while on call or wearing Laurel Volunteer Ambulance uniforms is prohibited unless there for the purpose of consuming a meal c. If it is deemed that a crew member is intoxicated or gives the appearance of intoxication disciplinary action will be taken. d. Illegal drugs are not permitted on city grounds or training areas. Use of illegal drugs is prohibited at all times. E. Smoking a. Smoking is absolutely prohibited while on a call or at a scene. 2 I a t1' . I tit St ret , 1. a a rel , yI "] 5 ') (I44 I'a;; ' of 14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance By-Laws 2015 b. Smoking is prohibited in front of the station and must be done on the north side of the building c. Detriment such as cigarette butts, wrappers, etc. will be disposed of properly in waste containers. F. Station Hygiene a. It is the responsibility of all crew members to keep the quarters, rigs, and all common areas clean to ensure a pleasant and safe working environment. b. Consuming of meals at the computer stations or desks is prohibited c. Crew members must label or date food and keep the refrigerator clean for common use G. Scene Conduct a. No smoking on scene b. Do not use the patient's bathroom c. Do not accept food or drink from the patient d. No foul language e. No horse play or inappropriate conduct f. No joking g. Respect law enforcement and other EMS agencies h. No disagreements between EMS personnel in front of a patient or in public places such as Emergency Rooms or an active scene 21 ') 1V . Iii Sireci , 1_ aUrrI Ni "15 9 (144 Page ) ()i14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Bv-Lavv2015 Appendix 5 Interviewing Potential Members We would like to thank you for applying to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance. Introduction of interviewing members As the position indicates, the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance (LVA) consists of volunteers. The members receive a stipend for on call hours and for each call responded to. As of now there are no set work hours other than training, meetings, and maintenance. The LVA is a 30 member department. The Department structure supports the operation and follows the State of Montana Protocols as set forth by the Montana Board of Medical Examiners. The structure of the LVA is as follows: • Assistant Chief of EMS • Deputy Chief of EMS • Three EMS Captains • Training Captain and Assistant Training Captain • Maintenance Captains and Assistant Maintenance Captain • 21 EMT's (full strength) The LVA serves the City of Laurel and the surrounding community. Founded on June 1, 1976, the Service covers 176 square miles and responds to 800-1000 calls a year. The community is home to several hazards in the area such as refineries, chemical storage facilities, one of the largest rail yards in the Northwest, the Yellowstone River,Interstate 90 and Highway 212. The variety of hazards provide for any number of situations to arise. The LVA proudly serves the community of Laurel and answers to the Chief Officers, the Mayor, and the Laurel City Council. We are an integral part of the 4th of July celebration, Christmas, and other activities such as stand by at the High School football games, the Big Sky State Games, and other local events in need of EMS support. The 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month are training nights. The 2nd Wednesday is the general meeting and when we conduct maintenance, cleaning of equipment, vehicles, and the Station. The 4th Wednesday is training night where we have a variety of training activities, such as guest lecturers, continuing education, and joint training with the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. The LVA asks that you submit and commit to hours you are able to serve a week prior and keep those hours as much as possible. Crew members are welcome to stay at the Station while on call or remain within the Laurel city limits. Crew members will be provided a radio for on call hours. Our goal is to provide the Community of Laurel with 24/7 EMS coverage. 21 ' 1V . I t Street , I durcI , til ] 9U44 I'ig ) ()IIt Laurel Volunteer Ambulance E3v-Laws 2015 Question that may be asked by the Interviewing Committee: 1. Tell us about yourself 2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 3. Why do you want to be an EMT/Paramedic? 4. Why do you want to serve with LVA? 5. What is the most appealing aspect of being an EMT/Paramedic? 6. What is the least appealing aspect of being an EMT/Paramedic? 7. What do you consider your strongest trait? Your weakest? 8. Why would you make a good addition to the LVA? 9. Give a good example in which you had to work as part of a team in order to achieve a common goal. 10. How do you and your family feel about you being called out to an.incident? 11. How would you handle the stresses associated with being an EMT/Paramedic? 12. What personality traits do you possess that make you feel you would be a good EMT/Paramedic? 13. If hired, what level of dedication would you give to our department? 14. What do you know about the City of Laurel? 15. What do you know about the organization of the LVA? 16. Define honesty and integrity and why they are important in an ambulance service? 17. Define pride and loyalty and why they are important in an ambulance service? 18. Have you discussed the time commitment with your family and do they understand the commitment it requires? 19. As part of the hiring process you will be subjected to an extensive background investigation that may include employment history, criminal history, and reference checks. This will also include fingerprinting by the Laurel Police Department and confirming your credentials with the State of Montana Board of Medical Examiners. Is there anything in your past that you j would like to discuss with this panel? 20. You are assigned a task that you strongly feel is unsafe. What would you do? Do you have any questions or anything you would like to add? i 21 ') 1V . Int Strcct , 1. aurcl , A1T F' L) 044 Pagel ) ()114 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance By-Laws 2015 Appendix 6 Employee Folder/Records 1. Application 2. Copies of: • a. Driver's license b. NREMT Registration c. State License d. Healthcare Provider CPR Certification 3. Background check release 4. HIPAA/Confidentiality Agreement 5. Acknowledgement of Job Description 6. LVA Personnel Checklist 7. Training Checklist 8. Code of Conduct 9. Probationary Period Evaluations 213 W . 1st Street , Laurel , AIT 5 ') 044 I'age ll of 14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Bv-Laws 2015 Appendix 7 HIPAA and Patient Confidentiality Agreement 7' 15 1V . 1st Street , NIT 59044 Rig'' 12ol14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance By-Laws 2015 Appendix 8 Skills Checklist 21 ? 1V . 1nt SIitet , I. Ur el , V1 "1 S9II44 1 gt' 1ot 14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance By-Lav 20] 5 Appendix 9 Medical Director Requirements/Duties The Montana board of Medical Examiners requires medical direction at every level of EMT beyond the Basic EMT (including endorsements). The Board defines the Medical director and has established requirements for the Medical Director. As stated in Montana Code Annotated 2014 24.156.2732 Medical Direction (1) Within 60 days of taking on the responsibilities as an ECP medical director, a physician or physician assistant shall: (a) Notify the board they are providing medical direction to ECP's on a form provided by the board; and (b) Provide proof of completion of a board-specified medical director training program or a board- approved exemption form the training on a form provided by the board. (2) A physician or physician assistant who functions as a medical director and fails to comply with the requirements of(1) may not function as a director. (3) The medical director shall be responsible for the overall medical care provided by the ECPs for whom the director agrees to provide medical oversight. (4) The medical director must assure and have access to records of all ECPs for whom the director provides medical oversight. These records must include, but are not limited to: (a) The name, address, and current Montana licensure of the ECP, including any endorsements; (b) Date when medical oversight began and at what level the ECP is authorized to function; and (c) Any changes tolimit or approve the ECP's ability to function at the ECP's current licensure level. (5) The medical director must develop a process to assure continued appropriate patient care. This process may include regular review of patient care reports (PCR), direct observation of care, skill demonstrations, and ongoing involvement in ECP education. Documentation of these activities must be maintained. (6) A medical director may assign duties where appropriate, but retains the responsibility for all assigned duties. (7) The medical director will approve and review the offering of online medical control. (a) Online medical control must be provided by any unrestricted Montana licensed physician or physician assistant who has been contracted for this purpose. (8) The medical director may cease medical oversight by providing written notice to the ECP and the board. (9) The board or their designee may conduct onsite visits with medical directors for technical assistance and/or to assure compliance. 21 a 1v . 1 , t St met , 1au rel , A'1T 5O1/ 44 Pow loot 14 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance By-Laws 2015 2I 5 GV . 1it Street , I. a rel , NI 'I- 39044 Rig ' 13oi 14 • Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Code of Conduct 2015 Code of Conduct All crewmembers must review the Code of Conduct and sign as an indication of acceptance to adhere to the rules set forth by the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance A. Dress a. Crew members shall wear the assigned uniform designated by the Chief while responding to calls b. Uniforms must be clean and well maintained. If a uniform is damaged or deemed unwearable it must be turned into the Chief for replacement. c. Uniforms shall remain unaltered unless in need of alterations d. All uniforms and equipment are to be checked in and out by the Chief B. Hygiene a. Crew members are expected to maintain a clean, welt groomed appearance b. Avoid the wearing of strong perfumes and colognes or smelling of cigarette smoke, alcohol, or other noxious odors c. Crew members are expected to examine their self for detriment after a call and use available methods to maintain cleanliness, such as regular hand washing, checking for bodily fluids and other contaminants at the scene. C. Language a. Foul language will not be permitted during calls and kept to a minimum at the station and training areas. b. Respectful language will be used when addressing other crew members, fire personnel, patients,the public, and other medical personnel. D. Drinking/Drug Use a. Drinking while on duty and 12 hours prior to the start of a shift is absolutely prohibited. b. Frequenting bars and drinking establishments while on call or wearing Laurel Volunteer Ambulance uniforms is prohibited unless there for the purpose of consuming a meal c. If it is deemed that a crew member is intoxicated or gives the appearance of intoxication disciplinary action will be taken. d. Illegal drugs are not permitted on city grounds or training areas. Use of illegal drugs is prohibited at all times. E. Smoking a. Smoking is absolutely prohibited while on a call or at a scene. b. Smoking is prohibited in front of the station and must be done on the north side of the building c. Detriment such as cigarette butts, wrappers, etc. will be disposed of properly in waste containers. 215 West First Street , Laurel , Montana 59044 Pagel Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Code of Conduct 2015 F. Station Hygiene a. It is the responsibility of all crew members to keep the quarters, rigs, and all common areas clean to ensure a pleasant and safe working environment. b. Consuming of meals at the computer stations or desks is prohibited c. Crew members must label or date food and keep the refrigerator clean for common use G. Scene Conduct a. No smoking on scene b. Do not use the patient's bathroom c. Do not accept food or drink from the patient d. No foul language e. No horse play or inappropriate conduct f. No joking g. Respect law enforcement and other EMS agencies h. No disagreements between EMS personnel in front of a patient or in public places such as Emergency Rooms or an active scene I acknowledge and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct for the Laurel Ambulance Service. Printed Name Date Signature 215 West First Street , Laurel , Montana 59044 Page2 Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Emergency Care Provider Duties 2015 Duties of Emergency Care Providers Accountable To: EMS Chief Primary Objective of Position: Performs emergency medical services under general direction where work situations vary and require individual judgment within well-established standards and procedures, and State of Montana protocols. Essential Job Functions: Must be able to perform mental and physical duties customarily associated with emergency medical pre-hospital care at the licensed level. Requires substantial contact with the public, employees, volunteers, and other agencies where confidentiality must be maintained. Physical requirements include sitting, walking,bending, stooping,talking, hearing, viewing, and lifting up to 75lbs or greater with assistance. On occasion extrication ability may involve strenuous physical effort. Work is performed in ail types of weather conditions and exposure to hazards and communicable diseases is likely. Major areas of Accountability and Performance: Performs emergency medical services in pre- hospital settings in accordance with the level of license possessed and skills will include: patient assessment, C-Spine stabilization, extrication, administration of oxygen, airway management, fracture stabilization, wound treatment, safe transportation of patients, communication between the patient/hospital/others in attendance,and incident documentation. Individuals will initiate and complete accurate trip and patient care reports in a timely manner. Duties will include the upkeep and general maintenance of assigned vehicles and assuring the vehicle is properly stocked with BLS/ALS supplies after each call and assist in inventory maintenance. Assigned equipment will be maintained and returned in the condition given. Individuals will treat all patients, personnel,and the general public with courtesy and respect while maintaining a professional work environment and performing other duties as assigned by the EMS Chief. Education,Training, and Experience Required: Combination of a high school diploma or equivalent, preferably one year of prior EMS experience. Must possess a current CPR/AED certification, a current National Registry and Montana registration required at the proper level, along with a clean driving record and a valid operator's license. Employee's Initials: Date: EMS Chiefs Initials: 215 West 1st Street , Laurel , Montana 59044 Pagel Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Candidate Interview 2015 Interviewing Potential Members We would like to thank you for applying to the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance. Introduction of interviewing members As the position indicates, the Laurel Volunteer Ambulance (LVA) consists of volunteers. The members receive a stipend for on call hours and for each call responded to. As of now there are no set work hours other than training, meetings, and maintenance. The LVA is a 30 member department. The Department structure supports the operation and follows the State of Montana Protocols as set forth by the Montana Board of Medical Examiners. The structure of the LVA is as follows: • Assistant Chief of EMS • Deputy Chief of EMS • Three EMS Captains • Training Captain and Assistant Training Captain • Maintenance Captains and Assistant Maintenance Captain • 21 EMT's (full strength) The LVA serves the City of Laurel and the surrounding community. Founded on June 1, 1976, the Service covers 176 square miles and responds to 800-1000 calls a year. The community is home to several hazards in the area such as refineries,chemical storage facilities, one of the largest rail yards in the Northwest,the Yellowstone River, Interstate 90 and Highway 212. The variety of hazards provide for any number of situations to arise. The LVA proudly serves the community of Laurel and answers to the Chief Officers, the Mayor, and the Laurel City Council. We are an integral part of the 4th of July celebration, Christmas, and other activities such as stand by at the High School football games, the Big Sky State Games, and other local events in need of EMS support. The 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month are training nights. The 2nd Wednesday is the general meeting and when we conduct maintenance, cleaning of equipment, vehicles, and the Station. The 4th Wednesday is training night where we have a variety of training activities, such as guest lecturers, continuing education,and joint training with the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. The LVA asks that you submit and commit to hours you are able to serve a week prior and keep those hours as much as possible. Crew members are welcome to stay at the Station while on call or remain within the Laurel city limits. Crew members will be provided a radio for on call hours. Our goal is to provide the Community of Laurel with 24/7 EMS coverage. 215 West First Street , Laurel , Montana 59044 Page Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Candidate Interview 2015 Questions that may be asked by the Interviewing Committee: 1. Tell us about yourself 2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 3. Why do you want to be an EMT/Paramedic? 4. Why do you want to serve with LVA? 5. What is the most appealing aspect of being an EMT/Paramedic? 6. What is the least appealing aspect of being an EMT/Paramedic? 7. What do you consider your strongest trait? Your weakest? 8. Why would you make a good addition to the LVA? 9. Give a good example in which you had to work as part of a team in order to achieve a common goal. 10. How do you and your family feel about you being called out to an incident? 11. How would you handle the stresses associated with being an EMT/Paramedic? 12. What personality traits do you possess that make you feel you would be a good EMT/Paramedic? 13. If hired, what level of dedication would you give to our department? 14. What do you know about the City of Laurel? 215 West First Street , Laurel , Montana 59044 Page Laurel Volunteer Ambulance Candidate Interview 2015 15. What do you know about the organization of the LVA? 16. Define honesty and integrity and why they are important in an ambulance service? 17. Define pride and loyalty and why they are important in an ambulance service? 18. Have you discussed the time commitment with your family and do they understand the commitment it requires? 19. As part of the hiring process you will be subjected to an extensive background investigation that may include employment history, criminal history, and reference checks. This will also include fingerprinting by the Laurel Police Department and confirming your credentials with the State of Montana Board of Medical Examiners. Is there anything in your past that you would like to discuss with this panel? 20. You are assigned a task that you strongly feel is unsafe. What would you do? Do you have any questions or anything you would like to add? 215 West First Street , Laurel , Montana 59044 Page