Ambulance Service Oversight Committee - August 11, 2017 Minutes
Present: Health Officer John Baird, Essentia Health Vicky Black, Fire Chief Steve Dirksen, Sanford Health Jeff Hoss, FM Ambulance Medical Director - Sanford ER Heidi Lako-Adamson, Veterans Administration Julianna Lindgren, Mayor Timothy J. Mahoney, Director of Fargo Cass Public Health Ruth Roman, and F-M Ambulance Sherm Syverson
Absent: Chief of Police David Todd
Other: F-M Ambulance Rick Cameron, F-M Ambulance Chad Mickelson, Sanford Health Eleanor Oftedahl, and F-M Ambulance Sherm Syverson
Ruth Roman called the meeting to order with an introduction of new members from Essentia and Sanford.
Announcements: Steve Dirksen said the November meeting is not cancelled.
Approval of May 12, 2017 minutes: Steve Dirksen made motion to approve the May 12, 2017 minutes. Heidi Lako-Adamson seconded and motion carried.
Data Review, Response Time, and Transport Destination: Rick Cameron, behavior health suicide rating scale is now being tracked so we can get more referral services. Numbers have stayed the same. Sherm Syverson said July was the busiest for overall volume but was expected with the opening of the new hospital. Discussed scheduled transfers, adding two new crews and trucks in January, planning for road construction season, and explained how trend numbers are tracked for whether adding a crew is needed. Talked about the Sanford hospital move with all hands on deck. From Sanford’s standpoint, it was as close to a flawless move as possible and Sanford is very thankful for this community. Used the same model as the 2009 hospital evacuation.
Other Updates: Opiates: Mayor Mahoney had a question about the opiate issue. F-M Ambulance role has been an unfortunate one usually in the worst-case scenario. Talked about police officers carrying Narcan and Fargo Police will not carry because they cannot keep at the right temperature with our weather extremes. The Fargo Fire and Cass County Coroner staff all carry Narcan because the risk of fentanyl contamination at the scene of an overdose. Has helped to have the methadone clinic in the community. Deaths are continuing in the community. Mayor Mahoney asked about grants and Ruth Roman told about a couple awards. Fargo Cass Public Health was awarded $187,000 to do additional Narcan training. Another piece is the treatment side for vouchers for the methadone clinic. Department of Justice is working on survey for referrals and treatment from the Emergency Rooms. Department of Human Services is working with the jails and looking at a variety of things that we can do.
Terms: Ruth Roman had updated the Terms for this committee.
American Heart Association: F-M Ambulance received a STEMI award for excellent cardiac care in our community and meeting the benchmarks. This is saving lives and improving quality of life in our community. Congratulations from the Committee and thanks to the hospitals for working with them and the paramedics for do all the work.
Next Meeting Date: November 3, 2017