Ambulance Advisory Committee

AMBULANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES November 17, 2011 9:00 AM Meeting called to order at 9:10 a.m. by Kerran Vigroux AAC Members Present: Kerran Vigroux, Director of Public Health & Community Services Justin Kates, Emergency Management Director Michael Ledoux, Nashua Police Department Richard Conway, Nashua Fire Department AMR Representatives: Christopher Stawasz, AMR Operations Manager Roland Vaillancourt, AMR Operations Manager Public Present: Fran Dupuis, St. Joseph’s Hospital Scott Cote, Southern NH Medical Center The Committee Members were given AAC binders, which contained a member list, the November meeting agenda and calendar of meetings for 2012-2013.  It was requested that in order to accommodate the two hospitals in the City, the calendar be changed to reflect the same months as had been scheduled in past years.  Richard Conway made a motion to accept this change, which was seconded by Michael Ledoux.  Because of this change, a December meeting will be held on December 15, 2011.  Jason Preston and Scott Hurst of AMR gave a presentation of equipment currently used in the AMR ambulances, as well as answered questions about this new equipment: i. Stryker Power Cot ii. Lifepack 15 iii. LUCUS2 (automated CPR device) iv. Mention was also made of their stair chair with tracks Kerran Vigroux called on Chris Stawasz to present the October 2011 report.  October was one of the most demanding months in Nashua due to storm damage in the City.  Problems in transporting patients due to conditions created by the storm.  Inability to get to certain locations within the 8 minute timeframe during the unusual weather of October 30-31, due to downed trees, tree limbs, wires, etc.  Other delays involved incorrect addresses and delays at hospitals  Note: Committee requested more specifics regarding delays to be included in monthly reports.  Kerran: Does the committee want to see “Nature of Patient’s Problems” listed that are less than 5 occurrences?  Yes  Other assistances:  Fire stand-bys  EOC coverage for two days during the storm  Shelter coverage for duration of shelter operations  Mutual aid – only three times during October: Hudson and Litchfield  “Mutual Out” documentation concern was raised  Chris assured members that AMR stays in Nashua and won’t go out if only one truck is available.  Duration and time will be added to future reports  Payer Class  It was agreed that under “Payer Class”, any group with less than 10 occurrences will go into one category: “Other”.  Personnel Changes  Kerran will give an electronic copy of personnel changes to the Fire Chief  Two incidents of Cardiac Arrest Saves  Care given by first responders saved these lives  Cardiac Arrest pins will be awarded along with a ceremony acknowledging these first responders  Kerran requested that they be allowed to attend this ceremony, and Chris said they would be invited.  Kerran: Equipment – Change in Process  Per Chris, hospitals will no longer replace meds and disposable equipment, ie, cervical collars and oxygen masks used in the transporting of patients. i. AMR was not expecting this change but we did manage. 1. A process is now in place and AMR has moved forward  Chris stated that the transfer from Rockingham to AMR went well and without a hitch  Mike mentioned that the recent homicide in Nashua created a very serious situation and that everything went well with AMR.  Justin stated that he had received numerous calls stating that AMR was a great asset at the shelter during the recent storm and their support was appreciated  Kerran referenced their help at the EOC, as well as the transfer of people from Aynsley Place when they were brought to Courville, as well as back home once the generator was back on line. AAC Meeting Closed and Open to the Public  Scott Cote: Thanked the members for approving the schedule change  Scott Cote spoke with the Mayor about the Committee structure and the possibility of the two hospitals becoming a part of the Committee.  Kerran’s understanding was not about changing the structure, but having a more public type of meeting twice a year and meet at the City Hall Auditorium so that the Community could attend.  She will ask the Mayor about this  The Committee structure is determined by the Contract and the Committee only oversees the Contract.  Scott requested that the AMR October report be emailed to the hospitals, which will be done today by Barbara  He also referenced the smooth transition by AMR.  Scott mentioned patients with functional needs during the storm and the demands this placed on the hospitals.  It was better, but there is still work to do  Justin mentioned that there will be a debriefing of the events that took place during the storm, and the processes will be looked at.  Scott spoke of the major gas leak in the City and that it could have been a major catastrophic event. He thanked everyone for a “good job”. End of Public Session Richard Conway moved to adjourn the meeting Mike Ledoux seconded the motion. All in favor: Aye Opposed: None The next AAC Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., at the City of Nashua Public Health and Community Services building, located at 18 Mulberry Street, Nashua. Meeting ended at 10:15 a.m. and was followed by a tour of the AMR facility. Respectfully Submitted, Barbara Scacco Administrative Assistant II City of Nashua